(TheIndependentStar.com) – President Donald Trump has thrown down the gauntlet against House Representative Thomas Massie (R-KY) for breaking ranks at a time when unity is desperately needed.
Specifically, the president threatened to personally “lead the charge” for a primary challenge after Massie opposed a Trump-backed government funding bill.
The showdown highlights growing tensions between President Trump’s approach to governance and the strict libertarian principles that have made Massie a consistent outlier in party-line votes.
House Republicans are racing against time to pass a “clean” temporary funding bill before the government shutdown deadline of March 14.
This Trump-endorsed continuing resolution (CR) has gained support from the influential House Freedom Caucus but faces opposition from Massie, who refuses to back the measure despite having supported similar resolutions in the past.
President Trump did not mince words in his criticism of Massie on Truth Social:
“Congressman Thomas Massie, of beautiful Kentucky, is an automatic ‘NO’ vote on just about everything. 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.”
The president compared Massie to Liz Cheney, whom he famously helped remove from office after she broke with his agenda.
“He reminds me of Liz Chaney before her historic, record breaking fall (loss!),” Trump wrote. “The people of Kentucky won’t stand for it, just watch. DO I HAVE ANY TAKERS???”
Massie’s opposition is particularly frustrating to Republican leadership because the continuing resolution is designed to reduce and freeze spending.
The resolution comes as the Trump administration addresses waste, fraud, and abuse in federal spending.
If the CR passes by Friday, the government will be funded until September 30; if it fails, a government shutdown will begin on Saturday.
The lawmaker has become a persistent obstacle for both President Trump and House Speaker Mike Johnson.
With a slim Republican majority in the House, Massie’s unreliability as a party-line vote has complicated major legislation.
He even refused to support Johnson’s election as speaker and opposed the Republicans’ budget bill.
For his part, Massie appears unfazed by the president’s threats. “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 libertarian-leaning congressman has successfully defended his seat against Trump-backed challengers in the past, suggesting his constituents value his independent streak.
While the House Freedom Caucus has backed the CR, stating it will reduce and freeze spending, other Republicans remain on the fence.
Representatives Tim Burchett (R-TN) and Cory Mills (R-FL) are reportedly undecided on the measure, raising questions about whether Speaker Johnson can muster enough votes to pass the bill.
This latest clash underscores the challenge President Trump faces in his second term: balancing his desire for party unity with the independent streaks of lawmakers like Massie.
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. https://t.co/qBXNQmlIN4
— Thomas Massie (@RepThomasMassie) March 10, 2025
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