Latest news with #Massie
The Hill
13 hours ago
- Politics
- The Hill
Massie vows Trump's threats to primary him will ‘backfire tremendously'
Rep. Thomas Massie's (R-Ky.) vowed that President Trump's threats to primary him will 'backfire tremendously' and ultimately lead to Republicans losing their House majority in the 2026 midterms. 'Well, they've spent $1.8 billion against me so far in my congressional district. I think it has had very little effect, but they are trying to beat up on me to keep everyone else in line here and I think it is not working. I think what's gonna happen, this will be a referendum on whether the executive branch controls the legislative branch,' Massie said during a Tuesday interview with NBC News. 'I am going to prevail. What they are going to find out is it will embolden members of Congress here to go with their heart, with their minds, with their constituents and not just toe the party line,' Massie told NBC' Sahil Kapur. Trump's political operation has launched a targeted campaign seeking to oust Massie, who has regularly criticized the administration and refused to support its legislative agenda. Kapur asked Massie if he thought the president's effort 'will backfire in the next two years.' 'I think it's gonna backfire tremendously,' Massie said. 'Number one, I think they are wasting millions of dollars against me and they are going to lose the majority because of that, but number two, I think it will embolden Republicans who are right now quietly agreeing with me, but saying 'I am afraid of winning my primary, let's see if you can win yours Massie.'' Trump called the Kentucky lawmaker the 'worst Republican Congressman, and an almost guaranteed NO VOTE each and every time, is an Embarrassment to Kentucky' the president said in a Monday night post on Truth Social, linking to an anti-Massie ad released by pro-Trump PAC MAGA Kentucky. 'He's lazy, slow moving, and totally disingenuous – A real loser! Never has anything positive to add. Looking for someone good to run against this guy, someone I can Endorse and vigorously campaign for,' Massie was one of two House Republicans who voted against the president's 'big, beautiful bill' and has previously denounced the U.S. military strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities on June 21, earning him rebukes from Trump and his allies. Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) stopped short on Tuesday from endorsing Massie, saying 'bless his heart' when asked about his push for a bipartisan measure calling for the release of files related to Jeffrey Epstein, the convicted sex offender and late, disgraced financier. 'Some people seem to enjoy trying to inflict political pain on their own teammates. I'm not going to address anybody individually, but I'll tell you that some here are much more frustrated than others,' Johnson said during a press conference on Tuesday. 'One in particular just gives me lots of consternation. I don't understand. I don't understand Thomas Massie's motivation, I really don't,' the House speaker added. 'I don't know how his mind works, I don't know what he's thinking.'
The Hill
16 hours ago
- Politics
- The Hill
Speaker Johnson swipes at GOP's Massie: ‘Bless his heart'
Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) on Tuesday told reporters 'bless his heart' when asked if he would back Rep. Thomas Massie's (R-Ky.) re-election bid, once again stopping short of an endorsement — but making a handful of veiled swipes at the Kentucky Republican. The acrimony comes as Massie continues to push for a vote on his bipartisan resolution calling for the release of documents in the Jeffrey Epstein case, a measure that many Republicans are opposed to. Massie is vowing to use a discharge petition to force a vote on the measure, something rarely used by a member of the majority. Massie is also awaiting a primary challenger for his re-election bid next year, after drawing the ire of President Trump for his criticism of the U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and his opposition to the party's 'big, beautiful bill,' among other stances. Trump allies are pouring money into an effort to oust the congressman. Pressed on Tuesday if he would support Massie or his primary opponent, Johnson demurred, but did not hide his frustrations. 'As the leader of my party I lead the incumbent protection program,' Johnson told reporters at a press conference in the Capitol. 