President Donald Trump launched a scathing attack on Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky, declaring the Republican congressman is “not MAGA, even though he likes to say he is” on Truth Social following Massie’s criticism of U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.
Newsweek reached out to Massie’s office via email on Sunday for comment.
What It Matters
Trump on Saturday evening announced what he described as a “very successful attack” against three Iranian nuclear sites at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan
The president’s decision came after Israel and Iran have exchanged consistent strikes since June 13. Israel had urged the U.S. to target Iran’s nuclear facilities, saying that Tehran was moving close to creating a nuclear weapon. Iran maintains that its nuclear program is for civilian purposes—not for weapons.
Taking to X, formerly Twitter, after Trump announced the strikes, Massie said, “This is not Constitutional.“
The strikes have sparked concerns from some Democrats and some Republicans about a wider war breaking out—with some lawmakers accusing the president of violating the U.S. Constitution with the strikes.
What To Know
Massie and Representative Ro Khanna, a California Democrat, introduced a bipartisan War Powers Resolution last Tuesday in a bid to curb Trump’s ability to escalate tensions with Iran.
“The Constitution does not permit the executive branch to unilaterally commit an act of war against a sovereign nation that hasn’t attacked the United States,” Massie said in a press release announcing the resolution. “Congress has the sole power to declare war against Iran. The ongoing war between Israel and Iran is not our war. Even if it were, Congress must decide such matters according to our Constitution.”
Massie invited participation from lawmakers across the aisle, underscoring bipartisan concern about unauthorized military actions, Newsweek previously reported. Khanna quickly co-sponsored the measure and publicly called for Congress to reconvene and vote.
“Stopping Iran from having a nuclear bomb is a top priority, but dragging the U.S. into another Middle East war is not the solution,” Khanna said in a press release.
“Trump’s strikes are unconstitutional and put Americans, especially our troops, at risk,” Khanna added. “Congress needs to come back to DC immediately to vote on Rep. Thomas Massie and my bipartisan War Powers Resolution to ensure there is no further conflict and escalation.”
The resolution has garnered support from over 40 House members, including Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Rashida Tlaib, and Pramila Jayapal. MAGA (Make America Great Again) supporter Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, a Georgia Republican, has even signaled support, emphasizing on X that Americans want domestic priorities addressed “not going into another foreign war.”
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, a New York Democrat, endorsed a companion resolution introduced by Senator Tim Kaine, a Virginia Democrat, stating “No president should be allowed to unilaterally march this nation into something as consequential as war with erratic threats and no strategy.”
House Minority Whip Katherine Clark stated: “The power to declare war resides solely with Congress. Donald Trump’s unilateral decision to attack Iran is unauthorized and unconstitutional.”
The list remains heavily Democrat, though more Republicans may break with the party in the coming days as the aftermath of Trump’s military strikes continue to play out.
What People Are Saying
President Donald Trump wrote in a Truth Social post on Sunday: “Congressman Thomas Massie of Kentucky 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. He is a negative force who almost always Votes “NO,” no matter how good something may be. He’s a simple minded “grandstander” who thinks it’s good politics for Iran to have the highest level Nuclear weapon, while at the same time yelling “DEATH TO AMERICA” at every chance they get.”
He added: “Iran has killed and maimed thousands of Americans, and even took over the American Embassy in Tehran under the Carter Administration. We had a spectacular military success yesterday, taking the “bomb” right out of their hands (and they would use it if they could!) but, as usual, and despite all of the praise and accolades received, this “lightweight” Congressman is against what was so brilliantly achieved last night in Iran. 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. 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 concluded: “He’ll undoubtedly vote against the Great, Big, Beautiful Bill, even though non-passage means a 68% Tax Increase for everybody, and many things far worse than that. MAGA should drop this pathetic LOSER, Tom Massie, like the plague! The good news is 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. MAGA is not about lazy, grandstanding, nonproductive politicians, of which Thomas Massie is definitely one. Thank you to our incredible military for the AMAZING job they did last night. It was really SPECIAL!!! MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN.”
Representative Thomas Massie on X, formerly Twitter on Sunday: “I introduced a War Powers Resolution on Tuesday, while Congress was on vacation. We would have had plenty of time to debate and vote on this.”
What Happens Next?
The House War Powers Resolution is scheduled for a mandatory floor vote within 15 days under the chamber’s rules.
The post Donald Trump Hits Back at Republican Thomas Massie: ‘Not MAGA’ appeared first on Newsweek.
