Government funding deadlines loom as Republicans work to advance President Donald Trump’s agenda. Indeed, the critical vote this week could determine whether conservative priorities move forward or stall. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) needs every Republican on board.
With razor-thin margins, each vote matters. The House Freedom Caucus has officially backed the continuing resolution, giving the measure crucial momentum.
But not everyone is falling in line.
President Trump has unleashed a blistering attack on Kentucky Representative Thomas Massie, comparing him to former Rep. Liz Cheney and vowing to lead a primary challenge against him. The confrontation highlights the ongoing tension between party loyalty and individual principles. Frankly, it’s about time someone called out these grandstanders who put their own egos above the conservative agenda.
Trump Calls Out “Grandstander” Massie
In a scathing Truth Social post Monday night, Trump didn’t mince words about the Kentucky congressman:
“Congressman Thomas Massie, of beautiful Kentucky, is an automatic ‘NO’ vote on just about everything, despite the fact that he has always voted for Continuing Resolutions in the past,” Trump wrote. “HE SHOULD BE PRIMARIED, and I will lead the charge against him.”
“He’s just another GRANDSTANDER, who’s too much trouble, and not worth the fight,” the president continued. “He reminds me of Liz Chaney(sic) before her historic, record breaking fall (loss!).”
The comparison to Cheney is particularly cutting in conservative circles. Cheney, who voted to impeach Trump after January 6, was soundly defeated in her 2022 primary by Trump-endorsed Harriet Hageman before ultimately endorsing Kamala Harris in 2024. Is that really the company Massie wants to keep?
Massie quickly fired back. Rather than backing down, he used Trump’s criticism as a fundraising opportunity.
“Why don’t more Representatives stand on principle?” Massie wrote on X, sharing a donation page.
The congressman defiantly declared he would run for re-election, stating, “I will run again because we need at least one person in Congress who won’t cave.”
But isn’t caving to the Democrats exactly what happens when Republicans fragment their unity?
This isn’t their first clash. In 2020, Trump called for Massie to be thrown out of the Republican Party over his opposition to a COVID relief bill.
Despite that criticism, Trump later endorsed Massie in 2022 ahead of his primary—a generous move that Massie repaid by endorsing DeSantis for president in 2023, before DeSantis even announced his candidacy. Talk about ingratitude!
Massie eventually endorsed Trump less than two weeks before the 2024 general election, but the damage was done.
The current conflict centers on Massie’s opposition to the government funding measure that Trump is urging Republicans to support. Massie declared himself a firm “NO” vote, writing: “Unless I get a lobotomy Monday that causes me to forget what I’ve witnessed the past 12 years, I’ll be a NO on the CR this week.”
Why Party Unity Matters
Trump’s frustration with Massie highlights a broader concern about Republican unity. With slim majorities in Congress, every Republican vote is crucial.
Trump specifically thanked the House Freedom Caucus, writing, “Thank you to the House Freedom Caucus for just delivering a big blow to the Radical Left Democrats and their desire to raise Taxes and SHUT OUR COUNTRY DOWN!”
He concluded with a clear call for unity, writing, “We need to buy some time in order to MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN, GREATER THAN EVER BEFORE. Unite and Win!!!”
Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) defended Massie following Trump’s attack.
“I have nothing but profound respect for @RepThomasMassie, who has worked harder than perhaps any member of Congress to bring federal spending under control,” Lee wrote.
However, the Cheney comparison serves as a stark reminder of what happens to Republicans who cross Trump. Cheney went from House leadership to political exile after opposing Trump, eventually supporting Democrats.
I’ve seen this movie before—when Republicans prioritize their personal brand of “principle” over party unity, Democrats win. And Massie should remember what happened to Cheney when she put her personal vendetta above the conservative movement.
Key Takeaways:
- Trump expects complete loyalty to his agenda and will actively primary Republicans who stand in his way.
- Massie’s defiance shows some Republicans still prioritize their principles over party unity—at their own political risk.
- The Liz Cheney comparison sends a clear warning to all Republicans about the consequences of crossing Trump.
- With razor-thin margins in Congress, every Republican vote is crucial for advancing Trump’s conservative agenda.
Sources: Fox News
