Trump Promises to Lead Primary Challenge Against House Republican Opposed to Spending Bill: ‘Reminds Me of Liz Chaney’

AP Photo/Alex Brandon

President Donald Trump went on the attack on Monday night against Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY), promising to “lead the charge” to primary the libertarian-leanng budget hawk.

“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! 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,” Trump began with his usual bluster, adding:

Congressman Thomas Massie, of beautiful Kentucky, is an automatic “NO” vote on just about everything, despite the fact that he has always voted for Continuing Resolutions in the past. 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.

Trump went on try and connect Massie to another of his favorite targets in the GOP, ex-Rep Liz Cheney (R-WY) – who Trump successfully led a primary challenge against. “He reminds me of Liz Chaney [sic] before her historic, record breaking fall (loss!),” Trump jabbed, concluding:

The people of Kentucky won’t stand for it, just watch. DO I HAVE ANY TAKERS??? Anyway, thank you again to the House Freedom Caucus for your very important vote. We need to buy some time in order to MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN, GREATER THAN EVER BEFORE. Unite and Win!!!

Massie has long bucked his own party on key votes, particularly when it comes to spending and foreign policy as he promotes limiting the scope of government wherever possible. “I’m not voting for the Continuing Resolution budget (cut-copy-paste omnibus) this week. Why would I vote to continue the waste fraud and abuse DOGE has found? We were told the CR in December would get us to March when we would fight. Here we are in March, punting again!” Massie wrote on X over the weekend.

Trump 2024 campaign manager Chris LaCivita joined in the threats against Massie and wrote on X, “Tick tock Tommie.”

Massie replied to LaCivita, writing, “Someone thinks they can control my voting card by threatening my re-election. Guess what? Doesn’t work on me. 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.” LaCivita replied by doubling down, writing, “Never faced me ….stand by.”

https://www.twitter.com/ChrisLaCivita/status/1899265194305417688

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA), who Massie did not support for the speaker, can only afford to lose two GOP votes in the House to pass bills on party lines. Rep. Rich McCormick (R-GA) has also told reporters he’s currently against the bill, but has signaled he’s not an absolute “no.”

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