Tuesday, May 19, 2026, marks a pivotal day as the midterm election cycle ramps up. Georgia, Alabama, Pennsylvania, Idaho, Oregon, and most significantly, Kentucky voters are heading to the polls to determine their nominees for the November general elections.
According to The Associated Press (AP), the Kentucky race is a test of President Donald Trump’s power over the Republican Party, as U.S. Rep. Thomas Massie faces off against retired NAVY seal and the Trump-endorsed candidate, Ed Gallerin.
Congressman Massie has served eight consecutive terms representing Kentucky’s 4th Congressional District.
But this time, he is now at risk of facing his first loss in what The New York Times deemed the ‘Most Expensive House Primary in Recent Years.’
“Thomas Massie is a terrible congressman. He’s been a terrible congressman since day 1. Dealing with him is just horrible. I don’t think he’s a Republican. I think he’s actually a Democrat. He’s not a Libertarian… He’s really a Democrat. He votes against us all the time,” President Trump told reporters.
President Trump affirmed that the Make America Great Again (MAGA) coalition is most of the Republican Party, saying, “Hopefully we get rid of one tonight, in the form of Thom Massie, who’s horrible.” He referred to Massie as a RINO (Republican In Name Only).
Most recently, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth appeared at a rally in Hebron, Ky., to back candidate Gallerin, breaking the longstanding tradition of the U.S. military’s political neutrality.
According to NBC News, President Trump and Massie’s tumultuous relationship dates back to the president’s first term.
Massie voted against a Covid relief bill during the pandemic, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, and, most recently, co-sponsored the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which was reportedly the final straw for President Trump.
Prior to the primary election, The Floridian revealed explicit messages of Massie and his ex-girlfriend, in which he talked erotically to his former partner.
The pressure campaign against Congressman Massie has been all gas, no brakes.
