Rep. Andy Ogles (R-Tenn.) faced criticism and laughter from Belmont University students during a heated town hall meeting on Monday. Students challenged him on multiple statements, leading to tense exchanges.
Student Reactions
Nelson Hester, a student, told the Nashville Scene, “It’s delightfully ironic that he’s here. He just strikes me as a charlatan and a grifter, and I’ve been sorely underwhelmed and unhappy with him.” Ogles, who faced backlash in March for saying “Muslims don’t belong in American society,” appeared at the event organized by the College Republicans.
Security and Assassination Claims
Ogles began by recalling the White House Correspondents’ Dinner shooting, claiming security was “more relaxed than historically.” He then stated there were “no assassination attempts” on Presidents Joe Biden or Barack Obama, but multiple on Donald Trump. When a student mentioned an attempt on Obama, Ogles replied, “Not a real one,” drawing laughter.
Military Dominance Disputed
Another student challenged Ogles’ claim that the U.S. military is the “dominant predator across all landscapes,” saying, “We haven’t won a war since World War II,” prompting more laughter. Ogles retorted, “You’re safe tonight,” and told the student to show respect or leave.
AI and Gaza Conflict
Tensions rose when a student brought up Palantir’s AI partnership with the Israeli military, alleging it was used to kill children. Ogles demanded a source, and when the student tried to respond, Ogles interrupted. The student then asked why Ogles didn’t cite his own sources, calling the dialogue not in good faith.
Ogles later posted a video of student protesters with the caption: “This is what violent Leftist rhetoric has inspired on American college campuses.”
