The ballad of Thomas Massie
Rep. Thomas Massie's loss in the Kentucky Republican primary highlights Donald Trump's continued dominance over the party. Massie's libertarian stance, particularly his opposition to foreign aid and the war with Iran, put him at odds with pro-Israel factions that heavily funded his opponent. The primary became a significant battle between Trump's MAGA supporters and those advocating for traditional Republican foreign policy.
- ▪Thomas Massie lost a Kentucky Republican primary, showcasing Trump's control over the party.
- ▪Pro-Israel donors contributed over $34 million to attack ads against Massie, making it the most expensive House primary in US history.
- ▪Massie's isolationist views and opposition to foreign aid, including to Israel, led to his defeat by a candidate backed by Trump.
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The ballad of Thomas Massie Trump and the hawks beat him — but not his politics Pro-Israel donors poured millions into attack ads against the Kentucky libertarian. Credit: Getty Pro-Israel donors poured millions into attack ads against the Kentucky libertarian. Credit: Getty AIPACBen ShapiroDonald TrumpisolationismIsraelisrael lobbyJD VanceLibertariansMegyn Kellynick fuentespete hegseththomas massieTucker Carlson Ross Barkan May 20 2026 - 10:13am 5 mins Rep. Thomas Massie’s decisive loss in a Kentucky Republican primary is proof that President Trump still dominates the Republican Party. It will be his party until he is no longer president — or even, perhaps, until he is dead. Trump’s personalist rule over the MAGA GOP, meanwhile, is increasingly bound up with the pro-Israel cause.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at UnHerd.
