President Donald Trump encouraged Ed Gallrein on Friday to challenge Rep. Thomas Massie in the upcoming Kentucky Republican primary, the Washington Examiner reported. This comes after Massie has opposed Trump on several issues, including refusing to sign onto his signature legislation and breaking with the president over Israel.
Trump had threatened to back a challenge for Massie’s seat over their disagreements. Now it appears he’s ready to make good on that.
The Kentucky Republican, who has been in Congress since 2012, has also faced a challenge from a super PAC in June looking to stop his 2026 reelection. Massie has not only lost the president’s backing, but also faces opposition from House Speaker Mike Johnson.
Still, Gallrein has yet to announce his intention to run for the U.S. House of Representatives. He previously ran for Kentucky state senate and lost in a tight three-way race.
Trump posted about his disapproval for Massie on his Truth Social on Friday. “Third Rate Congressman Thomas Massie, a Weak and Pathetic RINO from the Great Commonwealth of Kentucky, a place I love, and won big SIX TIMES, must be thrown out of office, ASAP!” Trump wrote.
The president then pivoted to his endorsement of Gallrein. “The incredible people of Kentucky’s 4th Congressional District gave us a mandate to, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN, and the person that will help us do that is Navy SEAL, Army Ranger, and Fifth Generation Kentucky Farmer, Captain Ed Gallrein, a true America First Patriot,” Trump wrote.
“A Brave Combat Veteran, Ed knows the Wisdom and Courage required to Defend our Country, Support our Military/Veterans, and Ensure PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH. Additionally, as a very successful Businessman, Ed knows how to Create GREAT Jobs, Cut Taxes and Regulations, Promote MADE IN THE U.S.A., Support our Amazing Farmers and American Agriculture, Unleash American Energy Dominance, and Champion our Nation’s Golden Age,” Trump gushed.
”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. I hope Ed gets into the Race against Massie, who is now polling at about 9% because the Great People of Kentucky are wise to him — He only votes against the Republican Party, making life very easy for the Radical Left,”Trump charged.
“Unlike ‘lightweight’ Massie, a totally ineffective LOSER who has failed us so badly, CAPTAIN ED GALLREIN IS A WINNER WHO WILL NOT LET YOU DOWN. Should he decide to challenge Massie, Captain Ed Gallrein has my Complete and Total Endorsement. RUN, ED, RUN — MAGA!”
Despite these attacks, Massie has amassed an impressive war chest, raising more than three-quarters of a million dollars. This is a record for the Kentucky Republican.
Massie is a proven winner and received 76% of the vote in his 2024 primary. He’s also continued to support Trump, even if he disagrees with some of his recent policies and stances.
Meanwhile, Massie has pointed out that Gallrein is a supporter of establishment Republicans based on donation records. “We’ll look here. The hack Trump just endorsed to run against me is a Lindsay Graham donor,” Massie posted to X, formerly Twitter, on Saturday.
Well look 👀 here. The hack Trump just endorsed to run against me is a Lindsey Graham donor❗️ pic.twitter.com/pePwtiHszp
— Thomas Massie for Congress (@MassieforKY) October 18, 2025
Trump demands loyalty from his fellow Republicans, and he’s right to do so. There is so much opposition coming from the left already that the GOP needs to present a united front against them.
