(TheConservativeTimes.org) – For opposing a crucial funding bill and risking a government shutdown, President Donald Trump has vowed to support a primary challenge against House Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY).
The confrontation highlights the growing tension between the president’s agenda and Massie’s consistent opposition to spending measures that the congressman claims do not go far enough to cut government waste.
President Trump took to Truth Social to blast Massie as a “grandstander” who is an “automatic ‘NO’ vote on just about everything.”
The president’s frustration boiled over after Massie refused to back a temporary funding bill that would prevent a government shutdown starting on March 14.
“HE SHOULD BE PRIMARIED, and I will lead the charge against him,” Trump declared. “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 president challenged potential primary opponents on Truth Social.
The funding measure has gained support from the conservative House Freedom Caucus.
President Trump praised the group for delivering “a big blow to the Radical Left Democrats and their desire to raise Taxes and SHUT OUR COUNTRY DOWN!”
The resolution aims to reduce and freeze spending while allowing the Trump administration to tackle waste, fraud, and abuse in government programs.
Massie, a libertarian who has been a consistent obstacle for both the president and House Speaker Mike Johnson, stands firm in his opposition.
He refuses to support the short-term spending measure because it maintains federal funding at 2024 levels without incorporating the cuts he believes are necessary.
Speaker Johnson has struggled with major votes due to Massie’s unreliability as a GOP vote.
With Republicans holding only a slim majority in the House, every vote counts, and Massie’s independent streak has complicated efforts to advance the party’s agenda.
Massie has previously refused to support Johnson’s reelection as speaker and opposed Republicans’ budget bill.
Despite President Trump’s threat, Massie appears unbothered. He responded defiantly on social media, highlighting his strong position with constituents.
“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 said in a post on X.
If the continuing resolution passes by Friday, the government will be funded until at least September 30.
The bill, which President Trump has endorsed, increases defense spending while decreasing non-defense spending below 2024 levels, a priority for many conservatives.
President Trump’s comparison of Massie to Liz Cheney, whom he successfully helped oust from Congress, serves as a warning.
The president has demonstrated his considerable influence over Republican primary voters, but Massie’s unique brand of fiscal conservatism has proven resilient in his Kentucky district.
As the March 14 deadline approaches, the standoff between President Trump and Massie symbolizes a larger debate within the Republican Party about government spending and party loyalty.
Trump says he will personally lead the charge on primarying Thomas Massie
Woah. 👀 pic.twitter.com/oKxxzSsK1R
— johnny maga (@_johnnymaga) March 11, 2025
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