In a provocative Truth Social post, former President Donald Trump criticized Rep. Thomas Massie and took aim at his wife, Carolyn Moffa, suggesting she influenced Massie’s shift in political stance. Trump, 79, claimed that “people are saying” Massie’s marriage has led to his perceived liberal ideology, dubbing him “an absolutely terrible and unreliable ‘Republican’.” This remark followed Massie’s marriage to Moffa, a former aide to Sen. Rand Paul, in October.
Trump’s post reinforced his support for Ed Gallrein, a retired Navy Seal and a staunch Trump ally who is challenging Massie in the Republican primary for Kentucky’s 4th District. Trump stated, “Thomas Massie is a Complete and Total Disaster,” emphasizing that he needs to lose “BIG.”
Responding on social media platform X, Massie defended his wife, who has voted for Trump in every election. He remarked, “Maybe someone told him she’s actually the one who suggested I ask Pam Bondi in person at a dinner when we would get Phase 2 of the Epstein files,” illustrating his support for transparency regarding the Jeffrey Epstein case—a stance that has positioned him unfavorably with Trump.
Massie has been a consistent advocate for Epstein’s victims, having co-sponsored legislation that mandated the release of related files. The congressman’s position has drawn ire from Trump, who has publicly endorsed Gallrein multiple times this year. In a previous statement regarding Gallrein’s candidacy, Massie described it as a failed venture, pointing out that Gallrein couldn’t win in his own county during the last election.
Former congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, a fellow Republican who has defied the party to support Massie, openly criticized Trump’s treatment of Massie and urged other party members to support him. Greene’s fiery comments condemned Trump’s focus on wealthy donors rather than on loyal supporters, like Massie’s wife.
This is not the first occasion on which Trump has commented on Massie’s personal life. Trump previously remarked on Massie’s remarriage soon after the death of his first wife, leading Massie to quip, “He’s mad he didn’t get an invitation [to the wedding].”
Massie, known for his independent stance, has voiced objections to his party’s positions on several issues, including the economy and foreign intervention, noting he still votes with Republicans “91 percent” of the time. He stated, “But when they’re covering up for pedophiles or starting a new war, that 9 percent, I’m not with my party,” highlighting his commitment to integrity over party loyalty.
As the political landscape becomes increasingly contentious, Massie’s consistent push for transparency and his unwavering stance against what he views as party failures suggest a hopeful narrative of principled leadership in uncertain times, even as he faces backlash from prominent party figures.