'That's my job, I go all around the country, I travel endlessly, incessantly, I've raised over $300 million to do that, and we want everybody to come back.' 'And some people, I try to protect them from themselves, you know,' he added. 'They kick and scream and bite their own colleagues. Some people seem to enjoy trying to inflict political pain on their own teammates. I'm not gonna address anybody individually but I'll tell you that some here are much more frustrated than others. There's a small, small, tiny handful.' Johnson continued, singling out Massie. 'One in particular just gives me lots of consternation. I don't understand. I don't understand Thomas Massie's motivation, I really don't,' Johnson said. 'I don't know how his mind works, I don't know what he's thinking.' The current point of contention between Massie and Johnson is the Kentucky Republican's ongoing effort to force a vote on his resolution that would compel the publication of documents associated with the Epstein case. Massie, along with Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.), have accumulated a number of co-sponsors — including at least 10 Republicans — and they are vowing to try and bring the measure to the floor through a discharge petition. Based on procedural rules, the legislation will not be ready for a vote until September. Discharge petitions are procedural tools that can force legislation to the floor, despite opposition from leadership, if it garners at least 218 signatures — half the chamber. Massie for weeks has pushed for transparency in the matter. On Tuesday, he told reporters 'I don't think this issue is going away over August,' adding 'people have wanted these files for years; the president promised these files would come out and now he's calling it a hoax.' The House is set to break for the weeks-long August recess on Wednesday, one day earlier after the House Rules Committee came to a standstill over the Epstein saga. Democrats vowed to continue forcing votes on amendments in the panel to stage a vote on the Massie-Khanna resolution on the floor, which Republicans, apprehensive of angering the MAGA base, did not want to vote down. Those dynamics have brought the House Rules Committee to a pause. Johnson on Tuesday criticized the timing of Massie's discharge petition, questioning why he did not move to release the files during the Biden administration. Capitol Hill is currently inundated with the Epstein controversy after the Justice Department said it would not release more files related to the Epstein case. 'Thomas Massie could have brought his discharge petition any time over the last four and a half years. Over the last four years of [the] Biden administration. He could have done that at any time. And now he's clamoring as if there's some sort of timeline on it,' Johnson said. 'It's interesting to me that he chose the election of President Trump to bring this, to team up with the Democrats and bring this discharge petition.' 'So do I have some concern about that? I do,' he added. 'But you know, me and my way, I try to follow Ronald Reagan's 11th commandment: Never speak evil of another Republican. My gosh, it's hard to do sometimes around here. I also try to follow the Scripture, you know, it says, Bless those who persecute you. So let me just say about Thomas Massie, could you just accept my southern, bless his heart, okay. I don't know what else to say about it. We're for maximum transparency, we're engaging in that right now, and we don't need political games.' When asked about Massie's claims that his discharge petition will come to bite GOP lawmakers later in the year, Johnson turned it back on the Kentucky Republican, responding: 'Thomas Massie is the one trying to bite Republicans, okay, I'm not quite certain what his strategy is.' Johnson's criticism of Massie comes as Trump allies are planning an effort to oust the Kentucky Republican from his seat, which he held since 2012. A pro-Trump PAC, led by Trump 2024 co-campaign manager Chris LaCivita, launched its first ad against Massie last month. Trump has since continued to slam Massie. 'Thomas Massie, the worst Republican Congressman, and an almost guaranteed NO VOTE each and every time, is an Embarrassment to Kentucky. He's lazy, slow moving, and totally disingenuous – A real loser! Never has anything positive to add. Looking for someone good to run against this guy, someone I can Endorse and vigorously campaign for!' he wrote on Truth Social on Monday.
