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President Donald Trump has vowed to help primary Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) after Massie opposed the GOP’s short-term government funding bill.
Some shit you should know before you read: If you’re unaware, Rep. Thomas Massie labels himself as a “staunch fiscal conservative” who consistently opposes government spending increases that require the US to take on more debt. He frequently votes against budget bills put forward by his party, arguing that they enable reckless fiscal policies and kick the country’s financial problems down the road. Massie also advocates for Congress passing individual spending bills instead of large packages that tie multiple programs together.
What’s going on now: Ahead of a key vote on the Republican budget, Rep. Thomas Massie has argued that the proposed spending plan fails to address the nation’s long-term fiscal challenges and continues irresponsible deficit spending. He has been vocal in his opposition to short-term continuing resolutions, stating that they merely extend the status quo without meaningful reforms.
In a statement on X, Massie criticized the continuing resolution Republicans are seeking to pass, calling it a “uniparty deal” that fails to fund key priorities he says Republicans voted for. According to Massie, the bill “doesn’t fund the wall. It does fund USAID.” He added, “Unless I get a lobotomy Monday that causes me to forget what I’ve witnessed the past 12 years, I’ll be a NO.” Massie also argued that voting for the bill would force him to support “waste, fraud, and abuse DOGE has found.”
What Trump is saying: In a statement on Truth Social, President Donald Trump said: Congressman Thomas Massie voted to delay the Debt Ceiling Bill from the Biden Administration to the Trump Administration (from September before the Election, to June after the Election!), without getting anything for this horrendously stupid move — When Republicans could have gotten EVERYTHING they wanted. He additionally voted to delay the current Budget Disaster from the Biden Administration to the Trump Administration. I was running for Office at the time, doing my thing, and when I heard about this, it was, quite simply, hard to believe — A catastrophic mistake! Now, and virtually on every other vote, he’s a very simple “NO.” He can’t even approve a Continuing Resolution when he approved them many times during his career as a “Congressman.” Thomas Massie is a GRANDSTANDER, and the Great People of Kentucky are going to be watching a very interesting Primary in the not-too-distant future!”
White House Reaction: This comes as the White House is pressuring Republican lawmakers to back the bill. During a press briefing, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said: “The president has made it very clear he believes it is critical for conservatives and Republicans, and frankly all members of Congress, to get behind this continuing resolution to keep the government funded. He has been active in this process, making calls to get this over the finish line, and we are urging every Republican — and Democrats, too — to do what is right for the American public to prevent a government shutdown.”
