Hours after endorsing Rep. Thomas Massie's GOP primary opponent, President Donald Trump on Wednesday called the Kentucky congressman "the worst" Republican lawmaker "in the long and fabled history of the United States Congress."
Trump unleashed the criticism in a Truth Social post, escalating a long-running feud with the Kentucky Republican as the president pushes to replace him with a candidate more aligned with the MAGA movement.
"I predict that 'Representative' Thomas Massie will go down as the WORST Republican Congressman in the long and fabled history of the United States Congress," Trump wrote. "They are all misfits and losers, but Massie ... will hopefully lose BIG. I LOVE KENTUCKY!!!"
The blistering attack came hours after Trump publicly endorsed Capt. Ed Gallrein, a decorated combat veteran and political newcomer, for Kentucky's 4th Congressional District seat held by Massie.
Trump praised Gallrein, a former Navy SEAL, Army Ranger, businessman, and fifth-generation Kentucky farmer, as a candidate who could better advance the administration's agenda.
"The person that will help us do the job, and do it right, is Navy SEAL, Army Ranger, Fifth Generation Kentucky Farmer, and American Hero, Captain Ed Gallrein," Trump wrote in a separate Truth Social post Tuesday night. "A true Patriot."
Gallrein officially filed to run for Congress this week, prompting Trump to urge MAGA supporters to rally behind him in the GOP primary.
Trump argued Gallrein represents the kind of leadership needed to support conservative priorities, including strengthening border security, boosting domestic energy production, cutting taxes and regulations, and supporting American agriculture.
"In Congress, he will fight tirelessly to keep our now very secure border SECURE, stop migrant crime, and defend our always under siege Second Amendment," Trump said.
The endorsement highlights deepening tensions between Trump and Massie, who has emerged as one of the president's most outspoken Republican critics in Congress.
Massie has publicly clashed with Trump on several issues in recent months, including the administration's military strikes on Iran and the release of files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The Kentucky lawmaker also recently criticized the economic impact of the Middle East conflict.
"The price of gas has gone up $0.47 and the price of diesel has gone up $0.83 in 10 days due to war with Iran," Massie wrote on X. "This isn't America First."
Massie further angered Trump allies by co-sponsoring a House war powers resolution aimed at limiting the president's authority to take military action against Iran.
The effort was backed largely by Democrats and ultimately failed, as most Republicans sided with the administration.
Gallrein's campaign has echoed Trump's criticisms, accusing Massie of obstructing the president's agenda.
"This is Trump Country," Gallrein's campaign website states. "It's time we had a Congressman who acts like it."
Trump is scheduled to visit Kentucky on Wednesday, including a stop in Massie's district, where he is expected to highlight his economic agenda and rally support for Gallrein's campaign.
With the president's endorsement and direct attacks on the incumbent, the Kentucky GOP primary is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched Republican intraparty battles of the election cycle.
Charlie McCarthy ✉
Charlie McCarthy, a writer/editor at Newsmax, has nearly 40 years of experience covering news, sports, and politics.
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