President Trump has declared a political campaign against Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) for opposing the GOP’s short-term government funding bill, stating he will “lead the charge” to have Massie primaried unless he votes for the continuing resolution.
In a Truth Social post on Monday night, Trump criticized Massie’s consistent refusal to support key Republican legislation, comparing him to former Rep. Liz Cheney, who was ousted after opposing Trump.
“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???”
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Massie, a hardline conservative who openly expresses libertarian sympathies and frequently votes against the party line, has declared his opposition to the continuing resolution, calling it a “capitulation” to reckless spending.
The bill, which passed the House Rules Committee on Monday, has earned support from the Freedom Caucus. If passed, the CR would avert a government shutdown, set to take effect at midnight on Friday. However, if only two Republicans vote against the bill on Tuesday, it will likely fail.
“Unless I get a lobotomy Monday that causes me to forget what I’ve witnessed the past 12 years, I’ll be a NO on the CR this week,” Massie posted Sunday on X. “Why would I vote to continue the waste fraud and abuse DOGE has found?”
Unless I get a lobotomy Monday that causes me to forget what I’ve witnessed the past 12 years, I’ll be a NO on the CR this week.
It amazes me that my colleagues and many of the public fall for the lie that we will fight another day.
Check out my prediction 6 months ago: https://t.co/JA1Nyx73Dz
— Thomas Massie (@RepThomasMassie) March 10, 2025
The conflict comes as the GOP faces a critical deadline to prevent a government shutdown, with Massie’s dissent potentially jeopardizing party unity. However, Massie’s track record of staunch conservatism has led many to speak out on his behalf, defending him against Trump’s threats. Sen. Mike Lee, for example, publicly supported Massie, expressing faith in his motives even if he disagrees with the “no” vote.
“I have nothing but profound respect for @RepThomasMassie, who has worked harder than perhaps any member of Congress to bring federal spending under control,” Lee wrote on X. “He might vote differently on this matter than most, but if he does so he’ll have a really good reason. I’m a huge fan.”
I have nothing but profound respect for @RepThomasMassie, who has worked harder than perhaps any member of Congress to bring federal spending under control
He might vote differently on this matter than most, but if he does so he’ll have a really good reason
I’m a huge fan https://t.co/rKsCoW7DTg
— Mike Lee (@BasedMikeLee) March 11, 2025
Massie and Trump have clashed on a number of issues in recent years, with Trump slamming the Kentucky Congressman as a “third rate grandstander” who “just wants the publicity” as far back as 2020. During that dustup, Trump called on Republicans to “WIN BACK HOUSE, but throw Massie out of Republican Party!”
In 2022, Trump, who was no longer in office at the time, made an about-face and resoundingly endorsed Massie during the midterm elections.
Following Trump’s criticism, Massie stated he values transparency and principles over party loyalty, noting previous challenges he faced from Trump-backed candidates in the past–all of whom failed to gain traction.
“Someone thinks they can control my voting card by threatening my re-election,” Massie wrote on social media. “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.”
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. https://t.co/qBXNQmlIN4
— Thomas Massie (@RepThomasMassie) March 10, 2025
Connor Walcott is the lead writer for Valuetainment.com. Follow Connor on X and look for him on VT’s “The Unusual Suspects.”
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