U.S. President Donald Trump and the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) are joining forces to challenge Kentucky Congressman Thomas Massie in next year’s election, citing his vocal opposition to American support for Israel and Trump’s recent foreign policy moves.
Massie, a consistent critic of U.S. foreign aid and overseas interventions, voted against Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill” — a funding package that included military aid to Israel. Tensions escalated following Trump’s June 22nd order to bomb three of Iran’s nuclear facilities. That same day, Trump lashed out at Massie on Truth Social:
“Congressman Thomas Massie of Kentucky is not MAGA, even though he likes to say he is. Actually, MAGA doesn’t want him, doesn’t know him, and doesn’t respect him... He is a negative force who almost always votes ‘NO’... He’s a simple-minded grandstander who thinks it’s good politics for Iran to have the highest level nuclear weapon, while at the same time yelling ‘Death to America’... Massie is weak, ineffective... MAGA should drop this pathetic LOSER, Tom Massie, like the plague!”
The next day, Trump reposted the message with the caption, “GET THIS ‘BUM’ OUT OF OFFICE, ASAP!!!”
On the same day, American media outlets reported that Trump had launched a super PAC named “Kentucky MAGA,” specifically aimed at recruiting and supporting a primary challenger to Massie. The PAC, run by Trump ally Chris LaCivita, is affiliated with Trump’s main political group, MAGA Inc., granting the initiative significant resources and national reach.
So far, only one candidate — a nurse with no political experience — has filed paperwork to challenge Massie. However, AIPAC is also reportedly working behind the scenes to recruit additional opponents. According to The Daily Caller, AIPAC has already conducted a “push poll” in Massie’s congressional district to test the waters.
In the 2024 election cycle, AIPAC-affiliated PACs spent nearly $350,000 on television ads attacking Massie for his votes against military aid to Israel. Massie still prevailed comfortably in the GOP primary, winning 76% of the vote and out-fundraising his opposition.
The renewed effort by Trump and AIPAC to unseat a long-serving and popular congressman reflects growing divisions within the Republican Party over foreign policy, military spending, and loyalty to Israel. While Trump insists that he alone defines the “America First” agenda, some critics argue the movement should not be dictated by a single individual.
The internal fight could deepen fractures within the GOP ahead of the 2026 midterms — an election cycle many analysts already expect to be difficult for Republicans.