Satanic Christmas tree at Wisconsin train museum sparks political controversy

The National Railroad Museum in Green Bay, Wisconsin, has drawn criticism for including a satanic Christmas tree in its 'Festival of Trees' display. Republican senator Mike Gallagher called the installation 'absolutely crazy' and 'impossible to overstate how offensive this is to Christians,' comparing it to 'waving a Hamas flag inside of a synagogue.' The Satanic Temple of Wisconsin decorated the tree with red fairy lights, upside-down crosses, pentagrams, snake-like decorations, and a bauble reading 'Hail Santa.' Museum CEO Jacqueline Frank defended the decision, stating it provides a 'neutral way' to introduce different beliefs to children who will encounter such concepts elsewhere. The festival features 67 total trees from various groups including churches, Christian organizations, LGBTQ+ rights groups, radio stations, music stores, pet crematories, trucking companies, health insurance providers, and behavioral pediatric practices. Gallagher, who typically takes his children to the museum's annual 'Polar Express' screening, said he would no longer do so because he doesn't want them 'surrounded by Satanic trees.' One local resident argued the museum should 'stick to the "train business"' rather than engaging with 'trending social topics.' The controversy emerged during the museum's festive celebrations where decorated trees are displayed among transportation exhibits.