PALM BEACH, Fla. — President Donald Trump delivered a blistering public rebuke of Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) on Sunday, calling the congressman a “pathetic LOSER” and accusing him of betraying the “America First” agenda.
In a Truth Social post published Monday afternoon, Trump accused Massie of consistently voting against Republican priorities and described him as a “lightweight” who is “weak, ineffective” and “votes ‘NO’ on virtually everything put before him.”
“Congressman Thomas Massie of Kentucky is not MAGA, even though he likes to say he is,” Trump wrote. “Actually, MAGA doesn’t want him, doesn’t know him, and doesn’t respect him.”
Trump’s criticism followed a recent U.S. military action against Iran, which he claimed was a “spectacular military success.” He criticized Massie for not praising the operation and linked the congressman’s opposition to national security measures with his history of opposing defense and spending bills.
Trump calls for Massie to face GOP primary challenger
“He is disrespectful to our great military… not even acknowledging their brilliance and bravery in yesterday’s attack,” Trump wrote, referring to the Iran operation. “Massie should drop his fake act and start putting America First, but he doesn’t know how to get there — he doesn’t have a clue!”
Trump also suggested Massie would vote against what he described as a “Great, Big, Beautiful Bill,” claiming its failure would result in a 68 percent tax increase. He pledged to campaign against Massie in the 2026 Republican primary.
“The good news is that we will have a wonderful American Patriot running against him… and I’ll be out in Kentucky campaigning really hard,” Trump wrote.
Massie, who has represented Kentucky’s 4th District since 2012, has often voted independently of GOP leadership and is closely associated with libertarian and fiscal conservative causes. He has not yet responded publicly to Trump’s statement.
The president’s response comes as he continues to exert influence over Republican primaries nationwide ahead of the 2026 midterm elections and with his growing impatience with Massie’s consistent defiance of Trump’s policies.