President Donald Trump has received pushback from Republicans after calling for Kentucky Representative Thomas Massie to be voted out of office.
In a Monday post on Truth Social, the president said he would “lead the charge” in ousting Massie after the GOP lawmaker announced he would not support the Trump-backed government funding bill.
Newsweek has contacted Massie’s office for comment via email.
Why It Matters
House Republicans are slated to vote Tuesday on a continuing resolution that would fund the government at current levels through September and prevent a looming shutdown. Due to the GOP’s razor-thin majority in the House, Massie’s opposition could prove crucial. Speaker Mike Johnson can afford to lose only one Republican vote to pass the measure presuming all 215 Democrats vote “no.”
What to Know
Massie confirmed Monday that he would not support for the short-term spending bill because it maintains federal funding at current levels without considering budget cuts overseen by Elon Musk‘s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
Trump later called for Massie to be ousted from office, saying he would support any challenger in a GOP primary.
Trump also compared Massie to former Wyoming Representative Liz Cheney, whose political career in the Republican Party collapsed after she opposed and criticized Trump for his actions surrounding the January 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol.
A number of Republican and Libertarian figures have since voiced support for Massie on social media, suggesting Trump is making a mistake by attacking the Kentucky lawmaker.
Some have praised Massie for his record, including his unsuccessful attempt to force a recorded vote on a $2 trillion coronavirus aid package. Others argue that any opposition from Massie should be taken seriously, as he is a lawmaker who “reads the bills.” Utah Senator Mike Lee said Massie must have a “really good reason” to oppose the funding bill.
Trump previously called for Massie to be kicked out of office in 2020 for attempting to delay the COVID-19 relief bill. In a March 2020 post on Twitter, now called X, Trump accused Massie of being a “third-rate grandstander” who just wanted “publicity.”
Massie went on to easily win the 2020 GOP primary with 81 percent of the vote and that year’s general election with 67 percent. He won his 2022 and 2024 primaries and elections without serious issue, running unopposed in last November’s general election for Kentucky’s 4th District.
Massie has often been the sole Republican dissenter in House votes. In February, he was the only GOP lawmaker to oppose a major Republican budget bill, which narrowly passed the House by a 217-215 vote.
What People Are Saying
President Donald Trump on Truth Social: “Congressman Thomas Massie, of beautiful Kentucky, is an automatic ‘NO’ vote on just about everything, despite the fact that he has always voted for Continuing Resolutions in the past. HE SHOULD BE PRIMARIED, and I will lead the charge against him. He’s just another GRANDSTANDER, who’s too much trouble, and not worth the fight. He reminds me of Liz Cheney before her historic, record-breaking fall (loss!). The people of Kentucky won’t stand for it, just watch. DO I HAVE ANY TAKERS???”
Representative Thomas Massie posted on X: “Someone thinks they can control my voting card by threatening my re-election. Guess what? Doesn’t work on me. 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.”
Utah Senator Mike Lee posted on X: “I have nothing but profound respect for Massie, who has worked harder than perhaps any member of Congress to bring federal spending under control. He might vote differently on this matter than most, but if he does so, he’ll have a really good reason. I’m a huge fan.”
Nick Sortor, right-wing journalist, wrote: “Even as one of President Trump’s most loyal supporters, I disagree with this. Massie was the ONLY member of Congress who stood up to the COVID boondoggle when the world went freaking mad. The chamber booed and jeered. But Massie was right.”
Chase Oliver, 2024 Libertarian presidential candidate, said on X: “I’m siding with Massie on this. The CR is an insult to fiscal sanity and a sign of business as usual for DC. Massie isn’t an automatic ‘no’ vote, but he is a no vote for spending. If you cut government, he will vote yes, I assure you. Just support his bill ending the Department of Education and see.”
Natalie F. Danelishen, right-wing commentator, posted on X: “One thing I will never agree with Trump on. Thomas Massie votes no because he actually reads the bills. Not the first time Trump has called him a grandstander and won’t be the last. But I won’t let Thomas be primaried. Trump should focus on the Democrats, not Republicans.”
Lynette Kennedy McQuain, former West Virginia Senate Republican primary candidate, wrote on X: “Stand with Trump! Besides, he [Massie] voted with Dems before, and Trump knows what’s up. He never supported Trump, so his bias is showing! Primary!”
What Happens Next
The government will go into shutdown from Saturday unless a temporary spending bill is passed by lawmakers.
Massie is up for reelection in 2026. The date of the GOP primary for his seat has not yet been announced.
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