A super PAC aligned with President Donald Trump has launched a sharp attack ad targeting Kentucky Republican Representative Thomas Massie. The ad criticizes Massie for his high-profile breaks with the administration, including his opposition to a landmark Republican policy bill and his criticism of recent strikes against Iran.
The ad opens with the question, “What happened to Thomas Massie?” and lists conservative policy priorities Massie voted against, broadly referencing his rejection of the expansive Republican bill moving through Congress. Massie has publicly expressed concerns about the bill’s high spending and deficits, dubbing it the “big, beautiful bill” sarcastically.
Targeting Massie’s Stance on Iran Strikes
Massie also faces criticism in the ad for opposing the administration’s airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities over the weekend. The campaign urges voters to “fire Thomas Massie,” spotlighting the growing rift between Massie and Trump’s allies.
This attack ad is a clear example of how Trump is using his powerful political network to pressure members of his own party who challenge his agenda. The group behind the ad, MAGA Kentucky, was created specifically to target Massie, with plans to spend $1 million on TV and digital ads.
Data from AdImpact shows MAGA KY has already reserved about $100,000 in airtime for July. MAGA KY shares a treasurer with Trump’s main super PAC, MAGA Inc., and is overseen by close Trump allies. This links it to a broader political infrastructure channeling tens of millions of dollars to support Trump-aligned candidates.
Trump’s Grip on the GOP Despite Ineligibility
While Trump is constitutionally barred from running for president again, his substantial war chest and political influence remain formidable tools for enforcing party discipline. Massie’s opposition to Trump’s agenda has made him a target, demonstrating how the president maintains control over key Republican figures.
Last month, Trump criticized Massie harshly, calling him a “grandstander” and suggesting he should be voted out. Yet Massie has shown defiance, dismissing the threats.
“If they would just quit hitting me I might get bored and give up,” Massie said on Capitol Hill. “But I’m not going to lose. I do not lose.”
What The Author Thinks
The attack on Thomas Massie underscores a growing tension within the Republican Party between loyalty to Trump’s agenda and independent conservative voices. While Trump’s political machine wields significant power, politicians like Massie highlight the risks of a party too tightly controlled by one figure. True political strength comes from diversity of thought and open debate — not from silencing dissenting voices.
Featured image credit: Wikimedia Commons
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