Trump Calls for Removal of Epstein-Focused Opponent from Congress
Former President Donald Trump has called for the removal of Republican Representative Thomas Massie from Congress. He made these remarks during a post on Truth Social, urging the MAGA supporters in Kentucky to oust Massie in the 2026 midterm elections.
Trump’s Criticism of Massie
Trump described Massie as a “Third Rate Congressman,” labeling him a “Weak and Pathetic RINO” (Republican In Name Only) during his Friday night tirade. He expressed discontent with Massie’s dissenting views within the Republican Party, especially regarding budget proposals and Trump’s initiatives.
- Massie has been a consistent critic since Trump took office again in January.
- He opposed Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill” earlier in July.
Polling Metrics and Political Rivalry
Trump claimed that Massie’s popularity is dwindling, asserting that he is polling at around 9 percent. This assertion, however, lacks clear sourcing. A June poll by Kaplan Strategies indicated that only 23 percent of Republican primary voters viewed Massie favorably, with that support dropping significantly against a Trump-backed challenger.
- 23% of voters view Massie favorably (June poll).
- Support declines to 14% in a matchup against a Trump-endorsed opponent.
Potential Challenger: Ed Gallrein
In his post, Trump endorsed Captain Ed Gallrein, a former Navy SEAL who previously ran for the Kentucky state Senate. Trump encouraged Gallrein to run against Massie in the upcoming primary, claiming he would bring effectiveness that Massie lacks.
“Unlike ‘lightweight’ Massie, a totally ineffective LOSER, CAPTAIN ED GALLREIN IS A WINNER WHO WILL NOT LET YOU DOWN,” Trump stated.
Massie’s Fundraising and Advocacy
Amid Trump’s criticism, Massie has demonstrated strong fundraising abilities, accumulating over $1.7 million this summer. He has garnered support from fellow GOP member and Trump critic, Senator Rand Paul.
Epstein Case and Congressional Actions
Massie has significantly focused on the Epstein scandal, collaborating with Democratic Congressman Ro Khanna to push for the release of documents related to the investigation. This bipartisan effort involves a discharge petition designed to challenge GOP leadership and prompt a House vote on the matter.
Historically, Trump has been intertwined with the Epstein case, facing criticism for his past associations. Recently, he has even considered the possibility of pardoning Ghislaine Maxwell, who is currently imprisoned for sex trafficking. This decision has raised eyebrows due to perceived connections between her comments and support for Trump.
Conclusion
The political landscape continues to shift as Trump seeks to rally his MAGA supporters against Massie. The upcoming primary promises to be contentious, particularly with the focus on key issues surrounding transparency in the Epstein case.
