Trump Targets Congressman Massie in Kentucky Campaign Stop

President Trump to campaign against Republican Rep. Thomas Massie in his home district ahead of primary election.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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President Trump will travel to Kentucky on Wednesday to campaign against Republican Congressman Thomas Massie, who the White House has labeled the 'Democrats' favorite member.' Trump has endorsed Massie's primary opponent, Ed Gallrein, and plans to appear at an event in Massie's district along the Ohio River. Massie will not be attending the event, as he has a previously scheduled official event. The president has repeatedly criticized Massie, accusing him of being 'not constructive' and siding with Democrats on key issues.

Why it matters

This campaign stop represents an escalation of Trump's feud with Congressman Massie, who has repeatedly broken with the president on key policy decisions. The primary election on May 19th will serve as a test of Trump's influence over Republican voters, as well as a barometer of his messaging on the economy amid rising gas prices.

The details

Trump will campaign in Hebron, Kentucky, which is located in Boone County just south of Cincinnati. The White House has accused Massie of being the 'Democrats' favorite member' due to his refusal to support Trump's 'Big Beautiful Bill,' his criticism of the president's foreign policy, and his calls for the Justice Department to release files related to the Jeffrey Epstein case. Massie's primary opponent, Ed Gallrein, is a former Navy SEAL who has praised Trump and his policies.

  • The primary election is scheduled for May 19, 2026.
  • Trump's campaign event in Kentucky is set for Wednesday, March 10, 2026.

The players

President Donald Trump

The 45th President of the United States who is campaigning against Republican Congressman Thomas Massie in his home district.

Rep. Thomas Massie

A seven-term Republican Congressman from Kentucky's 4th congressional district who has repeatedly broken with President Trump on key policy decisions.

Ed Gallrein

The Republican primary challenger endorsed by President Trump to unseat Congressman Thomas Massie.

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What they’re saying

“You can have differences, but you have to be constructive. He is not constructive. In fact, he's the Democrats' favorite member.”

— Senior Administration Official (The Washington Post)

“The Republican Party has fantastic spirit, the level I don't think has been seen before. We have to get a couple of people on board, which at least one case is virtually impossible. I wonder who that might be, sick person.”

— President Donald Trump (The Washington Post)

What’s next

The May 19th primary election in Kentucky's 4th congressional district will be a key test of President Trump's influence over Republican voters, as well as a barometer of his messaging on the economy amid rising gas prices.

The takeaway

This campaign stop against Congressman Massie represents an escalation of Trump's feud with a Republican lawmaker who has repeatedly broken with the president on key policy decisions. The primary election will serve as a high-profile proxy battle between Trump and a member of his own party who has defied the White House.