President Donald Trump called for Republicans to primary Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky on Monday.
Trump ripped Massie in a post on Truth Social, likening the Kentucky Republican to former Rep. Liz Cheney, who lost her Wyoming at-large district to Rep. Harriet Hagemen in 2022. The president turned against Massie as Massie has advocated for voting down a six-month freeze on federal spending.
“Congressman Thomas Massie, of beautiful Kentucky, is an automatic ‘NO’ vote on just about everything, despite the fact that he has always voted for Continuing Resolutions in the past. HE SHOULD BE PRIMARIED, and I will lead the charge against him,” Trump wrote. “He’s just another GRANDSTANDER, who’s too much trouble, and not worth the fight.”
“He reminds me of Liz Chaney [sic] before her historic, record breaking fall (loss!). The people of Kentucky won’t stand for it, just watch. DO I HAVE ANY TAKERS???” the president continued.
Trump also thanked the House Freedom Caucus, the conservative wing of the House GOP, for publicly supporting the continuing resolution that would freeze federal spending levels for six months and avert a government shutdown.
“Anyway, thank you again to the House Freedom Caucus for your very important vote. We need to buy some time in order to MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN, GREATER THAN EVER BEFORE. Unite and Win!!!” Trump said.
Hours before Trump posted his public takedown of Massie, the Kentucky congressman said threats to primary him would not influence his vote.
“Someone thinks they can control my voting card by threatening my re-election. Guess what? Doesn’t work on me. Three times I’ve had a challenger who tried to be more MAGA than me. None busted 25% because my constituents prefer transparency and principles over blind allegiance,” Massie posted.
The House Freedom Caucus, of which Massie is a member, endorsed the continuing resolution package on Monday. The group’s X account said the bill would provide more time for the Trump administration to find and cut waste, fraud, and abuse through the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) project.
“With the six months of funding this bill provides, Freedom Caucus Members look forward to working hand-in-hand with DOGE, OMB, and the new cabinet secretaries in eliminating even more waste, fraud, and abuse — and enacting historic spending reforms via reconciliation — all as part of President Trump’s effort to balance the budget,” the caucus’ message said.
