With just days to go, President Donald Trump has thrown his weight behind a key Tennessee congressional race, stirring up a storm of attention.
Two days before the special election for Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District, Trump took to Truth Social to rally support for Republican candidate Matt Van Epps while sharply criticizing his Democratic opponent, state Rep. Aftyn Behn, Fox News reported.
Trump’s endorsement of Van Epps isn’t new—he formally backed the candidate earlier this year, a move Van Epps described as “an incredible honor.”
On Sunday, Trump posted a passionate call to action on Truth Social, urging Tennesseans to turn out for Van Epps in the special election.
He didn’t hold back on the urgency, stating, “all America First Patriots in Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District, who haven’t voted yet, to please GET OUT AND VOTE.” Let’s be honest, when Trump sounds the alarm like this, it’s a reminder that every vote counts in a race that could shape the district’s future.
Trump also emphasized his full confidence in Van Epps, giving him his “Complete and Total Endorsement” and promising the candidate “WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!” That’s a hefty promise, but for many conservative voters, Trump’s word carries serious weight.
Turning his focus to Behn, Trump unleashed a barrage of critiques, alleging she opposes core values important to many Tennesseans.
He claimed Behn “hates Christianity, will take away your guns, wants Open Borders, Transgender for everybody, men in women’s sports, and openly disdains Country music.” While these are strong accusations, they play into broader conservative concerns about progressive policies that seem out of step with Tennessee’s cultural heartbeat.
Trump insisted these views are well-documented, adding, “She said all of these things precisely, and without question — IT’S ON TAPE!” If true, such statements could alienate a significant chunk of voters in a deeply red district.
Van Epps, a lieutenant colonel in the Tennessee Army National Guard and former Army helicopter pilot, brings a background of service to the table. For many, his military record signals discipline and dedication—qualities conservatives often prioritize in leaders.
Trump painted Van Epps as a top-tier candidate under siege, warning that “The Radical Left Democrats are spending a fortune to beat” him. It’s a classic narrative of the underdog patriot fighting against a well-funded progressive agenda.
Trump’s plea to not “take this Race for granted” underscores the stakes, suggesting even a strong candidate like Van Epps needs every supporter to show up. Complacency, after all, is the silent killer of many a campaign.
Meanwhile, Behn has found herself under the national spotlight for past statements that have raised eyebrows among conservatives. Her previous calls to cut funding for the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department have resurfaced, drawing questions about her stance on law enforcement.
Last week, on MS NOW’s “The Weekend,” host Catherine Rampell pressed Behn to explain her critical comments from 2020 about police. Behn sidestepped a direct defense, instead focusing on local solutions over federal or state overreach, which might not satisfy voters craving clarity on public safety.
Behn’s admitted aversion to country music and Nashville’s drinking culture also risks painting her as disconnected from the district’s identity. In a state where honky-tonks and heartfelt ballads are practically sacred, such views could be a tough sell. While her policy positions deserve fair debate, cultural missteps might just be the bigger hurdle in winning over Tennessee hearts.
