President Trump accused Rep.Thomas Massie of fraudulently promoting an outdated endorsement in Kentucky's Republican primary, demanding the congressman immediately withdraw what Trump called a "fake statement."
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Trump posted on Truth Social that Massie circulated an old endorsement "from many years ago" before Trump discovered he was "the Worst Congressman in the History of our Country." The president has since endorsed Ed Gallrein, whom he described as "a true American Patriot," for Kentucky's 4th Congressional District seat.
Navy SEAL Challenger Gains Trump Support
The dispute centers on Massie's use of Trump's previous backing while the former president now supports his challenger. Gallrein, a Navy SEAL veteran, secured Trump's endorsement as Insider Wire previously reported on the primary battle.
Trump's statement accused Massie of knowingly misleading voters about his current standing with the former president. "The statement that he put out is fraudulent, just like HE is fraudulent," Trump wrote, demanding Massie "WITHDRAW YOUR FAKE STATEMENT, MASSIE, RIGHT NOW!"
The Kentucky congressman has frequently clashed with Trump and Republican leadership on key votes, including opposition to foreign aid packages and defense spending measures. Massie's libertarian positions have put him at odds with Trump's America First agenda on multiple occasions.
Primary Fight Tests Trump's Influence
The public rebuke highlights Trump's continued effort to reshape the Republican Party by backing challengers against incumbents he views as disloyal. Massie represents a solidly Republican district covering northern Kentucky, making the primary the decisive contest.
Gallrein's military background and Trump endorsement position him as the establishment-backed alternative to Massie's libertarian approach. The race tests whether Trump's influence can overcome an incumbent with strong grassroots conservative support in his home district.
The primary outcome will signal Trump's continued power to reshape congressional races and whether his endorsement can topple sitting Republicans who've crossed him on key votes.