President Donald Trump has declared his intention to actively campaign against Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.), who has opposed the GOP’s short-term government funding bill ahead of an impending deadline that could lead to a shutdown.
In a post late Monday on Truth Social, Trump expressed appreciation for the House Freedom Caucus, which has backed Speaker Mike Johnson’s (R-La.) plan to keep the government open. He then shifted his focus to Massie, criticizing him for refusing to support the stopgap measure and calling for him to face a primary challenge.
Trump wrote, “Thank you to the House Freedom Caucus for delivering a major victory against the Radical Left Democrats, who want higher taxes and a government shutdown! They don’t care about America or its values. That’s why they’ve allowed millions of illegal immigrants to pour into our country. It takes real courage to stand up for what’s right. But Congressman Thomas Massie, from the great state of Kentucky, votes ‘NO’ on almost everything—even though he has supported Continuing Resolutions in the past. He should be primaried, and I will lead the charge to make it happen.”
Drawing comparisons to former Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.), whom he opposed in the 2022 midterms after she served on the committee investigating the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, Trump portrayed Massie as an unnecessary obstacle within the party.
“He’s just another grandstander who causes too much trouble and isn’t worth the effort. He reminds me of Liz Cheney before her record-breaking defeat. The people of Kentucky won’t put up with this—just wait and see! Any takers? Anyway, big thanks again to the House Freedom Caucus for their critical support. We need to buy some time to Make America Great Again greater than ever before. Unite and win!” Trump added.
Massie, known for his opposition to excessive government spending, has frequently challenged his party on fiscal issues. In response to Trump’s remarks, he remained defiant.
“Someone thinks they can control my vote by threatening my re-election. Guess what? That doesn’t work on me,” Massie posted on X, formerly Twitter, before Trump’s statement.
As the funding deadline looms, the clash between Trump and Massie highlights deeper divisions within the Republican Party, particularly on issues of government spending and political loyalty.