(VitalNews.org) – President Donald Trump has called for Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) to be primaried for joining Democrats in opposing a crucial government funding measure.
The president’s strong rebuke comes as the battle to avert a government shutdown intensifies, with the March 14 deadline quickly approaching.
President Trump took to Truth Social to blast Massie’s opposition to the continuing resolution (CR) that would fund the government until September 30.
The president did not mince words when he declared:
“HE SHOULD BE PRIMARIED, and I will lead the charge against him. He’s just another GRANDSTANDER, who’s too much trouble, and not worth the fight. He reminds me of Liz Chaney before her historic, record breaking fall (loss!). The people of Kentucky won’t stand for it, just watch. DO I HAVE ANY TAKERS???”
The “clean” temporary funding bill has received President Trump’s endorsement and crucial backing from the House Freedom Caucus, which traditionally aligns with fiscal conservatives like Massie.
The Freedom Caucus support gives Speaker Mike Johnson much-needed momentum to pass the measure before the shutdown deadline hits on Saturday.
Known for his libertarian principles and fiscal conservatism, Massie has been a consistent obstacle to Republican leadership.
Despite President Trump’s criticism, the congressman from Kentucky appears unbothered by threats to his political future, pointing to his successful track record against previous challengers.
“Three times I’ve had a challenger who tried to be more MAGA than me. None busted 25% because my constituents prefer transparency and principles over blind allegiance,” Massie responded on X.
The continuing resolution would maintain federal funding at 2024 levels, which Massie opposes because it does not include spending cuts.
However, President Trump and House Republican leadership view the measure as necessary so the administration can continue to address government waste, fraud, and abuse more thoroughly.
The president praised the House Freedom Caucus, underscoring the delicate balance Republican leaders are maintaining.
“Thank you to the House Freedom Caucus for just delivering a big blow to the Radical Left Democrats and their desire to raise Taxes and SHUT OUR COUNTRY DOWN!” President Trump stated.
He added, “They hate America and all it stands for. That’s why they allowed MILLIONS of Criminals to invade our Nation. Sometimes it takes great courage to do the right thing.”
Speaker Johnson’s razor-thin majority makes every vote critical, and Massie’s unreliability has caused headaches for GOP leadership.
The congressman from Kentucky previously refused to support Johnson’s reelection as speaker and has opposed several key Republican bills, making him a persistent thorn in leadership’s side.
The Trump-backed measure aims to increase defense spending while decreasing non-defense spending below 2024 levels.
With Reps. Tim Burchett (R-TN) and Cory Mills (R-FL) still undecided, Republican leadership can’t afford to lose many more votes if they hope to pass the measure before the shutdown deadline.
President Trump even compared Massie to Liz Cheney, whom he successfully helped oust from Congress.
For now, Massie seems confident in his position, banking on his constituents as the high-stakes government funding battle continues.
🚨President Trump says Congressman Thomas Massie should be primaried and he will personally lead the charge. pic.twitter.com/ZSgeHYSGpp
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) March 11, 2025
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