Trump is very unhappy with 1 top Republican.
After President Donald Trump took to Truth Social on Monday night to attack Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., calling for his primary challenge and declaring, “I will lead the charge against him,” Massie wasted no time firing back. On Tuesday, he turned the heated exchange into a fundraising opportunity while reaffirming his decision to seek re-election.
Trump’s criticism centered on Massie’s consistent opposition to many Republican-backed initiatives, with the former president drawing a comparison to the disgraced ex-Rep. Liz Cheney of Wyoming. Trump lambasted Massie for being a “grandstander” and threatened to rally support for a primary challenger. He even went as far as to suggest that the people of Kentucky wouldn’t tolerate Massie’s positions for long.
“Congressman Thomas Massie, of beautiful Kentucky, is an automatic ‘NO’ vote on just about everything,” Trump wrote. “HE NEEDS TO BE PRIMARIED, and I am going to lead the charge against him. He is just another GRANDSTANDER who is way too problematic and not worth the fight.” Trump continued by comparing Massie to Cheney, who famously turned against the Republican Party after voting to impeach Trump in 2021. Cheney’s subsequent loss to Trump-backed Harriet Hageman in the 2022 GOP primary serves as a cautionary tale for Massie.
Rather than retreating, Massie used the attack as an opportunity to rally his supporters. Through a tweet on X, he encouraged his followers to contribute to his re-election campaign, pointing out that standing firm on principle often comes at a cost. “I’m going to need your help,” Massie urged his supporters, promising to continue being a voice of truth in Washington.
As Congress prepares for a critical vote on government funding, Massie has made it clear that he will not fall in line with Trump’s call for supporting a continuing resolution. Massie has consistently opposed short-term funding bills that he views as part of the problem, and this week’s vote will likely see him remain a “no” vote despite pressure from the White House.
Massie has garnered support from colleagues like Sen. Mike Lee, who came to his defense on X, praising the congressman for his unwavering commitment to controlling federal spending. “I have a profound respect for Massie, who has worked more hard than any member of Congress to control federal spending,” Lee wrote. “If he votes against us, he is going to have a good reason to do it.”
Massie’s relationship with Trump has been anything but smooth. In 2020, Trump called for Massie to be removed from the GOP after Massie disrupted a vote on coronavirus relief legislation, but by 2022, the former president had shifted course, endorsing Massie ahead of his primary victory. Even after endorsing Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis in 2023, Massie later joined Trump’s camp ahead of the 2024 general election.
The back-and-forth between Trump and Massie highlights the ideological divides within the Republican Party. Massie has often proven that he’s willing to buck party leadership when it comes to standing firm on fiscal responsibility and constitutional principles. Despite Trump’s vocal criticisms, it seems that the congressman from Kentucky is more determined than ever to hold his ground and continue his work for the people of his district.