Trump Backs Congressional Candidate Amid Controversy Over Campaign Ad

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. President Donald Trump expressed his support for Matt Van Epps, a Republican candidate in Tennessee‘s 7th Congressional District, on Tuesday night. This endorsement comes as Van Epps faces allegations of misleading voters in a campaign ad.

In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump urged supporters in Tennessee to vote for Van Epps ahead of the final day of early in-person voting. “You can win this Election for Matt!” Trump wrote. “PLEASE VOTE FOR MATT VAN EPPS, who has my Complete and Total Endorsement.”

Van Epps, who is a lieutenant colonel in the Tennessee National Guard and a former Army helicopter pilot, is under scrutiny for appearing in uniform in his campaign advertisement. A complaint filed last month claims he violated U.S. Department of War rules that prohibit military personnel from making political appearances in uniform.

The complainant, Dillon Scott, a Tennessee veteran, argues that Van Epps misleads voters regarding his military status by using his uniform in a “flagrant” manner. Scott described the campaign ad as “misleading and inappropriate,” calling it “very disturbing” for a candidate seeking public office.

Despite the complaints, Van Epps’ campaign has dismissed the allegations as “desperate nonsense.” His campaign highlighted that he appeared in uniform without patches or insignia.

The election for Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District is scheduled for December 2.