Trump takes anti-Massie crusade to Kentucky in stark escalation

Axios
by Kate Santaliz
March 11, 2026
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3 min read

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President Trump escalated his feud with GOP Rep. Thomas Massie, endorsing his primary challenger.

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President Trump escalated his feud with GOP Rep. Thomas Massie by visiting Massie's Kentucky district on Wednesday, calling him "disloyal" and a "nut job." During the visit, Trump brought Massie's primary challenger, Ed Gallrein, on stage and endorsed him, calling Gallrein "a real hero." This marks the first time Trump's political organization has targeted a Republican incumbent for defeat this cycle in person. The intensity of Trump's anti-Massie efforts means the primary outcome will be scored as a test of Trump's influence. Massie did not immediately respond to Trump's remarks but stated his constituents are questioning Trump's stance on Iran and its economic impact.

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