Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.) sought to mend fences with President Trump on Tuesday night after her ally, Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.), suffered a decisive primary defeat. In a post on X, Boebert wrote, “Trump is my President” and “Jesus is Lord,” alongside a photo celebrating her son’s graduation. The statement came hours after Trump’s endorsed challenger ousted Massie, a vocal critic of the president.
Boehart had campaigned with Massie over the weekend, drawing Trump’s fury. The president threatened to withdraw his endorsement of Boebert, who faces no primary opposition on June 30, calling her decision to back Massie “dumb.” Trump wrote on Truth Social that “anybody who can be that dumb deserves a good Primary fight,” signaling he might endorse a challenger against her.
Massie, a libertarian-leaning Republican, has long irked Trump by opposing his policies on Iran, questioning the Epstein investigation, and breaking with the party line. His loss marks another victory in Trump’s ongoing purge of GOP dissenters, following Sen. Bill Cassidy’s third-place finish in Louisiana’s Senate primary last weekend.
Boehart’s post attempted to balance loyalty to her friend with deference to Trump. “My friend & Co-Chair gave his all in Kentucky! Trump is my President! Jesus is Lord!” she wrote. She added, “I look forward to a lifetime filled with joy, purpose, and gratitude. May God continue to bless America.”
The Colorado congresswoman had acknowledged the risk earlier. On Saturday, she posted, “Yes, I saw the President’s post. No, I’m not mad or offended. I knew the risks when I agreed to stand by my friend Thomas Massie. I was, and will be, America First, America Always, and MAGA.”
Trump’s Primary Purge Intensifies
Trump’s success in ousting Massie and Cassidy underscores his tightening grip on the GOP. The president also endorsed Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton over Sen. John Cornyn in a Senate primary, further signaling his willingness to target incumbents who cross him. This campaign of retribution has reshaped the party, as Trump’s primary purge claims Massie as GOP rebels fall in line.
Boehart’s district is solidly Republican, making her safe in the general election. But Trump’s threat to withdraw his endorsement could complicate her primaries in future cycles. Analysts note that Boebert’s swift pivot to praising Trump reflects the political calculus many Republicans face: defy the president at their peril.
The episode also highlights the role of Christian nationalist rhetoric in Trump’s coalition. Boebert’s invocation of “Jesus is Lord” aligns with the broader trend of Trump’s Christian nationalist allies turning faith into a lucrative political industry, a dynamic that has deepened his support among evangelical voters.
Massie’s Loss and the Epstein Probe
Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) blamed Massie’s loss on his push for Epstein file transparency, tweeting that “Massie’s primary loss shows the price of challenging the establishment.” While Khanna’s comment is partisan, it echoes a broader narrative that Massie’s independence cost him. For Trump, the victory is a clear message: loyalty is non-negotiable.
Boehart’s future now depends on maintaining Trump’s favor. Her statement of fealty may be enough to survive, but as Trump’s campaign against GOP critics continues, no one is safe. The president’s ability to navigate international rifts and domestic purges simultaneously shows his dominance over the party’s direction.
Updated at 11:08 a.m. EDT
