President Donald Trump renewed his criticism of Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) after the congressman spoke out against Trump’s use of military action against Iran.
Trump said Massie “is not MAGA, even though he likes to say he is. Actually, MAGA doesn’t want him, doesn’t know him, and doesn’t respect him.”
“Massie is weak, ineffective, and votes ‘NO’ on virtually everything put before him (Rand Paul, Jr.), no matter how good something may be. He is disrespectful to our great military, and all that they stand for, not even acknowledging their brilliance and bravery in yesterday’s attack, which was a total and complete WIN,” Trump said on his Truth Social platform.
“Massie should drop his fake act and start putting America First, but he doesn’t know how to get there — he doesn’t have a clue!” Trump added.
Following Trump’s order to strike Iranian nuclear facilities, Massie criticized Trump for circumventing congressional approval for war as outlined in the Constitution. He and Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) introduced the Iran War Powers Resolution to highlight that the Constitution grants the power to declare war to Congress.
Trump claimed there will be a “wonderful American Patriot running against him in the Republican Primary, and I’ll be out in Kentucky campaigning really hard” in the 2026 midterm elections.
Trump also called Massie a “simple minded ‘grandstander,’” which he has previously called the congressman. It’s also not the first time Trump has called for Massie to face a primary challenge for not being completely aligned with his policies. In March, Trump called for Massie to face a primary challenger for voting against a continuing resolution to fund the government.
Massie has represented his Kentucky district in Congress since 2012 and has won all of his recent elections and primaries with no serious challenge. He has often been the sole Republican to break with the caucus on other votes.
MASSIE SAYS ‘NO IMMINENT THREAT’ FROM IRAN AUTHORIZED TRUMP TO BYPASS CONGRESS FOR STRIKES
Massie dismissed Trump’s March comments.
“Someone thinks they can control my voting card by threatening my re-election. Guess what? Doesn’t work on me,” Massie said in response to Trump. “Three times I’ve had a challenger who tried to be more MAGA than me. None busted 25 percent because my constituents prefer transparency and principles over blind allegiance.”