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First lady Melania Trump decorates the White House for Christmas: ‘Home is Where the Heart Is’

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EXCLUSIVE: The White House is officially decorated for Christmas with a decor and a theme personally selected by first lady Melania Trump to celebrate the holiday season–«Home is Where the Heart Is.» 

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This is the fifth time Mrs. Trump has had the opportunity to decorate 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue for the Christmas season. This year, the first lady’s decor highlights the American spirit of «generosity, patriotism, and gratitude.»

MELANIA TRUMP UNVEILS WHITE HOUSE CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS, THEME FOR 2020

Mrs. Trump has decked the halls of the White House this season with more than 25,000 feet of ribbon; more than 2,000 strands of light; more than 120 pounds of gingerbread; more than 2,800 gold stars; more than 10,000 blue butterflies; and more than 700 feet of garland.

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«Every detail of the 2025 White House Christmas decorations was personally selected by Mrs. Trump to honor the heart of America and the theme ‘Home Is Where The Heart Is,’» the White House told Fox News Digital.

US President Donald Trump, right, and First Lady Melania Trump arrive for the National Thanksgiving Turkey pardon ceremony in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington, DC, US, on Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025.  (Jim Lo Scalzo/EPA/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

The White House has 51 Christmas trees and 75 of Mrs. Trump’s signature Christmas wreaths. The wreaths have classic red bows, and hang outside the windows of the White House.

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«The saying ‘Home is Where the Heart is’ resonates deeply with me, especially as I navigate the joys, challenges, and frequent motion that comes with motherhood and business,» the first lady told Fox News Digital. «The constant movement has taught me that home is not merely a physical space; rather, it is the warmth and comfort I carry within, regardless of my surroundings.»

«This Christmas, let’s celebrate the love we hold within ourselves and share it with the world around us,» she continued. «After all, wherever we are, we can create a home filled with grace, radiance, and endless possibilities.»

The theme in the East Room is "Home is Where the Heart Is: America, Our Home." The room is filled with patriotic decorations to celebrate the upcoming 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.  (Official White House Photo by Andrea Hanks)

The theme in the East Room is «Home is Where the Heart Is: America, Our Home.» The room is filled with patriotic decorations to celebrate the upcoming 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.  (Official White House Photo by Andrea Hanks)

The theme in the East Room is «Home is Where the Heart Is: America, Our Home.» The room is filled with patriotic decorations to celebrate the upcoming 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The decor is red, white and blue, along with national symbols including eagles, the Great Seal, roses and oak. On the trees are 56 eagle ornaments to represent each state and territory; along with 250 stars to represent America’s upcoming birthday.

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WHITE HOUSE UNVEILS CHRISTMAS DECOR WITH ‘SPIRIT OF AMERICA’ THEME

«We are deeply honored that America250 is represented in this year’s White House holiday celebration,» an America250 spokesman told Fox News Digital. «The decor and concept of the East Room highlights ‘America, Our Home,’ beautifully reflecting the spirit of unity, hope, and shared purpose that defines our nation.»

«As we enter a truly historic year leading up to America’s 250th anniversary in 2026, this holiday season offers an opportunity to reflect on what connects us as Americans,» the spokesman continued. «It’s also a moment to look ahead with excitement—to the many ways we’ll come together in the year ahead to honor our past, celebrate our present, and imagine our collective future.»

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Next, the Green Room’s theme is «Home is Where the Heart Is: Family Fun.» The room highlights America’s favorite games and activities, with playing cards; Lego portraits of President Trump and President George Washington; dominoes and more.

The Green Room’s theme is "Home is Where the Heart Is: Family Fun." The room highlights America’s favorite games and activities, with playing cards; Lego portraits of President Trump and President George Washington; dominoes and more.

The Green Room’s theme is «Home is Where the Heart Is: Family Fun.» The room highlights America’s favorite games and activities, with playing cards; Lego portraits of President Trump and President George Washington; dominoes and more. (Official White House Photo by Andrea Hanks)

In the Blue Room, the theme «Home is Where the Heart Is: Where Strength and Sacrifice Meets Home.» Decor honors the «beauty, unity, and sacrifices made by Gold Star families on behalf of the United States of America.

