Trump urges Tennessee voters to reject Aftyn Behn who ‘hates Christianity’ and 'country music'

WASHINGTON, DC: As Tennessee heads toward its December 2 congressional special election, President Donald Trump charged into the race with a forceful endorsement of MAGA Republican Matt Van Epps, alongside a series of unusual attacks on Democrat Aftyn Behn.

Behn, a state representative from Nashville, is competing against Van Epps to fill the seat vacated by Rep. Mark Green.

Donald Trump shares message for Tennessee voters on Truth Social

In a November 30 Truth Social post, Trump urged voters in Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District to “get out and vote” on December 2 for Republican Matt Van Epps, calling him a “phenomenal candidate.”

Trump claimed Van Epps is running against “a woman who hates Christianity, will take away your guns, wants open borders, supports transgender participation in all sports, and openly disdains country music.”

His criticism referenced a 2020 podcast in which Aftyn Behn stated, “I hate the city, I hate the bachelorettes, I hate the pedal taverns, I hate country music, I hate all of the things that make Nashville apparently an ‘it’ city to the rest of the country.”

Behn later clarified in an interview with MS NOW’s Al Sharpton, "As a Nashvillian, we all get a little annoyed with the tourists that come to town, but that doesn’t mean I don’t love my city. Instead of sitting on the sideline and complaining, I decided to run for office, which is why I am the state representative representing downtown Nashville"

He accused “Radical Left Democrats” of “spending a fortune to beat one of the best candidates we’ve ever had, Matt Van Epps! You can win this election for Matt. Get out and vote for Matt Van Epps, who has my complete and total endorsement — He will never let you down!”

Hours after Trump’s endorsement, Van Epps wrote on X, "Thank you, Mr. President. Vote on Tuesday"

Matt Van Epps holds 48% support in Tennessee: poll

A poll released on November 26 shows Matt Van Epps holding 48% support in Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District, while Aftyn Behn has 46% among likely voters. Including undecided voters, Van Epps leads 49% to 47%.

Even though the district has long been a Republican stronghold, Democrats are investing heavily, hoping to flip the seat after recent special-election wins. Behn has secured major Democratic supporters and spent significant funds to boost turnout.

The poll highlights differences based on age and voting method. Spencer Kimball, executive director of Emerson College Polling, said, “Those who report voting early break for Behn, 56% to 42%, whereas those who plan to vote on Election Day break for Van Epps, 51% to 39%.”

Younger voters favor Behn, with 64% under 40 supporting her, while Van Epps leads with older voters, winning 61% of those over 70.

The poll shows that voters care most about the economy, with 38% listing it as their top issue. Housing costs, health care, and threats to democracy follow at around 13%–15% each.