Trump didn’t hold back.
Former President Donald Trump issued a powerful endorsement on Sunday for America First candidate Matt Van Epps, warning voters in Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District that Democrats are trying to flip a reliable Republican seat — and he says the stakes for conservative voters could not be higher.
The special election, triggered by the departure of Rep. Mark Green (R), has become one of the most closely watched races in the nation. With Democrats pouring money into the district, Trump is urging Tennessee voters to stand strong and turn out in massive numbers.
Trump Warns Voters About “Christian-Hating” Democrat Challenger
In a direct message on Truth Social, Trump called on every conservative, every Christian, and every America First supporter to vote on Tuesday, December 2nd: “I am asking all America First Patriots to GET OUT AND VOTE for Matt Van Epps. He is running against a woman who hates Christianity, wants open borders, will take away your guns, pushes the transgender agenda, supports men in women’s sports, and openly disrespects country music.”
Trump’s warning targeted Democrat Aftyn Behn, a far-left state representative from Nashville whose political record and public statements have raised serious concerns among conservative voters. Trump made it clear: Behn represents the same radical ideology that voters rejected in 2024.
Behn’s Anti-Country Music Rant Resurfaces at the Worst Time
The controversy centers around Behn’s own comments from a 2020 podcast, where she dismissed the things Tennesseans love about their culture and their city.
She complained that she “can’t stand the city, the bachelorette crowds, the pedal taverns, or even country music.”
For many Tennessee voters — especially older residents — country music is part of their heritage, values, and traditions. Behn’s remarks hit a nerve, and her attempt to walk them back this week hasn’t helped.
Behn Backpedals, But the Damage Is Done
Behn recently tried to soften her comments in an interview with MSNBC’s Al Sharpton, claiming she was simply “annoyed with tourists.” But critics say her explanation is a political stunt now that the old audio is turning voters against her.
Trump seized on the moment, reminding voters: “She said all of these things exactly — IT’S ON TAPE!”
Democrats Flood the Race With Money
The race has attracted millions in outside spending, turning what should have been an easy Republican hold into a national battleground.
- Republican PACs: ~$2 million invested for Van Epps
- Democrat super PACs: ~$1 million spent to boost Behn through TV and digital ads
For many conservative voters, the sudden influx of Democrat money is viewed as a serious warning sign: national Democrats believe this is their chance to flip a Trump-supporting district, and they’re throwing everything they have at it.
Trump: “Do Not Take This Race for Granted”
Trump ended his endorsement with a direct call to action: “GET OUT AND VOTE FOR MATT VAN EPPS, who has my Complete and Total Endorsement — HE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!”
Why This Race Matters for Conservative Voters
For Tennessee’s older and more traditional voters, this election is about far more than replacing a congressman:
- Protecting Christianity and religious freedom
- Defending the Second Amendment
- Stopping open borders and Biden-era immigration chaos
- Preserving women’s sports
- Standing against the radical transgender movement
- Protecting Tennessee culture and conservative values
A victory for Matt Van Epps would strengthen the America First agenda. A win for Aftyn Behn would hand Democrats a symbolic — and dangerous — political victory.
Bottom Line
Trump’s message is clear: If conservatives want to stop the radical Left from taking over Tennessee’s 7th District, turnout on December 2nd is critical.