The Green Room’s theme is "Home is Where the Heart Is: Family Fun." The room highlights America’s favorite games and activities, with playing cards; Lego portraits of President Trump and President George Washington; dominoes and more. (Official White House Photo by Andrea Hanks)

The Green Room’s theme is «Home is Where the Heart Is: Family Fun.» The room highlights America’s favorite games and activities, with playing cards; Lego portraits of President Trump and President George Washington; dominoes and more. (Official White House Photo by Andrea Hanks)

The Blue Room decorations feature blue, gold, and ivory, with gold stars to honor Gold Star families; custom lithophane ornaments to depict each state and territory’s official bird and flower; and more. The White House said the first lady chose birds to represent «freedom, hope, and courage,» while the flowers symbolize the «vigilance, bravery and steadfast spirit of Gold Star families.»

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The custom ornaments were designed with AI support and created with 3D printers— a move highlighting the first lady’s emphasis on the importance of AI education and responsible use.

MELANIA TRUMP GIVES TOUR OF 2018 WHITE HOUSE CHRISTMAS DECOR

On the Blue Room tree alone, which is an 18-foot noncolor fir from Sidney, Michigan, there are 420 strands of bulbs—21,000 individual lights; and 3,000 feet of ribbon. That Christmas tree is the official White House Christmas tree.

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The Red Room’s focus in on the first lady’s «Fostering the Future» effort to support foster children. The room’s decor celebrates her «Be Best» initiative, with more than 10,000 butterflies— a symbol of «transformation and representing the hope that every child will have the chance to grow into their full potential.»

White House staff and volunteers decorate for Christmas, Sunday, November 30, 2025. (Official White House Photo by Andrea Hanks)

White House staff and volunteers decorate for Christmas, Sunday, November 30, 2025. (Official White House Photo by Andrea Hanks)

«Fostering the Future is a mission the first lady cares about deeply.  As we began discussing Christmas decorations, the butterfly emerged as a prominent theme, as it symbolizes renewal, resilience, and new beginnings for the foster care community,» Herve Pierre, who is Melania Trump’s «creative artist,» told Fox News Digital. «It was clear that the blue butterfly was the perfect choice to fulfill Mrs. Trump’s creative vision for her Christmas themed Be Best Room.»

Pierre has overseen the implementation of her creative vision. 

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The tree in the Red Room celebrates "Fostering the Future," a "Be Best" initiative. 

The tree in the Red Room celebrates «Fostering the Future,» a «Be Best» initiative.  (Official White House Photo by Andrea Hanks)

«Incorporating thousands of magnificent blue butterflies in the Red Room creates a vibrant and festive atmosphere that reflects the first lady’s style,» Pierre said. «This striking color combination captures the essence of the holiday spirit.»

The room also features historic cranberry trees—a tradition first introduced in 1975, but which became well-known as former first lady Nancy Reagan’s favorite holiday decoration—her favorite color was also red.

The state dining room’s theme is «Home is Where the Heart Is: A Place to Gather,» which showcases the «joy of hosting at home» and the «history of diplomacy at the White House.»

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The decor in the State Dining Room features custom tree boxes with hand-painted magnolia blossoms, gilded acorns and fruits of harvest. It also features the White House Historical Association’s official ornament, which celebrates the 150th anniversary of state dinners at the White House.

White House staff and volunteers decorate for Christmas, Sunday, November 30, 2025. (Official White House Photo by Andrea Hanks)

White House staff and volunteers decorate for Christmas, Sunday, November 30, 2025. (Official White House Photo by Andrea Hanks)

WHITE HOUSE’S 2017 HOLIDAY DISPLAY INCLUDES 53 CHRISTMAS TREES, AND HONORS FOR THE MILITARY

In the room is a gingerbread house showcasing the south portico of the White House. The gingerbread house offers a «unique glimpse into the yellow oval in the private residence of the White House.» 

