Massie fundraises off Trump’s threat to primary him for budget vote

• Rep. Thomas Massie is fundraising off President Trump’s threat to “lead the charge” against him in the 2026 Republican primary. Trump is angry with Massie for opposing the government funding bill that Republicans are trying to pass before Friday.
• The House member said he’s had three primary challengers, and none of them have ever received more than 25% support.
• Massie opposes the government funding package because it adds hundreds of billions to the national debt over the next two years.

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Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., is fundraising off of President Donald Trump’s threat to “lead the charge” against him in the 2026 Republican primary. President Trump publicly stated his intentions after Massie said he would vote against the federal funding package Congress needs to approve by Friday, March 14, to avoid a government shutdown.

“Why don’t more Representatives stand on principle?” Massie wrote on X with a link to his campaign fundraising website. “Because telling the truth can get you in hot water. I’m going to need your help. I will run again because we need at least one person in Congress who won’t cave.”

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Late on Monday, March 10, Trump called Massie a “GRANDSTANDER, who’s too much trouble and not worth the fight.” He asked, “DO I HAVE ANY TAKERS???”

What does Massie think?

Massie does not appear worried. He responded by saying he’s had three primary challengers, and none of them have ever received more than 25% support.

“Someone thinks they can control my voting card by threatening my re-election. Guess what? Doesn’t work on me,” Massie wrote.

He won his last primary in July 2024 with 76% of the vote, later running uncontested in the general election.

Massie also has the backing of House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., who bucked Trump.

“Look, I’m in the incumbent protection program here. That’s what I do as Speaker of the House,” Johnson said. “Thomas and I have had disagreements, but I consider Thomas Massie a friend.”

Why is Massie against the package?

Massie opposes the government funding package because it adds hundreds of billions to the national debt over the next two years. He believes Congress should balance the budget so the government isn’t required to take on debt to pay its bills.

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House Republicans are trying to pass the bill without Democratic support. With their four-seat majority, that means they can only lose one vote or the measure will fail. The current balance of power is 218-214 in favor of Republicans. Plus a 216-216 tie on the bill would fail.

Democrats want a 30-day extension, which they contend gives Congress time to come up with a bipartisan solution.