He specifically addressed the new executive order in his protest, saying, "No president can make a law, period! No Congress can make a law infringing on First Amendment rights. I'm burning this flag as a protest to that illegal, fascist president that sits in that house."
The incident drew immediate connections to his previous high-profile act of protest. In March, during a town hall in Asheville, Carey went viral after a passionate, expletive-laden exchange with Rep. Edwards, where he criticized the congressman’s voting record and stance on veterans' issues. The video of the event was widely circulated on social media, making him a recognizable figure in both local and national political circles.
Carey stressed that his actions were for all Americans. "I'm doing it for every single one of you American citizens," he said. "We burn this flag in protest to that president who thinks he can do whatever he wants, make whatever law he wants, regardless if it's legal or illegal."
This is not the first time Carey has been active in WNC politics. In 2022, he ran as a Democrat for North Carolina’s 11th Congressional District, which Rep. Edwards currently represents. He has been a vocal advocate for veterans' rights, healthcare access, and other issues affecting the community.
The two events—his exchange at the Asheville town hall and his act of protest at the White House—highlight a consistent theme in Jay Carey's actions.
WNCTimes