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The gingerbread house is made of 120 pounds of gingerbread dough, 100 pounds of pastillage dough, more than 10 pounds of chocolate, nearly 80 pounds of royal icing and five pounds of isomalt sugar.

And in the White House’s Grand Foyer and Cross Hall, the first lady highlighted a space as one «Where Love Blooms.»

The decor highlights «the love that blooms in our homes, families and communities,» the White House said.

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President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump during the first Trump administration at Christmas time. 

President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump during the first Trump administration at Christmas time. 

The spaces feature a forest of 28 trees in burgundy and gold, decorated with foliage, ribbon, ornaments, and taper candles. The planters are filled with amaryllis, which the White House said represents strength and love—especially around the holidays.

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A portion of the White House creche, or nativity scene, is featured in the grand foyer, but the White House said it is undergoing «a much-needed restoration overseen by the White House curators.»

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The White House will reopen its doors for public Christmas tours on Dec. 2. The tours will feature the White House Christmas decorations on the state floor, and will give visitors the opportunity to «enjoy the beloved annual tradition that transforms the White House into a festive reflection of the spirit, warmth, faith, and hope of the holiday season.»

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Elecciones en Honduras: Nasry Asfura encabeza el escrutinio tras la difusión de los primeros resultados oficiales

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De acuerdo a las cifras oficiales divulgadas por el Consejo Nacional Electoral, el candidato por el Partido Nacional se impone con el 40% de los votos escrutados. Le siguen Salvador Nasralla y Rixi Moncada

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El domingo, los hondureños concurrieron a las urnas para definir quién será su próximo presidente en una elección marcada por la polarización y denuncias de posible fraude. La contienda enfrentó a una candidata que promueve la continuidad del gobierno actual y a dos aspirantes con apoyo opositor, ambos distanciados de sus partidos tradicionales y con el objetivo de obtener el poder tras una tensa campaña.

La jornada comenzó pasadas las 7, hora local, y se extendió hasta las 18, luego de que el Consejo Electoral autorizara extender una hora más la votación.

El Consejo Nacional Electoral (CNE) dispuso un despliegue especial de fuerzas de orden para garantizar un ambiente pacífico, una medida respaldada por la Organización de Estados Americanos (OEA) y observadores internacionales, quienes han destacado la importancia de la transparencia en este proceso decisivo.

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Más de seis millones de hondureños estuvieron habilitados para votar en más de 18.000 centros distribuidos en todo el territorio, en una jornada que definirá no solo la presidencia sino también la renovación del Congreso y gobiernos municipales.

De acuerdo con las últimas encuestas, tres de los cinco aspirantes presidenciales llegan prácticamente igualados: Rixi Moncada, abogada y figura cercana a la presidenta Xiomara Castro, compite por el oficialista Libertad y Refundación (Libre); el presentador Salvador Nasralla, quien busca la presidencia por cuarta vez, en esta ocasión representando al Partido Liberal; y el empresario Nasry Asfura, del Partido Nacional.

A continuación, la cobertura minuto a minuto:

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El Partido Nacional llamó a defender cada voto tras los resultados preliminares del CNE

Tras la publicación de los resultados preliminares anunciados por el Consejo Nacional Electoral de Honduras (CNE), la designada presidencial del Partido Nacional, María Antonieta Mejías, agradeció la masiva participación ciudadana en las urnas y destacó el respaldo recibido por Honduras.

“Nuevamente, nuestra felicitación para el pueblo hondureño que acudió a votar masivamente. Damos gracias a Dios porque ha bendecido a Honduras y nos ha tomado de instrumento para su honra”, expresó ante la prensa.

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Mejías subrayó que el proceso aún no ha finalizado y pidió a los simpatizantes y miembros del partido permanecer atentos.

“Esto no se termina hasta que se cuente hasta el último voto. Le pedimos a nuestros miembros no se muevan de las mesas, seguimos contando los votos”. Reiteró que aún faltan los reportes completos de los municipios, “por eso aún seguimos aventajando en nuestros datos, se despega el Partido Nacional de nuestros competidores”.

