Scoop: Trump launches MAGA PAC in effort to oust Rep. Massie from Congress
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U.S. Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) leaves a House Republican caucus meeting at the U.S. Capitol on June 04, 2025. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
President Trump's political operation has launched an aggressive effort to unseat Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie, its first such effort to defeat a sitting Republican incumbent, Axios has learned.
Why it matters: By going after Massie, Trump's team is looking to put wayward Republicans on notice that they're ready to play hardball.
- Massie has attacked Trump over his strike on Iran, saying on X that it was "not Constitutional," prompting the president to fire back on Truth Social that the congressman is "not MAGA."
- He also called Massie "weak, ineffective" and "disrespectful to our great military, and all that they stand for."
- Massie was one of two House Republicans to vote against Trump's "big beautiful bill" last month, leading Trump to declare that he should be "voted out of office."
Zoom out: Trump's $500 million political apparatus is the most powerful, well-funded force in American politics — and gives Trump a weapon with which to target any lawmaker who crosses him.
Zoom in: Trump's team has launched Kentucky MAGA, a super PAC devoted to defeating Massie in the May 2026 primary.
- The organization will be run by Trump's senior political advisers, Tony Fabrizio and Chris LaCivita.
- LaCivita said the PAC would spend "whatever it takes" to defeat Massie.
- Plans for taking on Massie were in the works before the congressman decided to call Trump's attack on Iran unconstitutional, a Trump aide said.
Behind the curtain: Trump's operation has been talking with potential Republican challengers to Massie.
- Aides say the goal is to rally around one Massie opponent, so that multiple rivals don't splinter support.
The intrigue: The Trump team earlier this month quietly commissioned a survey gauging Massie's support in his conservative central Kentucky district and found that the congressman would be vulnerable to a Trump-backed primary challenge.
- The survey, which was conducted by Trump pollster John McLaughlin, found that 52 percent would support a Trump-endorsed candidate and 23 percent support Massie.
- Eighty-seven percent approved of Trump, compared to 52 percent for Massie, according to the poll, a copy of which was obtained by Axios.
- Seventy-four percent said they supported the "big beautiful bill."
Yes, but: Massie, who was first elected in 2012, easily survived primary challenges in the last three cycles.
- His advisers argue that his libertarian-minded, independent streak endears him to voters.
What they're saying: "Massie's long-time opposition to President Trump's working family tax cuts -- and really anything to do with President Trump -- is coming to an end," LaCivita said in a statement. "Thomas 'Little Boy' Massie will be fired."
- Massie told Axios: "Any serious person considering running should spend money on an independent poll before letting swampy consultants take them for an embarrassing ride."
The background: Massie and Trump's contentious relationship dates back to Trump's first term.
- In 2020, Massie opposed Trump's COVID relief package, leading the president to call for the congressman to be thrown "out of the Republican Party."
- The congressman was one of only six House Republicans to endorse Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis over Trump in last year's GOP presidential primary.
- After Massie opposed a Trump-backed government spending bill this spring, Trump called the congressman a "GRANDSTANDER."
Methodology: The survey of 600 likely primary voters was conducted June 9-11. The margin of error was +/- 4%.
