President Trump calls Rep. Thomas Massie “the worst Republican” and vows to back a challenger after Massie’s “no” vote.

Trump Targets Kentucky Congressman for Primary Challenge

President Donald Trump intensified his ongoing feud with Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., on Monday night, publicly branding the congressman as “the worst Republican Congressman” and promising to back a strong challenger in Kentucky’s upcoming GOP primary. The criticism follows Massie’s decision to vote against the Trump-endorsed One Big Beautiful Bill Act, a sweeping legislative package reflecting key administration priorities.

In a forceful Truth Social post, Trump denounced Massie’s record, writing, “Thomas Massie, the worst Republican Congressman, and an almost guaranteed NO VOTE each and every time, is an Embarrassment to Kentucky. He’s lazy, slow moving, and totally disingenuous – A real loser! Never has anything positive to add. Looking for someone good to run against this guy, someone I can Endorse and vigorously campaign for!” The post was accompanied by a campaign video from MAGA KY, urging voters to “fire Thomas Massie.”

Rep. Massie, known for his fiscal conservatism and independent streak, has frequently bucked party leadership, including his opposition to the Trump-backed bill. Massie’s principled votes against expansive federal spending have drawn both praise and criticism within Republican circles, with Trump and his allies viewing him as an obstacle to key legislative goals.

Intra-Party Divisions Surface as 2026 Elections Loom

Trump’s pledge to campaign in Kentucky for a Massie challenger underscores intensifying divisions within the Republican Party as the 2026 midterm elections approach. “He is not MAGA,” Trump said in a previous post, promising that “we will have a wonderful American Patriot running against him in the Republican Primary, and I’ll be out in Kentucky campaigning really hard.”

The push to unseat Massie highlights broader debates about the future direction of the GOP, as Trump-aligned figures seek to solidify control over party ideology and candidate selection. Massie’s stance resonates with some fiscal conservatives who are wary of expanding government spending, while Trump’s base remains loyal to his signature policies and direct style.

Despite mounting pressure from the president and the MAGA movement, Massie may still benefit from support among independent conservatives and national figures. Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk has signaled he will donate to Massie’s re-election effort, introducing a notable dynamic into the Kentucky primary race.

As Trump continues to mobilize his supporters and search for a suitable candidate to challenge Massie, the Kentucky contest is shaping up to be a high-profile test of MAGA influence within the party. The outcome could have broader implications for intra-party unity and the shape of Republican leadership in Congress for years to come.