Trump Ousts Massie From Congress

Republican Congressman Thomas Massie has lost his primary race after a fierce campaign led by President Donald Trump, who endorsed former Navy SEAL Ed Gallrein. The defeat brings to a close the congressional career of one of the Republican Party’s most independent voices.

Massie had long positioned himself as a conservative unwilling to follow party leadership unquestioningly. He opposed Trump’s tax reforms over concerns about rising national debt, rejected military action against Iran and Venezuela and regularly voted against foreign aid packages, including support for Israel.

He also drew attention for pushing the Justice Department to release files related to Jeffrey Epstein. Trump repeatedly attacked him during the campaign, at one point calling him “deplorable”.

After the defeat, Massie argued that a legislature that always sides with the president resembles a monarchy rather than a republic. He also suggested his political career may not yet be over.

(ap, bak)