Trump Targets Kentucky Congressman Thomas Massie in Republican Primary

On May 17, President Donald Trump used Truth Social to call Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) “the worst and most unreliable Republican Congressman,” urging Kentucky voters to “vote the bum out” and endorsing Ed Gallrein, a retired Navy SEAL, for the May 19 primary.

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Massie, elected in 2012, has voted against Trump’s tax bill, the border wall, and supported release of the Jeffrey Epstein files. Gallrein, a retired Navy SEAL, runs with Trump’s endorsement. Sen. Rand Paul backs Massie; Rep. Lauren Boebert was criticized by Trump for supporting him.

The Guardian

Trump formally endorsed Gallrein in October 2025. In March 2026 he rallied in the district, warning “We’ve got to get rid of this loser.” Quantus Insights poll (May 11-12) showed Gallrein leading 48%-43% with 8% undecided, a swing from an April poll that had Massie ahead by nine points.

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The contest tests Trump’s influence over GOP nominations ahead of the 2026 midterms. A Gallrein win would reinforce the former president’s sway, while a Massie victory could signal limits to that control amid declining Republican approval of Trump.

Fox News (website)

Trump’s Truth Social posts accused Massie of voting against tax cuts, the border wall, the military and law enforcement, calling him a “true negative force.” Massie replied on ABC’s *This Week* that he is “the only one they haven’t been able to bully.” Rand Paul warned Trump’s attacks could “burn bridges,” and Boebert’s office noted her primary is already closed.

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At Pee Wee’s Place in Crescent Springs, patrons debated the race. John Johnson (78) said he supports Massie for his “straight-up” stance, while Jim Carmichael (57) called Massie a “RINO” who harms party prospects.

The Guardian

Polling shows a rapid swing from a Massie lead to a Gallrein lead, but methodology is not disclosed. Gallrein’s campaign funding is described only as “pro-Israel donor organizations,” without detailed attribution.

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• “Tom Massie of Kentucky, the worst and most unreliable Republican Congressman in the history of our Country, is an even bigger insult to our Nation than Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, who suffered an unprecedented loss tonight by not even being allowed to run in the Republican Primary,” — Donald Trump, Truth Social (May 17)

Fox News (website)

• “Bad Congressman Tom Massie voted against Tax Cuts, the Border Wall, our Military and Law Enforcement. Actually, he voted against almost everything that is good. The Worst Republican Congressman in History. Kentucky, vote the bum out on Tuesday. Massie, a libertarian-leaning anti-debt crusader first elected in 2012, has repeatedly infuriated the administration by using his position to obstruct key parts of the President's legislative agenda. The long-brewing feud recently intensified after Massie voted against the administration's top priority, the marquee tax and spending package known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, citing severe concerns over its multi-trillion-dollar impact on the national debt and domestic inflation. President exposes lengthy legislative resistance Trump's message detailed a long list of grievances against the veteran incumbent, framing Massie’s policy positions as a direct threat to core conservative objectives. The President highlighted Massie's legislative record of voting against the border wall, the military, and domestic law enforcement.” — Donald Trump, Truth Social (May 17)

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• “I’m the only one they haven’t been able to bully,” — Thomas Massie, *This Week* (May 17)

The Guardian

• “I’m leaning to Massie because I like his attitude when it comes to being straight up on issues,” — John Johnson, patron at Pee Wee’s Place (May 17)

The Guardian

The May 19 primary will decide the GOP nominee. A Gallrein victory would allow Trump to claim a decisive win, while a Massie hold would prompt analysts to reassess the former president’s leverage ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

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