Massie fights to release Epstein files as Trump calls him 'worst Republican congressman'
Trump went on to say on Truth Social that Massie is "lazy, slow moving, and totally disingenuous."
The hit comes amid on ongoing feud between the two GOP powerhouses who've been at odds over policies for years. But Massie's recent opposition to the Trump-backed "big beautiful bill" and bombing of nuclear sites in Iran have enraged Trump who's determined to campaign against Massie in next year's GOP primary.
Trump posted on Truth Social July 21 that he's, "Looking for someone good to run against this guy, someone I can Endorse and vigorously campaign for!"
Thomas Massie leads push to release Jeffrey Epstein files
The post also comes as Massie leads the bipartisan push for officials to release files related to accused sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein.
Massie has introduced a discharge petition to bypass GOP leadership in an effort to make documents related to Epstein's alleged crimes available to the public.
Trump and his allies had supported releasing the files to the public until recently. Now, he calls the Epstein files a hoax perpetuated by his political enemies.
The Justice Department and Federal Bureau of Investigation released a memo this month that said investigators found no evidence of an "incriminating client list" and nothing to suggest Epstein blackmailed people.
Trump socialized with Epstein and is among the many high-profile passengers named on flight logs of Epstein's private plane. Other notable names on the flight logs include former Democratic President Bill Clinton, Prince Andrew, and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., The New York Times reported.
Massie unbothered by Trump attacks
Massie represents about 768,776 people in Kentucky's 4th Congressional District, located in the northeastern part of the state.
He first took office in November 2012 and has dominated every election since then. He was primaried by two candidates in 2024 and beat them with about 76% of the vote.
In the previous election, he won his primary against three opponents with about 75% of the vote and crushed his Democratic and independent opponents with around 65% of the vote that fall.
Massie has also gathered his own following of GOP lawmakers in Kentucky who readily align themselves with him.
His popularity is also boosted whenever Trump insults him on social media. His campaign has said Trump's online attacks often result in new campaign donors.
"I think he's doing it to keep other Republican members of Congress in line to make sure that they don't question anything he does and to make sure that they serve as rubber stamps for him," Massie previously told The Enquirer.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Trump dubs Thomas Massie 'worst Republican congressman'
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