En su mensaje, agradeció también la participación de los adversarios en la contienda y remarcó la importancia de la templanza y la defensa de los principios democráticos.

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“En esta noche vamos a decir que Dios ha sido bueno, nos ha mantenido firmes, enérgicos por la democracia y por las libertades del pueblo hondureño”.

Asfura encabeza el escrutinio

Nasry Asfura, candidato por el
Nasry Asfura, candidato por el Partido Nacional (REUTERS/Leonel Estrada)

La presidenta del Consejo Nacional Electoral (CNE) de Honduras, Ana Paola Hall, informó en horas de la noche de este domingo en cadena nacional la primera actualización oficial sobre los resultados preliminares de la elección presidencial.

Según el reporte divulgado, hasta el momento han sido procesadas 6.559 actas de un total de 19.152, lo que representa el 34,25% del total del nivel electivo para la presidencia.

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De acuerdo con los datos anunciados, Nasry “Tito” Asfura, candidato del Partido Nacional, lidera con 530.073 votos. Le sigue el aspirante del Partido Liberal, Salvador Nasralla, con 506.316 votos, mientras que la representante del partido Libre, Rixi Moncada, figura en tercer lugar con 255.972 votos.

La titular del CNE subrayó que estos resultados tienen carácter preliminar y que el escrutinio sigue avanzando en todo el país.

Hall hizo énfasis en que el proceso de transmisión y conteo se realiza conforme a la Constitución y los procedimientos establecidos.

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Enfatizó que la transparencia y la rendición de cuentas son los ejes centrales de esta jornada y reiteró el llamado a la calma a la ciudadanía y a los actores políticos mientras continúe la sistematización y publicación de más actas.La presidenta del Consejo Nacional Electoral (CNE) de Honduras, Ana Paola Hall, informó en horas de la noche de este domingo en cadena nacional la primera actualización oficial sobre los resultados preliminares de la elección presidencial.

El CNE brinda su primer reporte oficial

Asfura exigió al CNE difundir los resultados

El candidato por el Partido Nacional emitió un breve pronunciamiento desde su búnker dirigido a la presidenta del Consejo Electoral, Ana Paola Hall: “Exigimos que salga y cumpla, no sé que está esperando. No tengamos a un país en espera, hágalo por el bien de la democracia”.

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Mensaje de Moncada a minutos del reporte del CNE

EEUU pidió que los resultados “reflejen la voluntad del pueblo”

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Antes de la difusión de los primeros resultados oficiales, la embajada de Estados Unidos en Honduras afirmó que sigue de cerca “las noticias sobre la gran participación de votantes” durante la jornada electoral de este domingo, al tiempo que pidió que los resultados “reflejen la voluntad del pueblo hondureño y no las manipulaciones de quienes intentarían impedirlo”.

“Permitamos que la misión de observadores de la OEA haga su trabajo”, agregó la embajada norteamericana en el mensaje divulgado en sus redes sociales.

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El Partido Nacional volvió a pedir esperar los resultados oficiales

“Estamos muy contentos y agradecidos al pueblo, que acudió de manera masiva a votar por la democracia que anhelamos. Hay canales y partidos que han actuado de forma irresponsable al intentar adjudicarse la victoria antes de tiempo. Nuestro candidato -Nasry Asfrua- nos solicitó ejercer la prudencia necesaria”, pronunció María Antonieta Mejía, desde el búnker del Partido Nacional.

Si bien no brindó cifras ni datos concretos, adelantó: “Debemos completar el conteo de votos para consolidar el gran triunfo del Partido Nacional”.

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Primer informe del CNE

El Consejo Nacional Electoral informó que a las 21, hora local, dará el informe con los primeros resultados oficiales.