Yahoo
18 hours ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Massie fights to release Epstein files as Trump calls him 'worst Republican congressman'
President Donald Trump is blasting U.S. Rep. Thomas Massie on social media again, this time calling him the "worst Republican Congressman" who's an "Embarrassment to Kentucky." 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'
Time Magazine
2 days ago
- Politics
- Time Magazine
These House Republicans Want the Epstein Files Released
President Donald Trump's decision to direct Attorney General Pam Bondi to release grand jury testimony in the Jeffrey Epstein case was intended to appease his political base after he had called them 'stupid' for demanding the files to be released. But a group of House Republicans and right-wing influencers is arguing that they will accept nothing short of the federal government releasing everything it has on Epstein's network and any high-profile connections. The dispute has opened a rare and unusually public rift within Trump's MAGA movement, as some of his most vocal allies accuse the Administration of falling short of its promises. Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky is leading a bipartisan effort with Democrat Ro Khanna of California to force a vote on legislation requiring the full release of Epstein-related government files. At least 10 other House Republicans have endorsed the measure, including longtime Trump allies Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene and Lauren Boebert. That's enough Republicans to pass the bill out of the House if every Democrat supports it. But Republican leaders are closing ranks behind Trump. On Monday, House Speaker Mike Johnson ruled out bringing Massie's bill to the floor before the upcoming August recess. 'There is no daylight between the House Republicans and the President on maximum transparency,' Johnson told reporters. 'He has said he wants all the credible files related to Epstein to be released... My belief is we need the Administration to have the space to do what it is doing.' Pressed on whether the House would vote before recess, Johnson replied: 'No.' Massie and others aren't backing down. Responding to a social media post from podcast host Theo Von asking why the bill can't be brought up now, Massie wrote: 'We should not punt this until after the 5-week recess, nor should we wait for my discharge petition to ripen and collect the required signatures to force the vote.' Despite Trump's insistence that the issue is overblown, a recent CBS News poll found that 89% of Americans—including majorities across party lines—believe the Justice Department should release all documents related to Epstein. These are the 11 House Republicans who have backed the resolution to compel the full release of Epstein-related documents: Thomas Massie—Kentucky's 4th District The libertarian from rural Kentucky has been a frequent foil to the Trump Administration, and he's leading the charge along with Democratic Rep. Khanna to force Congress to vote on publicizing Epstein-related records. 'We all deserve to know what's in the Epstein files, who's implicated, and how deep this corruption goes,' he wrote on social media. 'Americans were promised justice and transparency.' After Bondi said on Thursday that the Justice Department would move to release grand jury transcripts, Massie said: 'Folks, Keep the pressure on, it's working. But we want all the files.' Trump's allies recently launched a Super PAC to oust Massie, who is up for re-election next year and opposed the President's domestic policy bill. Marjorie Taylor Greene—Georgia's 14th District The firebrand Republican has been one of Trump's most ardent supporters on Capitol Hill since her election in 2021. But on Monday, she appeared to warn Trump that his supporters would no longer stand behind him if the Department of Justice does not release more information on Epstein. 'If you tell the base of people, who support you, of deep state treasonous crimes, election interference, blackmail, and rich powerful elite evil cabals, then you must take down every enemy of The People,' Greene posted to social media. 'If not,' she continued, 'The base will turn and there's no going back. Dangling bits of red meat no longer satisfies. They want the whole steak dinner and will accept nothing else.' Tim Burchett—Tennessee's 2nd District Burchett has continued to urge the Department of Justice to release evidence in the Epstein case. On Sunday, he called Trump's decision to direct the DOJ to unseal grand jury evidence 'a start' but warned the full truth may never come out. 'I don't think we're ever going to get to the bottom of … all of it, Ma'am,' Burchett said on ABC's This Week. 'You know, this town doesn't give up its secrets very easy.' Asked if Bondi should resign over her handling of the Epstein case, Burchett said: 'I have a saying: It's not how you start, it's how you finish. If she finishes strong on this, then I'm all for it,' Burchett said. 'I'm sure the learning curve is steep, and I think she blundered in the beginning, I really do, as most Americans do.' Eric Burlison—Missouri's 7th District Burlison, a member of the House Oversight Committee, has urged Trump to go beyond releasing grand jury testimony, warning that such testimony may cover only a narrow slice of the case and omit critical evidence. 'He needs to direct Pam Bondi to release everything they possibly can,' Burlison said in an interview with the Daily Signal. 