President Donald Trump has officially endorsed retired Navy SEAL and Army Ranger Ed Gallrein in a potential primary challenge against Republican Rep. Thomas Massie.
Trump’s endorsement, delivered via a lengthy Truth Social post, escalates a long-simmering feud between the former president and Massie — a libertarian-leaning congressman known for his frequent dissent from GOP leadership and America First policy positions.
Trump: Massie a “Third Rate Congressman”
In his post, Trump did not hold back, calling Massie a “Third Rate Congressman” and a “Weak and Pathetic RINO” (Republican In Name Only). He argued that Massie’s contrarian voting record and lack of support for key policies have made him a liability within the Republican Party.
“He must be thrown out of office, ASAP,” Trump declared, before announcing his “Complete and Total Endorsement” of Gallrein — despite Gallrein not having formally announced his candidacy.
“The incredible people of Kentucky’s 4th Congressional District gave us a mandate to, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN,” Trump wrote. “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.”
Gallrein: Decorated Veteran with MAGA Credentials
Gallrein, a highly decorated combat veteran and self-described constitutional conservative, has previously hinted at political aspirations. During a July radio interview, he stated that he would be “honored and privileged to serve” if the right opportunity arose.
Trump praised Gallrein’s military record and Kentucky roots, describing him as someone who embodies “Wisdom and Courage” and who will fight for veterans, national security, and “Peace Through Strength.”
While Gallrein has yet to officially declare his candidacy, Trump made it clear that he expects him to enter the race, writing, “RUN, ED, RUN — MAGA!”
Massie Fires Back: “Establishment Hack”
Rep. Massie responded swiftly and sharply. In a statement to the Daily Caller News Foundation, he dismissed Gallrein as a “failed candidate and establishment hack,” accusing Trump’s team of scrambling to find a viable challenger after being “rejected by every elected official in the 4th District.”
“Ed’s been begging them to pick him for over three months now,” Massie said. “Trump’s consultants clearly pushed the panic button.”
Massie also pointed to Gallrein’s earlier remarks expressing willingness to run, suggesting that the Navy veteran had been actively seeking the endorsement behind the scenes.
Rift Between Trump and Massie
The Kentucky congressman has repeatedly bucked Trump and GOP leadership on key votes. Most notably, Massie:
- Opposed Trump’s June airstrikes on Iran, calling them unconstitutional.
- Co-sponsored a resolution with Democrat Rep. Ro Khanna to limit presidential war powers.
- Supported the bipartisan “Epstein Files Transparency Act” in September, joining Democrats and a handful of Republicans to advance the bill.
Trump has reportedly been looking for a strong challenger to Massie ever since, according to Axios, and has now escalated the effort with his preemptive endorsement.
A Tough Road Ahead
Despite Trump’s endorsement power in many GOP primaries, Massie has proven resilient. He has successfully fought off primary challenges in each of the last three election cycles, leveraging strong grassroots support and a reputation for independent thinking.
It remains to be seen whether Trump’s backing of Gallrein — and a possible influx of MAGA-aligned funding and infrastructure — will be enough to change the dynamic in 2026.
For now, all eyes turn to Gallrein, as Kentucky Republicans wait to see whether the former Navy SEAL will formally enter the race and test Trump’s influence against one of the most iconoclastic Republicans in Congress.
READ NEXT: Trump Vows Primary Challenge Against Rep. Thomas Massie Over Iran Strike Opposition
(edited)
Republicans will never accomplish much with members who have an allegiance to other then Republican ideals.