Kentucky Republican Thomas Massie is Trump revenge tour's next target
Kentucky Republican Thomas Massie faces a challenging primary that reflects Donald Trump's influence within the party. Despite Massie's established base, significant financial backing for his opponent, Gallrein, and a recent poll indicating a slight lead for Gallrein complicate his chances. The race has drawn attention due to its high spending and controversial campaign tactics, including the involvement of Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth.
- ▪Massie's primary is the most expensive House primary on record, with over $32.6 million spent on ads.
- ▪A CBS News poll shows 63% disapproval of Trump's job performance, yet 85% of Republicans approve of him.
- ▪Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth campaigned for Gallrein, which is unusual for sitting Cabinet officials.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Primaries like the one on Tuesday in Kentucky are effectively a referendum on Trump's grip on the Republican Party.Trump's approval ratings have plummeted in recent months as prices rise in response to the Iran war, and GOP defectors in Congress have at times bucked the president on tariffs and foreign policy ahead of November's pivotal midterm election. Republicans are trying to defend slim majorities in both the House and Senate.But with two and a half years remaining in his second term, his influence on Republican electoral politics is hard to deny.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at CNBC — Top.
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