Detalles del escrutinio

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Observadores internacionales fueron expulsados de un centro de votación en Honduras por colectivos afines al partido oficialista

El incidente ocurrió en la Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Honduras, donde simpatizantes de Libre increparon y presionaron a la misión extranjera hasta que intervino la policía militar

Expulsan a observadores internacionales durante el conteo de votos en Honduras

La misión internacional de observadores en Honduras denunció este domingo haber sido víctima de agresiones e intimidaciones por parte de simpatizantes del oficialista Partido Libertad y Refundación (Libre).



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La guerra Rusia-Ucrania: Europa empieza a analizar cómo responder a los ataques de Moscú

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Europa siempre ha mirado a Rusia como se mira desde una fortaleza asediada a quien intenta asaltarla desde fuera, como en los asedios medievales. Durante años, los europeos han hablado siempre de ciberdefensa, de preparación para resistir ataques híbridos, de cómo podían proteger sus procesos electorales y sus medios de comunicación de las injerencias rusas y de las campañas de desinformación lanzadas desde Moscú. De cómo tratar a supuestos diplomáticos rusos que en realidad eran agentes de sus servicios secretos militares. Todas las ideas eran defensivas. Pero eso parece estar empezando a cambiar.

Según una información del diario Politico, que Clarín pudo confirmar con dos diplomáticos europeos, los gobiernos de la Unión Europea están empezando a estudiar no sólo cómo frenar los golpes rusos, sino también cómo empezar a devolverlos. Las ideas cubren varios flancos, pero las más citadas serían las de lanzar ciberataques contra objetivos sensibles de la industria militar y la economía rusa hasta atribuir sin pudor a Moscú sus ataques híbridos en Europa para castigar a Rusia con más sanciones, pasando por lanzar ejercicios militares por sorpresa.

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El cambio de mentalidad en Europa se debe a que Moscú parece estar poniendo a prueba la resistencia de los europeos y lo que pueden aceptar o no. Pero algunos episodios parecen haber colmado en vaso. Cuando a principios de noviembre decenas de drones, algunos de carácter militar, sobrevolaron durante varias noches consecutivas aeropuertos, centrales nucleares o bases militares belgas, empezaron a encenderse muchas alarmas. Alemania y Reino Unido enviaron material militar para hacer frente a esos drones, que no volvieron. Algunos habían pasado a menos de dos kilómetros en línea recta de la sede de la OTAN en Bruselas.

Esos drones también han sobrevolado ciudades como Estocolmo o Copenhague y han traspasado las fronteras de Polonia o Rumanía en las últimas semanas. Una línea de ferrocarril clave en la conexión entre Polonia y Ucrania fue volada y aviones de combate rusos violan cada vez con más frecuencia el espacio aéreo de países como Estonia, Lituania y Letonia.

Algunos funcionarios empiezan a hablar abiertamente del asunto. El vice ministro de Defensa alemán Florian Hahn dijo la semana pasada a ‘Welt TV’ que “en conjunto, Europa y la Alianza Atlántica deben preguntarse a sí mismas cuánto tiempo más están dispuestas a tolerar este tipo de guerra híbrida y si sería conveniente que consideráramos convertirnos en más activos en este asunto”.

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Los europeos han visto en los últimos años cómo Rusia ha financiado a partidos políticos que abogan por la destrucción de la Unión Europea como estructura institucional (como la extrema derecha francesa de Marine Le Pen, que recibió créditos de bancos rusos controlados por el Gobierno de Vladimir Putin) o cómo, según varios servicios secretos, Rusia influyó para alterar ilegalmente el resultado de elecciones legislativas en Rumanía y Moldavia y que ganaran candidatos afines a Moscú.

Algunos funcionarios consideran que la mejor forma de tratar con Rusia es ser firme y plantarle cara, no achicándose. Europa no quiere una guerra contra Rusia, pero el aumento de estas operaciones en los últimos meses empieza a movilizar a los gobiernos. Por eso la OTAN decidió que reforzará las defensas contra drones y las defensas antiaéreas en su flanco oriental, después de que el primer ministro polaco Donald Tusk dijera que daría la orden de derribar cualquier aparato ruso que viole su espacio aéreo.

