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President Donald Trump endorsed Navy veteran Ed Gallrein to challenge Kentucky Republican Rep. Thomas Massie for his seat in next year’s midterm election. Gallrein is a retired Navy SEAL and a decorated combat veteran who has previously campaigned for state Senate in Kentucky in 2024. Massie, a seven-term congressman, ran uncontested in 2024 and has frequently broken with Trump’s domestic and foreign policy agenda.
Trump Supports Gallrein’s Potential Challenge Against Rep. Thomas Massie
On Friday, President Donald Trump criticized Rep. Thomas Massie and supported Navy veteran Ed Gallrein to contest against the Kentucky Republican in the upcoming midterms.
Trump urges the ousting of “Third Rate Congressman Thomas Massie,” in a post on Truth Social, endorsing Gallrein if he decides to run under the rallying cry “RUN, ED, RUN — MAGA!”
Gallrein, a retired Navy SEAL, farmer, and small-business owner, lost by 118 votes in the 2024 state Senate primaries in Kentucky. His defeat came at the hands of Republican Aaron Reed, who dethroned state Sen. Adrienne Southworth, according to his campaign website.
Massie criticized Trump’s consultants for endorsing the “failed candidate and establishment hack Ed Gallrein.” However, Gallrein expressed honour for Trump’s endorsement.
Massie, who ran unopposed in 2024, has often clashed with Trump. He recently filed a petition to release convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein’s case files.
Massie and Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna of California have collected signatures for their resolution, awaiting one more from Rep.-elect Adelita Grijalva, D-Ariz., for its execution.
Trump’s team initiated a super PAC in June with the aim of unseating Massie, who has often diverged from Trump’s domestic and foreign policies.
House Speaker Mike Johnson, when asked about Trump’s frustration with Massie, said that as a party leader, he needs to ensure the re-election of everyone, including Massie.
However, Johnson’s spokesperson declined to comment on whether he would continue to support Massie if Gallrein decided to run.
Massie, who won a special election in 2012, serves Kentucky’s 4th Congressional District, which includes Kenton and Boon counties.
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