Full Breakdown
Mike Flood’s Norfolk Town Hall Confronts Trump-Era Policies
5/28/2026, 5:06:11 AM
Event Overview
On Tuesday, May 27, 2026, Rep. Mike Flood (R-Neb.) held a town hall at Norfolk High School’s Johnny Carson Theatre. About 200 constituents attended, alongside a small group of protesters in crimson cloaks. Flood answered questions on the DOJ’s anti-weaponization fund, the war with Iran, medical-marijuana implementation, the release of Jeffrey Epstein files, and rising living-cost concerns.
Background & Context
The town hall took place during President Donald Trump’s second term, as the DOJ prepared a $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund for alleged political victims, and the U.S. war with Iran pushed gasoline prices up 50 %.
Data & Statistics
Key numbers: $1.8 billion fund (reported also as $1.7 billion), $4.46-per-gallon gas, 3.5 million Epstein files released, 2.5 million sealed.
Official Statements & Responses
Flood said he never approved the anti-weaponization fund and “does not think one penny of any fund should ever go to any January 6 insurrectionist.” He added that any evidence of Trump’s wrongdoing in the Epstein files would have been disclosed. On Iran, he noted “prices are too high” and affirmed he does not want Iran to acquire a nuclear weapon. While opposing medical marijuana, he pledged to respect the voters who passed the state law and urged a prescription-based system.
Criticism & Opposition
Protesters jeered Flood, accusing him of making everything unaffordable while “lining your pockets.” Kim Stabbe demanded answers on the Epstein files, claiming the administration “protects pedophiles.” Attendees shouted “Liar!” and “How can your morals let you fall into life with Trump?” when Flood defended the White House ballroom project.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The fund’s size is reported as $1.7 billion, $1.776 billion, or $1.8 billion. Epstein file counts vary between 2.5 million and “about 2.5 million.” Gas price data range from a 50 % rise to $4.46 per gallon.
Why It Matters
The town hall highlights GOP tensions over Trump-linked policies and voter concerns ahead of 2026 midterms.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I have never approved that. I do not think one penny of any fund should ever go to any January 6 insurrectionist that was in the Capitol,” — Rep. Mike Flood, U.S. Representative
- “I want to be very clear: I do not think we should be creating a fund for people that commit physical violence against law enforcement.” — Rep. Mike Flood, U.S. Representative
- “If President Trump was in the Epstein files, it would have been released,” — Rep. Mike Flood, U.S. Representative
- “I also don’t want Iran with a nuclear weapon.” — Rep. Mike Flood, U.S. Representative
- “Why do you continue to protect the pedophiles and Trump’s DOJ as they continue to break the law?” — Kim Stabbe, Norfolk resident
What’s Next
Flood announced two more town halls in the district’s metro area before the November 2026 elections. Congressional committees plan oversight hearings on the anti-weaponization fund, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s diplomatic talks aim to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
