President Donald Trump announced on June 22 that he will actively support a primary challenger against Rep. Thomas Massie (R‑KY) after Massie criticized Trump’s decision to launch strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.
Trump labeled Massie a “simple minded ‘grandstander’” and declared he is “not MAGA,” saying the Congressman “almost always votes ‘NO’” and “thinks it’s good politics for Iran to have the highest-level nuclear weapon.” Trump contrasted Massie with his MAGA base, stating that grassroots conservatives “should drop this pathetic LOSER… like the plague.”
Massie, who introduced a War Powers resolution in the House and called the strikes “unconstitutional,” defended his position on X, warning that U.S. participation in the Middle East bombing campaign constituted an “act of war.”
Speaker Mike Johnson supported Trump’s decision, calling the limited strike “necessary” to counter Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Massie fired back, questioning why Congress was not recalled to debate such a critical military action.
Trump also confirmed plans to establish a super PAC, “Kentucky MAGA,” led by senior advisers, to help elect a new Republican candidate in the 2026 primary. Massie, undeterred, has asked supporters to rally behind his re-election campaign.
This intensifying feud illustrates the broader rift within the GOP between the Trump-aligned MAGA faction and libertarian-leaning members like Massie. Trump’s intervention underscores his insistence on loyalty and unified backing for his foreign policy decisions.
