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Kentucky Congressman Massie Shifts to “America Only” Stance Amid Trump-Backed Primary Challenge
Rep. Thomas Massie, a Kentucky Republican known for his fiscal conservatism, is recalibrating his political brand amid challenges from a Trump-endorsed primary opponent. Previously describing himself as “America First,” Massie now says he’s “America only” — a subtle but significant shift in messaging.
“I am tired of sending money overseas,” Massie told Fox News Digital in a Thursday interview. “I am tired of favoring foreign beef over U.S.A.-grown beef. I’m ready to be America only. And I think all congressmen should be that way.”
The congressman offered measured praise for President Donald Trump, saying the president embodies America First principles on “some” fronts, while criticizing specific policies. “When it comes to beef, he is not America first. When it comes to sending money overseas to Ukraine and Israel,” Massie said, “I think he needs to get back to his campaign promises and put America first. Because we’re not gonna make America great again by sending our money overseas.”
Massie, who owns cattle himself, expressed particular frustration with the administration’s recent agricultural trade decisions. Last month, Trump indicated the U.S. was considering importing beef from Argentina to drive down domestic prices. Shortly thereafter, the administration quadrupled the tariff rate quota to 80,000 metric tons for Argentinian beef, allowing greater quantities to enter America at lower duty rates.
The Kentucky representative’s biggest disagreement with both the Trump administration and House Speaker Mike Johnson centers on government spending. “I mean, I thought we were conservatives. Why are we spending more this year than Joe Biden spent in his last year? Actually, we’re spending about $200 billion dollars more,” Massie claimed, arguing that such spending fuels inflation and higher interest rates.
White House spokesman Kush Desai disputed Massie’s claims, calling them “Fake Math” in a statement to Fox News Digital. “President Trump’s Working Families Tax Cut Act cut mandatory spending by $1.5 trillion over the next 10 years, and the budget deficit from April to September of this year is down a staggering 40% compared to last year,” Desai countered.
Beyond fiscal matters, Massie highlighted his work with Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna on a discharge petition to release materials related to Jeffrey Epstein. Their petition has garnered 217 of the 218 signatures needed to force a vote. Massie alleged Speaker Johnson has delayed swearing in Democratic Rep.-elect Adelita Grijalva, who won a special election in Arizona over six weeks ago and has indicated she would provide the crucial 218th signature.
The Kentucky congressman faces significant political headwinds. Trump has repeatedly attacked him on social media, recently calling Massie “a Weak and Pathetic RINO” and “a totally ineffective LOSER” while expressing support for primary challenger Ed Gallrein, a former Navy SEAL.
Despite the president’s efforts to unseat him, Massie said he doesn’t regret endorsing Trump ahead of the 2024 election. After initially backing Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis in the Republican primary, Massie ultimately supported Trump, noting that Vice President Kamala Harris would have been a “disaster.”
Massie acknowledged Trump has “done a lot of good things,” particularly through executive orders, but suggested Congress should vote on more issues to ensure presidential actions aren’t merely “temporary.”
When asked about his own presidential ambitions, the Kentucky representative was unequivocal: he has no interest in seeking the nation’s highest office.
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8 Comments
Massie’s shift in position raises valid questions about the balance between America First and international engagement. Curious to hear more nuanced perspectives on this evolving debate.
Interesting shift in Massie’s stance. I’m curious to hear more about his concerns over foreign aid and trade policies. Seems like a nuanced position on America First principles.
I appreciate Massie’s emphasis on domestic priorities, but caution against an overly nationalist approach. Maintaining strategic global partnerships is crucial for America’s long-term prosperity and security.
Massie’s shift to an ‘America Only’ stance raises some valid questions. While fiscal restraint is admirable, we need to carefully weigh the global implications of an isolationist approach.
That’s a fair point. Striking the right balance between domestic and international priorities is crucial. Curious to see how Massie’s views evolve during the primary campaign.
Massie’s pivot to an ‘America Only’ stance is a bold move, but I have concerns about the potential economic and geopolitical implications. Thoughtful debate on these complex issues is needed.
Massie’s shift in messaging is intriguing. While I agree with the sentiment of prioritizing American interests, I’m wary of an overly protectionist approach. Curious to see how his platform develops.
As a fiscal conservative, I can understand Massie’s frustration with foreign aid and trade policies. However, a more isolationist stance could have unintended consequences that warrant further discussion.