Trump has a very stern warning.
President Donald Trump issued a major warning Monday, calling the upcoming Tennessee special election a crucial test for the Republican Party—and a direct reflection on his America-First leadership. With House control hanging by a thread, Trump told voters that the race will determine not only the direction of the GOP, but the future strength of the conservative movement itself.
During a tele-rally with supporters, Trump urged voters in Tennessee’s 7th District to back Republican Matt Van Epps, describing the race as “a big thing” with national consequences.
Trump: Media Will Spin This as a Referendum on His Leadership
“They say it’s a sign of how we are doing,” Trump explained, noting that the media will pounce if Van Epps does not outperform expectations in the district Trump won by 22 points in 2024.
“If it’s even two points less, they’ll say, ‘Trump’s losing his magic,’” he said. “I want Matt to do even better than me. Whatever you can do, I’ll never forget it.”
Trump’s comments highlight why this race is now viewed as a key barometer of Republican momentum heading into 2025.
Poll Shock: GOP in a Tight Race in Deep-Red Tennessee
A new Emerson College poll shows Van Epps leading Democrat Aftyn Behn by just 2 points (48%–46%), a stunningly narrow margin for a district long considered a Republican stronghold.
The tight numbers have raised alarms among GOP leaders, especially with the party’s majority shrinking in the U.S. House. With Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene retiring in January—and two Democratic vacancies awaiting special elections—Speaker Mike Johnson could see the Republican majority reduced to zero if the Tennessee seat flips.
Trump: GOP Majority at Risk If Conservatives Stay Home
“This is a big deal,” Trump said. “We’re only a few votes ahead of the radical left. A win here would be a tremendous victory and a strong positive sign for our movement.”
The president added a lighthearted remark about Van Epps’ background as a former Army special operations pilot: “If it doesn’t work out, I’ll have him flying helicopters for me,” Trump joked. “But I think it’s going to work out. Matt is an outstanding guy.”
Speaker Mike Johnson: ‘Every Seat Matters More Than Ever’
House Speaker Mike Johnson, campaigning with Van Epps earlier in the day, echoed Trump’s concerns.
“My majority is razor-thin,” Johnson said. “Every seat matters now more than ever. That’s exactly why we need Matt in Washington.”
Johnson warned voters that Behn is aligned with “the extreme far-left,” pointing to her campaign events featuring prominent progressive activists.
“She’s a rubber stamp for the disastrous agenda pushed by AOC and the rest of the radical Democrats,” Johnson said. “She’s literally campaigning with AOC in deep-red Tennessee. If that doesn’t show how extreme she is, nothing will.”
AOC was joined at Behn’s virtual rally by Rep. Pramila Jayapal and former Vice President Al Gore, whose long political history in Tennessee was not enough to dampen concerns that Democrats are attempting to flip a seat critical to the GOP’s majority.