Tusk es de los que más medidas han tomado. La semana pasada movilizó a 10.000 soldados para proteger las conexiones con Ucrania, esencial para que los europeos sigan enviando armamento a Kiev. Y acusó a Moscú de lanzar una campaña de “terrorismo de Estado”.

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Italia apunta por ejemplo a la creación de una fuerza europea de ciberdefensa (y ciberataque si fuera necesario) de 1.500 expertos, que contaría también con personal militar especializado en inteligencia artificial.

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Music City Miracle: A look at an unusually contentious election in the Volunteer State

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We’ll know Wednesday morning if a special election in Tennessee is truly a referendum on country music, pedal taverns and bachelorettes.

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Or, if we can divine a deeper political meaning from the results of the special election in Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District.

Democrat Aftyn Behn is trying to tip the scales in favor of her party in a district which President Trump carried by about 20 points and former Rep. Mark Green, R-Tenn., won by a similar percentage last fall.

Behn faces GOPer Matt Van Epps. It’s a Republican district. But political observers are watching the race to gauge potential weakness by President Trump, a softness in the Trump coalition, issues with the Republican brand or early indications of a possible blue wave in the 2026 midterms.

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DEMOCRATS, REPUBLICANS GO ALL IN ON FINAL 2025 CONGRESSIONAL BALLOT BOX SHOWDOWN

Depending on who you ask, the race for Tennessee’s 7th congressional district – between Republican nominee Matt Van Epps, former state Department of General Services, and Aftyn Behn, a Democratic state representative – may be headed for a photo finish. (George Walker IV/AP Photo)

It was Behn who proclaimed that she abhorred Nashville several years ago. «I hate the bachelorettes, I hate the pedal taverns, I hate country music. I hate all the things that make Nashville apparently an ‘it city,’» complained Behn.

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About all Behn left out in her animus toward Music City was dissing The Grand Ole Opry, hot chicken and Goo Goo Clusters. But if voters go goo goo over Behn Tuesday, Republicans face a cluster of another sort. A Behn victory may signal major problems for Republicans and President Trump heading into the midterms.

Behn is characterized as the «AOC of Tennessee,» a reference to progressive Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y. Republicans have been sure to boomerang that against Behn, suggesting she’s not in tune with the district, leans too far to the left and is closer to the liberal values of New York or Los Angeles than Nashville. Republicans believe Behn is just a bad fit for Nashville. Kind of like having Bad Bunny perform at the Ryman Auditorium.

«It shouldn’t even be close. But it is,» mused Rep. Tim Burchett, R-Tenn., on Fox.

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So Republicans are pouring in money to protect the seat. Democrats are pouring in money to steal the seat. If Democrats pull off the upset, the party should uproot the goalposts at FirstBank Stadium in downtown Nashville and dump it in the Cumberland River. Kind of what Vanderbilt fans did last year when the Commodores upset number one-ranked Alabama. 

Let’s explore what a Behn win might mean for Republicans. It could indicate that voters are tiring of President Trump. Or that the GOP brand is toxic. Or perhaps it’s the continuation of a trend which Democrats enjoyed this fall: near blowout wins by New Jersey Gov.-elect Mikie Sherrill and Virginia Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger.

But there’s a downside for Democrats. Yes. They may flip the seat. But a win may also show that the party is tilting more to the left. It would be hard to argue with success if Behn prevails, regardless of her progressive streak. But this may give other liberals ideas that they can win in other red or purple districts. That may work against Democrats – especially since every Republican, except President Trump – has highlighted the left-wing politics of New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani.

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TRUMP MAKES 11TH-HOUR PLEA FOR MATT VAN EPPS OVER AFTYN BEHN, WHOM HE CLAIMS ‘HATES CHRISTIANITY’

Democrats probably need to run more centrist candidates in purple areas to regain control of the House. A Behn victory could open the floodgates for a host of progressive candidates in competitive House districts nationwide. Behn’s message – or that of Ocasio-Cortez or Mamdani – won’t work in most places where Democrats need to be successful to seize control of the House.

