President Trump’s campaign to eliminate Republican dissenters scored its latest victory Tuesday night, as Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) lost his primary to Trump-endorsed challenger Ed Gallrein. The defeat marks a clear signal that crossing the president carries a steep price in today’s GOP.
Gallrein’s win caps a string of primary challenges aimed at lawmakers who have bucked Trump’s agenda. Massie, a libertarian-leaning conservative, had repeatedly clashed with the White House, most notably over spending and foreign policy. His loss underscores the president’s enduring grip on the party base, even as GOP support for Trump's economy drops 15 points as inflation bites, according to a recent AP-NORC poll.
In other primary action Tuesday, Georgia Republicans narrowed the field in their gubernatorial and Senate races, while Democrats there chose former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms as their nominee for governor. In Pennsylvania, three Democrats backed by Gov. Josh Shapiro won their primaries, signaling the governor’s influence in the state.
The primary results come amid growing frustration among Senate Republicans over Trump’s decision to endorse Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton over incumbent Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) ahead of next week’s primary. The snub has stunned many in the GOP, who worry it could jeopardize a safe Republican seat. Trump's endorsement of Paxton over Cornyn stuns Senate GOP, risks Texas seat, as internal party tensions flare.
On Capitol Hill Wednesday, the Senate Budget Committee is set to advance the reconciliation bill that funds immigration enforcement and border security. The measure is a key legislative priority for the White House, but its path remains uncertain amid divisions over spending levels and policy details.
Meanwhile, in Miami, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche will join Justice Department officials at 1 p.m. for an announcement that includes a ceremony honoring the victims of the 1996 Brothers to the Rescue murders. The event highlights the administration’s focus on Cuba policy and law enforcement.
President Trump is traveling to Connecticut later Wednesday to deliver the commencement address at the Coast Guard Academy. The speech is expected to touch on national security and the administration’s maritime priorities.
Massie’s defeat has drawn sharp reactions. Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) blamed the loss on Massie’s push for an Epstein probe, arguing it alienated GOP donors. Khanna blames Massie's primary loss on Epstein probe push, a claim that underscores the cross-party fallout from the president’s revenge campaign.
As Trump consolidates power within the GOP, the question remains whether his primary victories will translate into legislative success or deepen internal rifts. With budget battles looming and international tensions rising, the president’s influence will be tested beyond the ballot box.
