Image Credit: @GovBillLee / X
The Tennessee Conservative [By Olivia Lupia] –
Governor Bill Lee joined members of the World Economic Forum (WEF) and Vanderbilt University to champion the state’s desirability to companies, drawing ire from conservatives and raising questions about the sanctity of a newly passed state law which clearly states global organizations have no jurisdiction in Tennessee.
In a social media post on Tuesday, Gov. Lee posted a photo of him speaking at the event in front of a backdrop emblazoned with the WEF and Vanderbilt logos. “Great to join WEF & Vanderbilt U to share why TN continues to be the top state for companies to innovate & grow,” the caption read.
The post received widespread backlash, with almost all comments across different social media platforms criticizing Lee for fraternizing with an organization which constantly espouses globalist values and policies, like intense promotion of digital ID, especially in a state like Tennessee which is often advertised as a “conservative leader”.
One comment read, “The World Economic Forum. Really?! The antithesis of freedom and conservatism. Good look for ‘conservative leader’ Tennessee…”
“Seriously Bill? It’s 2025 and you’re proud to be affiliated with the globalists?” said another.
A Facebook comment read, “We don’t like them here in Tennessee Billy Boy. We need real conservative leadership.”
Others were more unrestrained, commenting, “This is complete bovine fecal matter. No commies wanted in the free states of America! Can’t wait for you to get out!” and “Get this globalist bulls**t out of TN!”
The Tennessee Conservative posed this question to our readers: “As a Conservative who keeps up in Tennessee, who do you trust more? The World Economic Forum, Vanderbilt, or Bill Lee?”
While some gave the issue careful consideration, others replied with humorous retorts like, “That’s a trick question because they’re all one big bag [of poop]” and “With those options, I might trust Bill Cosby more!”
The general sentiment online seemed to be summed up with one commentor’s, “Yuck.”
Beyond the distaste amongst Tennesseans about the appearance, Lee’s participation at such an event sparks concerns over his adherence to a bill he signed into law earlier this year prohibiting government entities in the state from enforcing mandates or requirements from globalist organizations like the WEF.
SB0263/HB0318 was sponsored during the 2025 legislative session by Republican Senators Joey Hensley, Mark Pody, and Paul Rose and carried by Rep. Tim Rudd in the House.
The bill, which was signed into law by Gov. Lee on May 5, 2025, specifically names the WEF and stipulates, “The World Health Organization, the United Nations, and the World Economic Forum have no jurisdiction in this state. This state and its political subdivisions must not be compelled to enforce, or collaborate with the enforcement of, requirements or mandates issued by the World Health Organization, the United Nations, or the World Economic Forum.”
The law further dictates that requirements or mandates made by these globalist organizations cannot be used to subvert or undermine the state constitution or other state laws and must not be used “to gather public or private information about this state’s citizens or residents.”
While it is not entirely clear exactly what Lee spoke about during his presentation, many Tennesseans seem justifiably upset that the Governor would participate in such an event when he signed a law just six months ago prohibiting the sharing of information about state citizens and rejecting the authority of these organizations.
Though he is term limited and has not made any announcements at this point to seek another public office, the Governor still has a duty to adhere to the laws of his state and protect the best interests of his citizens, and this appearance seems to have eroded that trust for many.
About the Author: Olivia Lupia is a political refugee from Colorado who now calls Tennessee home. A proud follower of Christ, she views all political happenings through a Biblical lens and aims to utilize her knowledge and experience to educate and equip others. Olivia is an outspoken conservative who has run for local office, managed campaigns, and been highly involved with state & local GOPs, state legislatures, and other grassroots organizations and movements. Olivia can be reached at olivia@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
