Fountain Hills Democrats Strike Back: Pro-Trump Holiday Tree Met with Bizarre Trump Mask

By Matthew Holloway |

The ongoing conflict between the Fountain Hills Democratic Club and local Republicans over Christmas celebrations at the town community center has taken an unexpected turn. Initially sparked by a proposal to remove the Christmas tree in May, tensions escalated with the Republicans’ recent installation of a tree adorned with Trump flags. In response, Democrats added a wreath featuring a grotesque mask resembling a decapitated President Trump. They also called for various unconventional holiday displays, including trees themed around sexual identity, which they described as reflective of contemporary values in a holiday traditionally focused on family.

Libby Settle, a vocal critic, commented, “Fountain Hills Democrats are up to no good again. They want to groom children and desecrate the Fountain Hills Community Center with sex toys and LGBTQIA displays.” Her remarks reflect a broader sentiment among some community members concerned about the proposed displays diverging from traditional holiday themes.

The controversy intensified with the Fountain Hills Democratic Club’s Facebook posts showcasing the wreath and challenging the Town Council’s defense of the Republican decor as protected under free speech. “The Republican Club put up a Trump tree, and they are allowed because of the First Amendment,” they stated. “Democrats have those same rights, so we added some free speech to our wreath. UPDATE: We have removed this from the wreath. It was on display for only a few hours.”

The Trump mask featured controversial phrases controversially inscribed on it, such as “fraud” and “obstruction of justice.” Dianne Price, a member of the Democratic Club, suggested on their social media platform that members consider using lewd decorations for trees in the coming years. “I say next year we decorate a tree with sex toys,” she proposed.

Jennifer Ferrell Heim, a director at the Valley of the Sun Jewish Community Center, echoed this sentiment, calling for “inclusive trees” that reflect diverse themes. “Who wants to do these trees with me next year? Drag queen tree, LGBTQ tree, trans tree, banned books tree, All Families Matter tree,” she encouraged.

In a previous press release, Fountain Hills Councilman Allen Skillicorn highlighted the community center’s initiative to include diverse themed trees from various organizations, underscoring that the Republican Christmas tree was part of a broader, inclusive display.

Skillicorn reacted to the Democrats’ provocative actions by defending their free speech but expressing disappointment. “I am shocked by the inappropriate and out-of-touch behavior by FH Dem Club members. The Grinch appears to reside in their hearts,” he stated. He emphasized that while everyone has the right to their beliefs, it should not come at the expense of mocking others’ faith.

The incident has led to divisions within the Fountain Hills Democratic Club itself. Some members deemed the wreath’s initial display as “beyond rude” and “petty retaliation.” Others voiced concerns that, while protected by the First Amendment, the appropriateness of such actions remains questionable.

The Democratic Club later released a statement, asserting, “We have removed the offensive mask out of respect for all Democrats. A statement was made, if only for a few hours.”

Matthew Holloway is a reporter for AZ Free News. Follow him on X for his latest stories, or email tips to Matthew@azfreenews.com.