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Trump Backs Navy SEAL Against Massie in Venezuela Debate

1/6/2026

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Summary

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump endorsed Ed Gallrein, a retired Navy SEAL, in a Republican primary against Rep. Thomas Massie over the Venezuela intervention that ousted Nicolás Maduro.
Rep. Thomas Massie criticized the intervention as bypassing Congress and driven by oil interests, not drugs.
Ed Gallrein defended the intervention, saying it sends a message to rogue regimes and could improve Venezuela's prospects.
The May primary will determine Trump's influence within the Republican Party.

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Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump endorsed Ed Gallrein, a retired Navy SEAL, in a Republican primary against Rep. Thomas Massie over the Venezuela intervention that ousted Nicolás Maduro.
Rep. Thomas Massie criticized the intervention as bypassing Congress and driven by oil interests, not drugs.
Ed Gallrein defended the intervention, saying it sends a message to rogue regimes and could improve Venezuela's prospects.
The May primary will determine Trump's influence within the Republican Party.