A border wall-themed Christmas display outside the office of Republican Rep. Eli Crane of Arizona has ignited a heated debate among Democratic staffers. The controversial decorations, which featured a mock brick-red border wall adorned with fake snow and plush elves, have been criticized as being in poor taste.
The picture of the display was initially posted on social media by Jason Johnson, the press secretary for Democratic Rep. Raul Grijalva of Arizona. Democratic staffers voiced their disapproval, calling the decorations insensitive, charged, and insulting. They argued that the display disregarded the true meaning of Christmas.
“In addition to being stupid and in terrible taste, Eli Crane and his staff are showing impressive ignorance of the nativity story,” said Aaron Fritschner, Deputy Chief of Staff to Virginia Democratic Rep. Don Beyer. “They should read Chapter 2 of the Gospel of Matthew to remind themselves what Christmas is all about.”
Chapter 2 of Matthew in the Bible recounts the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem and the visit of the three wise men from the East. Democratic staffers believe that the border wall-themed display trivializes the religious significance of Christmas.
The controversy took a political turn when Zach Kahler, press secretary for Rep. Eli Crane, responded to the criticism by sharing a photo of Rep. Grijalva’s office, which lacked any Christmas decorations except for a lonely cactus in the corner. Kahler sarcastically remarked, “Looks like your office takes the contest about as seriously as your party does the crisis at the border.”
The clash over the Christmas decorations highlights the deep political divide on the issue of border security and immigration. While Republicans like Rep. Eli Crane support stricter measures, Democrats argue for a more compassionate approach.
Digital has reached out to both Rep. Crane and Rep. Grijalva’s offices for further comments on the controversy. It remains to be seen how this dispute will impact the ongoing political discourse surrounding border security and the upcoming 2024 campaign trail.
Bradford Betz is a Digital breaking reporter covering crime, political issues, and much more. Stay tuned for the latest updates from the 2024 campaign trail, exclusive interviews, and more politics content. Subscribe now to receive the newsletter and stay informed!