But what if Republicans hold the seat and Van Epps wins?

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It probably depends by how much.

Yes, there were five special elections in 2017 – the first year President Trump was originally in office – which Democrats made competitive. All were closer than they should have been. But Democrats didn’t win any of them. Still, astute political observers suggested there was unpopularity with the president and the GOP agenda. Democrats won 41 seats and gained control of the House in the 2018 midterms.

So, even if Van Epps wins, examine the margin. And if Behn wins, see if Republicans downplay it because it was a special election and the customary electorate just doesn’t turn out for special elections. Especially one wedged between Thanksgiving and Christmas.

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If Republicans hold the seat, the GOP will argue this was a repudiation of a leftist like Behn and someone who was out of step. They will also suggest that it’s a GOP seat and Republicans should win anyway. That’s what happened earlier this year when there was consternation before two Florida special elections. But Reps. Randy Fine, R-Fla., and Jimmy Patronis, R-Fla., both won in March.

Republican candidate for Tennessee's 7th Congressional District Matt Van Epps.

If Van Epps wins, one must still pay attention to the margin. The seat, last held by former Rep. Mark Green, broke for President Trump by over 20% in 2024. (Nicole Hester/The Tennessean/USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)

Here’s another factor which bears watching: the message the press corps and political observers glean from the election results. After all, special elections are always special. It’s natural for analysts and journalists to search for particular meanings or signposts in these contests. Such was the case with the off-year elections in New Jersey, Virginia and New York City. Sometimes these observations are spot-on. Other times, they mean nothing. If anything, there is a tendency to over-illuminate the outcomes of these contests. They are moments in time. Kind of like listening to a few bars of a song. Maybe it tells you a lot about the song. Maybe not.

House Republicans could well freak out if Behn is victorious. There’s lots of grumbling among Republicans. Some are frustrated by how their leadership handled the government shutdown. And others could follow Mark Green and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., and hit the exits early.

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This is a fragile time for House Republicans. That’s one reason why a flip of this seat could mean a little bit more.

DEM HOUSE HOPEFUL GETTING YANKED FROM GOVERNOR’S OFFICE DURING ATTEMPTED SIT-IN GOES VIRAL AHEAD OF ELECTION

Still, it’s rare to flip seats in House special elections. Former Rep. Don Cazayoux, D-La., won a special election in a red district in Louisiana in 2008 after former Rep. Richard Baker, R-La., resigned. But current Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., then won that seat in the general election and served in the House before moving to the Senate.

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Former Rep. Mayra Flores, R-Texas, flipped the seat held by former Rep. Filemon Vela, D-Texas, in 2022. But she lost reelection that fall.

Former Rep. Mike Garcia, R-Calif., won a special election in 2020 after former Rep. Katie Hill, D-Calif., resigned just months into office. Garcia held the seat until Rep. George Whitesides, D-Calif., defeated him a year ago.

Former Rep. Charles Djou, R-Hawaii, won a special election in Hawaii in 2010 against two Democrats – former Rep. Colleen Hanabusa, D-Hawaii, and Rep. Ed Case, D-Hawaii. But Democrats got the seat back in 2012.

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Former Rep. Mary Peltola, D-Alaska, won a special election in 2022 to flip Alaska’s at-large district from red to blue following the death of late Rep. Don Young, R-Alaska. Young held the seat for nearly 50 years. But Rep. Nick Begich III, R-Alaska, defeated Peltola last year.

Rep. Nick Begich III

Just because seats are won in special election upsets, doesn’t mean they’ve permanently fallen to the other party. Rep. Nick Begich III, R-Alaska, who unseated his Democratic predecessor, former Rep. Mary Peltola – herself a special election victor – is a prime example. (Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)

In short, even if someone flips a seat, it’s rare that they have the seat for long. Often, only through the next regular election.

So a word of caution as you evaluate the election results on Tuesday night. If Republicans hold the seat, that may be expected. If Democrats flip the seat, some will proclaim it’s the second coming of the Music City Miracle.

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But frankly, it’s probably not.

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