Thomas Massie, known for his uncompromising, libertarian views and co-authorship of the famous Jeffrey Epstein disclosure act, is leaving Congress. The primary election in Kentucky's 4th district ended with the victory of his rival, a former commando Ed Gallrein.
Record millions to fight 'disloyalty'
The Kentucky race attracted national attention not only for the names but also for the sky-high amounts. These were the most expensive House of Representatives primaries in US history — a total of over $32 million Such huge funds were released largely thanks to the involvement of Donald Trump, who personally encouraged people to vote against the incumbent congressman.
Trump sharply attacked Massie in the final days of the campaign. He did not limit himself only to political criticism, calling him “the worst Republican congressman in history”, but also promoted him indecent accusations. They concerned the politician's alleged affairs with his assistants and another congresswoman just after the death of his first wife.
What did Massie do to deserve Donald Trump's dislike?
Although Massie belonged to the extreme wing of the Republican Party, he and Trump parted ways at key points. He led to the adoption of a law forcing the publication of files Jeffrey Epsteinsharply criticized the war in Iran and aid for Ukraine, and also presented an isolationist attitude and was a well-known critic of Israel.
Massie's defeat is not an isolated case, but an element of Donald Trump's broader strategy, which systematically eliminates people he considers disloyal from the party.
Only recently, the “victims” of the former president's political revenge were:
- Bill Cassidy — the senator who voted to convict Trump in the 2021 impeachment trial.
- Indiana deputieswho opposed Trump on the issue of redistricting.
- John Cornyn — a prominent senator from Texas, against whom Trump supported Ken Paxton, accused of corruption and stock fraud.
