Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) is capitalizing on former President Donald Trump's relentless criticism, arguing that the attacks on Truth Social are actually filling his campaign war chest. In an appearance on ABC's "This Week," Massie said each post from Trump drives donations to his website, ThomasMassie.com, because supporters resent the outside interference.
"Every time he tweets about me, it's good for, you know, some money coming in, because people don't like that," Massie said. He noted that the race has already shattered records, becoming the most expensive House primary in U.S. history, with $25.6 million poured into television, radio, and digital ads, according to AdImpact.
Massie pointed to three billionaires—Miriam Adelson and Paul Singer among them—who have funneled millions from outside Kentucky to unseat him. "They're trying to buy a seat," he said, framing the contest as a battle against wealthy outsiders meddling in local politics.
Trump has thrown his weight behind Ed Gallrein, a candidate challenging Massie in the GOP primary for Kentucky's 4th Congressional District. The former president escalated his rhetoric over the weekend, calling Massie "the worst and most unreliable Republican Congressman in the history of our Country" and urging voters to "vote the bum out" on Tuesday. Trump is also dispatching Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to campaign for Gallrein in the Bluegrass State on Monday.
This primary fight echoes a broader pattern of Trump targeting Republican incumbents who defy him, as seen in the ouster of Sen. Bill Cassidy in Louisiana. Cassidy lost his primary after Trump-backed candidates John Fleming and Julia Letlow forced a runoff. Massie, however, appears undeterred, betting that Trump's attacks will backfire by rallying independent-minded conservatives to his side.
The Kentucky race has drawn national attention as a test of Trump's enduring influence within the GOP. While Trump's endorsements have often proved decisive, Massie's strategy of turning criticism into campaign cash could signal limits to that power. "People don't like that," Massie repeated, suggesting the billionaires' money and Trump's posts are fueling a backlash.
As primary day approaches, the outcome in Kentucky's 4th District will offer clues about whether Trump's brand of politics can still clear the field—or whether incumbents like Massie can survive by leaning into their independence.