'And if you don't have the answers, go find them. Dedicate resources to investigate it.' Burlison has also called for congressional hearings that give victims a platform and suggested Trump consider appointing a special prosecutor to probe the Epstein case. On Monday, he posted on social media: 'From the JFK files to the Russian collusion hoax, it's clear the deep state likes to hide the truth from the American people. Uncovering the truth about Epstein needs to be a priority as well.' Lauren Boebert—Colorado's 4th District Boebert last week said that Trump should appoint a special counsel to investigate the Epstein case, suggesting that former House Republican Matt Gaetz should lead the investigation. 'I think moving forward, we need a special counsel,' Boebert said, offering up Gaetz's name. 'There has to be a special investigation into this if we aren't going to be provided information.' (Gaetz was Trump's original pick for Attorney General before his candidacy was marred by allegations that he had paid for sex with a minor, which Gaetz denies). The White House on Thursday said that Trump did not support the appointment of a special counsel. Jeff Van Drew—New Jersey's 2nd District The former Democrat from New Jersey joined the Republican Party in 2019 during his first term in Congress. He has co-sponsored Massie's resolution calling for the release of Epstein records. 'The American people deserve full transparency,' Van Drew said in a post. Eli Crane—Arizona's 2nd District Crane, who has served in the House since 2023, also signed onto the resolution forcing the Epstein files to be released, telling Axios that it's 'something that I've supported from day one.' 'I think there needs to be transparency, and I'm glad to see that this is bipartisan because it should be,' he said. Cory Mills—Florida's 7th District Mills, an Army Veteran who joined the House in 2023, co-sponsored the resolution last Wednesday, but has not publicly commented on the Epstein case. Tom Barrett—Michigan's 7th District The Michigan Republican said that he co-sponsored the resolution because 'there are too many questions and not enough answers about the Epstein files.' 'I agree that it's time to release them, which is why I put my name on a resolution to force their release and give the American people the transparency they deserve,' he wrote on X. Max Miller—Ohio's 7th District Miller, who has served in the House since 2023, said he co-sponsored the resolution because 'I believe in transparency and delivering the truth to the American people.' Nancy Mace—South Carolina's 1st District The South Carolina Republican, who is considering a run for governor, gave a speech on the House floor in Febraury accusing four men—including her ex-fiancé—of rape, sex trafficking and other sex crimes against her. She has said she wants the Epstein files to be released and called on 'any one who raped underage girls [to be] in handcuffs and behind bars.' 'I've always been an advocate for women and children,' she said in a social post. 'The Jeffrey Epstein case is no different. I want to see arrests.'
Politico
4 days ago
- Politics
- Politico
A Kentucky Republican and a California liberal: The unlikely alliance pushing Trump on Epstein
To that end, Khanna said he's 'exchanged a few texts' with MAGA godfather Steve Bannon, who has expressed support for a special counsel to examine the Epstein case. Their correspondence was 'in the context of trying to stop the regime-change war in Iran,' Khanna said. Asked for comment, Bannon listed Khanna as one of a group of figures on the populist left and right who have found common ground on 'neo-Brandeisian antitrust.' On X, Massie is keeping a live whip count of cosponsors for his proposal to release the Epstein files and encouraging his 1.3 million followers to ask their representatives if they support the idea. When Attorney General Pam Bondi said on Thursday the Justice Department will move to release grand jury transcripts — a decision seen as an attempt to appease the MAGA base — Massie declared: 'Folks, Keep the pressure on, it's working. But we want all the files.' Should it come to pass, the resolution would be symbolic — Congress doesn't have the power to force the Justice Department to release any information. But under procedural rules, action on the floor can't take place until September, meaning that Trump's Epstein problem could linger in Congress for several more weeks. Khanna said he has a 'very friendly' relationship with Massie. The idea for the discharge petition came about after Khanna introduced an amendment to release the Epstein files, and Massie texted him to propose they draft a bill on the topic. 'We text back and forth all the time. I will often see him on the House floor, pick up the phone and call him,' he said. 'Obviously, we come from different ideological perspectives, but there are areas where we have agreement in making sure that we're preventing wars of choice overseas and transparency.' A spokesperson for Massie declined to comment. Earlier this week, Massie said in an interview that the pressure will intensify on House Republicans over the upcoming recess. 'They probably want to let the steam out, but this will build momentum over August,' Massie said. 'They can't sweep it under the rug.' It's not the first time Massie, often an iconoclast in his party, has found strange bedfellows in Democrats. He and other conservatives joined forces with libertarian-minded and anti-interventionist lawmakers on digital privacy and war powers measures. And just last month, he teamed up with Khanna on a measure to reign in Trump's ability to use military force in the Iran-Israel conflict.
