Already a subscriber? Make sure to log into your account before viewing this content. You can access your account by hitting the “login” button on the top right corner. Still unable to see the content after signing in? Make sure your card on file is up-to-date.
President Donald Trump has once again called for the ousting of Representative Thomas Massie after he opposed a GOP-backed tax and spending bill that Massie claims would add trillions to the national debt.
Some shit you should know before you read: Right now, there are some major moves happening on Capitol Hill as Republicans push a legislative package dubbed the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” a cornerstone of Donald Trump’s domestic agenda. The bill promises substantial tax cuts that Republicans say will boost economic growth and business investment, along with rollbacks on green energy initiatives and reductions in federal spending on social programs like Medicaid and SNAP (food stamps). However, critics from both parties are raising alarms: Democrats warn that the bill overwhelmingly benefits the wealthy and corporations while slashing critical safety-net programs, potentially pushing millions off benefits. Even among Republicans, concerns are emerging — particularly over the political risk of cuts to Medicaid.
What’s going on now: Shortly after visiting lawmakers on Capitol Hill to lock down support for his sweeping “One Big Beautiful Bill,” President Trump reignited his public feud with Kentucky Representative Thomas Massie, calling for his political ouster and questioning his role within the GOP. “I don’t think Thomas Massie understands government. I think he’s a grandstander, frankly,” Trump told reporters outside his meeting with Republican lawmakers. “We don’t even talk to him much. I think he should be voted out of office.”
According to lawmakers who were inside the private meeting, Trump reiterated his criticisms of Massie directly, reportedly telling colleagues not to “fuck around with Medicaid” — a program Massie and other fiscal conservatives have demanded be cut more aggressively.
Massie, in response, dismissed the president’s personal attacks and remained firm in his stance against the legislation. Massie said, “You got to take some of the attacks with a grain of salt. I didn’t feel attacked in there. I think he was just trying to persuade people who weren’t there yet.”
Massie argues that the legislation will add $20 trillion to the national debt over the next decade — $3.5 to $5 trillion more than other alternatives. Massie also criticized the bill for not making real spending cuts.
Congressman Massie has since used the opportunity to fundraise.
