President Donald Trump declared on Friday his endorsement of a primary opponent for Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY), who has increasingly opposed the administration and often votes contrary to the president’s policies.
The endorsement was first hinted at in July, shortly after Massie voted against the Trump-supported “Big Beautiful Bill,” which aimed to implement several key campaign promises, including significant funding increases for immigration enforcement, making the president’s 2017 tax cuts permanent, and introducing various economic incentives such as eliminating taxes on tips.
Trump has enlisted Chris LaCivita, a co-chair of his 2024 presidential campaign, to lead the effort against Massie. On Friday, the president took to social media to formally announce his support for the challenger, labeling the Kentucky lawmaker as “third-rate.”
“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, must be thrown out of office, ASAP!” Trump stated in a post on Truth Social. “The incredible people of Kentucky’s 4th Congressional District gave us a mandate to MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN, and the person that will help us do that is Navy SEAL, Army Ranger, and Fifth Generation Kentucky Farmer, Captain Ed Gallrein, a true America First Patriot.”
Gallrein previously ran for a state senate seat last year but lost in a close GOP primary. The victor of that race, fellow Navy SEAL and now-state Sen. Aaron Reed, was also considered by Trump’s team as a potential challenger to Massie, according to Politico.
Other Republicans have suggested that former Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron and gubernatorial candidate Daniel Cameron should also consider running against Massie, the outlet reported.
Despite these considerations, Trump appears to favor Gallrein, who has yet to officially enter the race. “I hope Ed gets into the Race against Massie, who is now polling at about 9% because the Great People of Kentucky are wise to him — He only votes against the Republican Party, making life very easy for the Radical Left,” Trump remarked.
“Unlike ‘lightweight’ Massie, a totally ineffective LOSER who has failed us so badly, CAPTAIN ED GALLREIN IS A WINNER WHO WILL NOT LET YOU DOWN. Should he decide to challenge Massie, Captain Ed Gallrein has my Complete and Total Endorsement. RUN, ED, RUN — MAGA!”
