Exclusive: Massie leans into Trump defiance in first TV ad
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Screenshot via Massie's ad
Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie is using his first TV ad to highlight his call for the release of documents related to the investigation of the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Why it matters: Massie is showing that he plans to lean into his defiance of President Trump, who is backing a primary challenge to the Republican congressman.
What they're saying: "Look, it's simple: They're attacking me because I'm holding the Washington machine accountable," Massie says in the 30-second spot.
- In the ad, Massie points to his vote against the Trump-backed COVID relief package in 2020, and to his opposition to Trump's "big, beautiful bill."
- "Now, I'm leading the charge to force a vote on the complete Epstein files," he also says.
- Massie is one of 11 House Republicans to call for the release of Epstein-related files, though the Trump administration has said it opposes further disclosures related to the investigation.
Zoom in: Trump has vowed to campaign against Massie, and his political operation has aired two ads targeting the congressman.
- The president's team is also recruiting a primary challenger to Massie, and has spoken with state Sen. Aaron Reed about running.
- It has also conducted polling indicating that Massie would be vulnerable to a Trump-backed challenge.
Between the lines: Massie, who occupies a Trump-friendly central Kentucky district, does not say Trump's name in the spot.
- Rather he focuses on a broader Washington "machine" he is "fighting" against.
- Massie is spending around $115,000 to air the spot on cable, satellite and streaming platforms.
