by Aaron Gulbransen
In 2025, the Tennessee General Assembly has remained a powerhouse of conservative governance, delivering bold, principled policies that mirror the transformative leadership of President Donald J. Trump. With a conservative supermajority and an unwavering commitment to Tennessee’s values, the first half of the 114th General Assembly has not only strengthened our state but also set a gold standard for conservative action that complements the America First agenda sweeping the nation. As President Trump reshapes the country with his decisive leadership, Tennessee’s lawmakers are proving that conservative principles—freedom, security, and opportunity—can deliver unparalleled results.
Take the Education Freedom Act of 2025, a game-changer signed by Governor Bill Lee. By providing $7,200 Education Freedom Scholarships to 20,000 families for private school tuition, Tennessee has become a school choice state, empowering parents to decide what’s best for their children. This mirrors President Trump’s push to dismantle the stranglehold of failing public school systems, giving families across America the freedom to choose. Just as Trump’s education reforms are sparking a national renaissance in learning, Tennessee’s bold move is igniting competition and excellence, proving that conservative policies unleash potential where bureaucracy fails.
On public safety and immigration, the General Assembly has taken a page straight from Trump’s playbook. In a January special session, lawmakers passed tough measures to support federal immigration enforcement, aligning Tennessee with the President’s mission to secure our borders and deport violent criminals. While Trump is restoring order nationwide—cracking down on illegal immigration with unprecedented efficiency—Tennessee is ensuring our communities remain sanctuaries for law-abiding citizens, not illegal alien lawbreakers. This synergy between state and federal leadership showcases the power of a unified conservative vision: protect the people, uphold the law, and reject the chaos of open-border policies.
When Hurricane Helene ravaged East Tennessee, the Assembly’s response was as swift and decisive as Trump’s handling of national crises. Lawmakers allocated $210 million for disaster relief, including the Hurricane Helene Interest Payment Fund to ease local governments’ burdens and the Governor’s Response and Recovery Fund to prepare for future emergencies. By suspending unemployment rules and funding property tax relief, they put Tennesseans first—just as Trump has prioritized American workers and families in his economic recovery efforts. Tennessee’s fiscal discipline, like Trump’s focus on cutting wasteful spending, ensures that relief reaches those who need it without bloating government. While Trump rebuilds America’s infrastructure and economy, Tennessee’s lawmakers are rebuilding lives, proving that conservative governance is both compassionate and effective.
The Assembly’s commitment to individual rights further echoes Trump’s fight against woke overreach. The Voyeurism Victims Act strengthens protections for victims of unlawful photography, extending the statute of limitations to ensure justice. Meanwhile, bans on race- and gender-based hiring in local governments and public colleges dismantle divisive DEI schemes, just as Trump is rooting out ideological extremism in federal agencies. By requiring residential educational programs to segregate facilities based on biological sex, Tennessee safeguards privacy and common sense—values Trump champions as he rolls back radical cultural policies nationwide. These actions aren’t just wins for Tennessee; they’re a rallying cry for every American tired of progressive overreach.
What makes Tennessee’s achievements so compelling is their alignment with Trump’s broader success. Since taking office, President Trump has slashed regulations, unleashed energy independence, and restored America’s global strength—policies that have lowered costs and created jobs for millions. Tennessee’s lawmakers have mirrored this by rejecting costly, symbolic gestures (like renaming Nashville International Airport) and focusing on results-driven governance. Their fiscal restraint has kept Tennessee’s economy booming, much like Trump’s tax cuts have fueled national growth. Together, they’re proving that conservatism isn’t just a philosophy—it’s a proven formula for prosperity.
As Tennesseans, we should be inspired by the General Assembly’s fearless leadership and its harmony with President Trump’s America First agenda. While Trump is making America great again, Tennessee is making our state the envy of the nation. From education to safety to economic stewardship, the Assembly’s 2025 record shows what’s possible when leaders put people over politics. Let’s celebrate their triumphs and urge them to keep fighting alongside Trump to secure a future where freedom, opportunity, and American values reign supreme.
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Aaron Gulbransen is the CEO of The Tennessee Conservatives Coalition.
