Former President Donald Trump has publicly called for Republicans to challenge Rep. Thomas Massie in the upcoming primaries. This announcement came on Monday via a post on Truth Social, where Trump criticized Massie for his recent stance on federal spending.
Trump’s disapproval stems from Massie’s opposition to a proposed six-month freeze on federal spending, which Trump supports. In his post, Trump described Massie as an automatic "NO" vote on many issues, despite his past support for Continuing Resolutions. He urged Republicans to primary Massie, comparing him to former Rep. Liz Cheney, who faced a significant defeat in 2022. Trump stated, “He’s just another GRANDSTANDER, who’s too much trouble, and not worth the fight.”
The former president also expressed gratitude to the House Freedom Caucus, a conservative group within the House of Representatives, for backing the spending resolution aimed at preventing a government shutdown. He emphasized the need for unity among Republicans to achieve their goals.
In response to Trump’s threats, Massie remained defiant. He tweeted that attempts to control his voting decisions through threats of a primary challenge would not work. He highlighted that previous challengers had failed to gain significant support in his district, asserting that his constituents value transparency and principles over strict loyalty.
The House Freedom Caucus, which includes Massie, endorsed the spending resolution. They stated that the bill would allow the Trump administration to address waste and inefficiency in government spending. The caucus expressed eagerness to collaborate with various government departments to implement reforms.
This public clash between Trump and Massie highlights the ongoing tensions within the Republican Party, particularly regarding spending and fiscal responsibility. As the political landscape evolves, it remains to be seen how this will affect Massie’s position and the dynamics of the upcoming primaries.