President Donald Trump reportedly turned his political firepower back toward Rep. Thomas Massie on Sunday, declaring the Kentucky Republican “must be thrown out of office” as tensions inside the GOP continue to intensify over spending, foreign policy, and loyalty to the president’s agenda.
The renewed attack came just one day after Trump celebrated a major victory in Louisiana, where Sen. Bill Cassidy finished third in a Republican primary behind Trump-backed Rep. Julia Letlow and Louisiana Treasurer John Fleming.
Trump has targeted Cassidy ever since the Louisiana senator voted to convict him during the second impeachment trial tied to the January 6 Capitol riot. Cassidy’s disappointing finish was widely viewed as another sign of Trump’s continued influence inside Republican politics, particularly among voters skeptical of establishment Republicans.
Now the president appears determined to focus that same energy on Massie, a longtime fiscal conservative who has repeatedly broken with Republican leadership and openly challenged parts of Trump’s agenda.
Massie opposed Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill,” citing concerns about spending, and recently worked alongside Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna in efforts tied to the release of Epstein-related files. Those moves further strained his already rocky relationship with the White House.
In a blistering social media post Sunday, Trump unloaded on the Kentucky congressman in characteristic fashion.
“Third Rate Congressman Thomas Massie, a Weak and Pathetic RINO from the Great Commonwealth of Kentucky, a place I love, and won big SIX TIMES, including all Primaries, must be thrown out of office, ASAP!” Trump wrote.
The president accused Massie of opposing core Republican priorities and argued the congressman had consistently undermined the party.
“He is the Worst ‘Republican’ Congressman in History,” Trump continued, accusing Massie of voting against tax cuts, border wall funding, and law enforcement measures, among other issues.
Trump instead threw his support behind Ed Gallrein, describing the candidate as a “true America First Patriot.” The president highlighted Gallrein’s background as a Navy SEAL, Army Ranger, and fifth-generation Kentucky farmer while portraying him as the candidate better suited to advance the MAGA movement.
“Unlike ‘lightweight’ Massie,” Trump wrote, “CAPTAIN ED GALLREIN IS A WINNER WHO WILL NOT LET YOU DOWN.”
The escalating feud highlights a broader struggle within the Republican Party between Trump-aligned populists and lawmakers who have at times resisted elements of the president’s agenda, particularly on government spending and foreign policy. Massie has built a reputation as a deficit hawk willing to buck party leadership, a stance that has earned him both loyal supporters and fierce critics.
A new independent poll of 86 Northern Kentucky voters suggested the race may be tightening. According to the survey, 48.3 percent said they planned to support Gallrein, while 43.1 percent backed Massie. Another 7.6 percent remained undecided.
Despite the pressure from Trump and outside groups, Massie projected confidence during an appearance Sunday on ABC’s “This Week.”
“You can tell that I’m ahead in the polls and they’re desperate,” Massie said, referring to the Trump administration and its allies.
Massie also claimed major political forces were mobilizing against him because they view him as a threat. He pointed to upcoming visits to his district and additional spending in the race, including what he said was another $3 million from AIPAC over the weekend.
“They’re panicked,” Massie said, arguing his opponents still “haven’t been able to gain a lead in this race.”
The clash underscores the increasingly bitter divisions inside the GOP as Trump allies work aggressively to reshape the party ahead of another contentious election cycle, even as debates continue over spending, military involvement overseas, and the future direction of the conservative movement.
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