Trump says Massie needs to be 'thrown out of office ASAP' as he endorses likely opponent

President Donald Trump on Friday night posted a harsh criticism of Kentucky GOP Rep. Thomas Massie, stating voters need to get him out in next year's midterms and replace him with an "America First" candidate.

Trump endorsed former Navy SEAL Ed Gallrein, who previously ran for Kentucky state senate last year but narrowly failed to win the Republican primary. Gallrein has not announced that he is running for Massie's House seat. 

"Third Rate Congressman Thomas Massie, a Weak and Pathetic RINO from the Great Commonwealth of Kentucky, a place I love, and won big SIX TIMES, must be thrown out of office, ASAP," Trump posted on Truth Social. 

"The incredible people of Kentucky’s 4th Congressional District gave us a mandate to, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN, and the person that will help us do that is Navy SEAL, Army Ranger, and Fifth Generation Kentucky Farmer, Captain Ed Gallrein, a true America First Patriot," he continued. 

Trump claimed that Gallrein would vote with Republicans if he was elected in the 2026 midterms, citing his military service and business background as proof that the former Navy SEAL would be a good choice over Massie.

"I hope Ed gets into the Race against Massie, who is now polling at 9% because the Great People of Kentucky are wise to him, he only votes against the Republican Party, making life easy for the Radical Left," Trump said. "Unlike 'lightweight' Massie, a totally ineffective LOSER who has failed us so badly, Capt. Ed Gallrein is a winner who will not let you down." 

Massie responded to Trump's endorsement in a statement to Politico, claiming Gallrein was a “failed candidate and establishment hack.”

“After having been rejected by every elected official in the 4th District, Trump’s consultants clearly pushed the panic button with their choice of failed candidate and establishment hack Ed Gallrein,” Massie said. “Ed’s been begging them to pick him for over three months now.”

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.