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'Funny as hell': Internet amused by Rep Mike Gallagher’s rant about 'satanic tree' in rail museum's Christmas decor

Representative Mike Gallagher's criticism of a 'Satanic Temple' tree at festival seems funny to internet

GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN: Mike Gallagher, the House Representative for Wisconsin's 8th congressional district, is outraged over the display of a Satanic Temple tree at an annual festival in his hometown, Green Bay.

The lawmaker expressed unhappiness while speaking to Fox News on its 'Sunday Morning Futures' program on November 26.

"It's impossible to overstate how offensive this is to Christians. It would be, in quite a literal sense, the same thing as waving a Hamas flag inside of a synagogue," the 39-year-old Gallagher said.

He added, "It's just absolutely crazy that we would allow this to happen."

The tree is displayed at the annual Christmas tree festival in Ashwaubenon, a suburb of Green Bay, hosted by the National Railroad Museum.

According to the New York Post, it will remain on display till December 31.

The Satanic Temple website says it is not a devil-worshiping organization; instead, its mission is to "encourage benevolence and empathy" and "reject tyrannical authority."

Satanic Temple satirizes the Christmas celebrations

The Satanic Temple of Wisconsin shared the tree's image on its Facebook account.

The controversial tree is covered in blood-red eyes, apparently resembling demon eyes. A snake-like figure is also seen at the bottom.

The ornaments hanging on the tree also give a non-christmassy vibe. One ornament has the inscription "Hail Santa," similar to "Hail Satan."

Mike Gallagher is dissatisfied with the museum's response

Museum CEO Jacqueline Frank supported the display, saying the group followed the guidelines and did not advocate violence.

"There was no hesitation. We're not a religious organization. We focus on trains," Frank said to a local media.

The CEO added, "Honestly, the Christmas tree is used by so many different secular and religious organizations. All we're doing is putting up decoration in that room."

However, Gallagher, who chairs the House China Committee, called the museum's response "insufficient."

"I wouldn't take my kids to it now. I don't want them to be surrounded by Satanic trees," he said. "Conservatives are often accused of launching a culture war or focusing or fixating on cultural issues, but here is a perfect example of how that's not what's happening."

The internet thinks Mike Gallagher's outcry is unnecessary

Social media reactions say that the representative's outrage is baseless, with many wanting him to learn the history of Christmas.

One user said, "Funny as hell. Get it. lol."

Another added, "A tree made him cry and ruined his entire Christmas. And liberals are supposedly the snowflakes?"

Another user stated, "Always crying over what they don't agree with. If one tree comes down, the other ones come down too. Ban one, ban them all. Only fair."

"Somebody needs to tell him the pagan start of Christmas Story," added a user.

One user mocked Gallagher, asking, "Does…does he know that the trees are pagan? Someone should tell him."

A user said, "Santa approves of beautiful red holiday trees. 10/10."

Another shared a meme mocking the lawmaker.

One user noted, "That tree looks amazing and i bet the kids weren't bothered 1 bit, curious perhaps. "