A late endorsement of Matt Van Epps in the 7th District Special Election GOP Primary from President Donald Trump may be just enough to nudge him past the finish line. Turnout is low and the race appears narrowly bunched at the top among 3-4 candidates in the 11-person field.
“Matt Van Epps has my Complete and Total Endorsement to be the next Congressman from Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District — HE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!” Trump wrote in his endorsement on Truth Social on Oct. 3.”
“It is my Great Honor to endorse America First Patriot Matt Van Epps, who is running to represent the Great People of Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District,” Trump wrote. “A West Point Graduate, and Combat Decorated Army Helicopter Pilot, Matt knows the WISDOM and COURAGE required to Defend our Country, Support our Incredible Military/Veterans, and Ensure PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH. In Congress, Matt will work hard to Keep our now very Secure Border, SECURE, Stop Migrant Crime, Grow our Economy, Cut Taxes, Promote MADE IN THE U.S.A., Champion School Choice, Unleash American Energy DOMINANCE, and Defend our always under siege Second Amendment. He is strongly supported by my good friend, Congressman Jim Jordan, and many other highly respected MAGA Warriors!”
A combat veteran and West Point graduate, Matt Van Epps was appointed by Governor Bill Lee late last year to serve as commissioner of Tennessee’s General Services Department. He previously served as a top coordinator for Tennessee’s COVID-19 response.
Van Epps has framed his campaign heavily on his service as a U.S. Army helicopter combat pilot, and support for President Donald Trump. A complaint was filed against Van Epps this week alleging inappropriate use of his military uniform in a campaign ad in violation of U.S. Department of War rules.
Van Epps claim of strong support for President Trump and his agenda seems to contradict the support he has received both financially and otherwise, from anti-Trump billionaires who poured millions and special interest money for him and against his opponents. “What do the never Trumpers who are promoting Van Epps know about him that we don’t, and that President Trump apparently doesn’t know either,” one Republican activist pointed out in response to the endorsement.
Similarly, President Trump‘s positive reference to Van Epps’ support for school choice seems that odds with the fact that the Tennessee voucher plan is already funding the development and growth of Muslim schools across the state. Beneficiaries of taxpayer voucher money include an Islam focused private school in Memphis, Pleasant View https://www.pleasantviewschool.org/ , along with the online Muslim oriented Zohar Academy https://zohoracademyusa.com/.
The primary election date is Tuesday, October 7. The general election date is December 2.
It is not clear whether Trump will add to his Truth Social posting with a radio spot, a video or Robo-calls on behalf of Van Epps.
Steve Gill is editor and publisher of TriStar Daily.
