President Trump’s PAC targets Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.), a staunch America First advocate, in the 2026 Republican primary for Kentucky’s 4th Congressional District.
Niki Lee Ethington, a nurse who prioritizes Israel’s interests, filed to challenge Massie on May 22, 2025.
Trump’s Truth Social post indicates he might support a challenger like Ethington, despite Massie’s track record of fiscal conservatism. This Massie Primary Challenge places a reliable advocate for American priorities at risk.
Massie’s Feud with Trump
The Hill reported President Trump’s ongoing feud with Massie over his opposition to key administration actions.
Massie stood against Trump’s June 2025 military actions on Iranian nuclear sites, raising constitutional issues. He also opposed the May 2025 “Big, Beautiful Bill,” which increased national debt despite offering tax cuts.
Trump’s super PAC, headed by Chris LaCivita, has initiated a $1 million advertising campaign against Massie. These ads misleadingly associate him with Iran’s Ayatollah Khamenei and progressive Democrats.
On Friday, a Trump-aligned super PAC, led by the president’s co-campaign manager Chris LaCivita, rolled out its first ad as part of a $1 million ad buy targeting Massie. The 30-second ad — titled “What happened to Thomas Massie?” — hit the GOP congressman over his opposition to Trump-supported legislation to fund border security and cut taxes.” —[The Hill]
Ethington’s Campaign Platform
Ethington claims to support Trump’s America First agenda but emphasizes foreign policy, particularly Israel. Her website states, “I stand unapologetically with Israel and the Jewish community, both here in Kentucky and across the nation.”
This focus overshadows domestic priorities like tax relief and border security. Ethington criticizes Massie for voting to tax tips and overtime in 2025. The Massie Primary Challenge exposes her misalignment with America First values.
I stand unapologetically with Israel and the Jewish community, both here in Kentucky and across the nation. Peace through strength. I do not support endless wars. These values are the heart of my campaign, and I am dedicated to serving Kentucky’s 4th District with integrity, honor, and a commitment to the future of our families. —[https://www.nikileecongress.com/]
Social Media and Financial Support
Elon Musk pledged to donate to Massie’s campaign on July 1, 2025, via X. Musk criticized the “Big, Beautiful Bill” for increasing debt.
“Every member of Congress who campaigned on reducing government spending and then immediately voted for the biggest debt increase in history should hang their head in shame! And they will lose their primary next year if it is the last thing I do on this Earth,” Musk declared in a post on X.
Former Rep. Justin Amash replied by urging Musk to back Massie.
“Please support @RepThomasMassie. The establishment is working to primary him because he’s a genuine fiscal conservative and opposes the Big, Bloated Scam,” Amash wrote.” —[Fox News]
Massie raised $308,665 from 3,417 grassroots donors in one week.
My campaign is fueled by the grassroots donors on this map; 3,417 of you donated $308,665 last week. Thank you!
Tonight at midnight is the FEC deadline to report Q2 totals. Send a message to the foreign lobbyists trying to take me out, by donating here:https://t.co/AgJY01IWPL pic.twitter.com/6hm8V0Bx6a
— Thomas Massie for Congress (@MassieforKY) June 30, 2025
Trump’s Public Criticism
Trump intensified the Massie Primary Challenge with a Truth Social post on June 22, 2025.
Congressman Thomas Massie of Kentucky is not MAGA, even though he likes to say he is. Actually, MAGA doesn’t want him, doesn’t know him, and doesn’t respect him. He is a negative force who almost always Votes “NO,” no matter how good something may be. He’s a simple minded “grandstander” who thinks it’s good politics for Iran to have the highest level Nuclear weapon, while at the same time yelling “DEATH TO AMERICA” at every chance they get. Iran has killed and maimed thousands of Americans, and even took over the American Embassy in Tehran under the Carter Administration. We had a spectacular military success yesterday, taking the “bomb” right out of their hands (and they would use it if they could!) but, as usual, and despite all of the praise and accolades received, this “lightweight” Congressman is against what was so brilliantly achieved last night in Iran. Massie is weak, ineffective, and votes “NO” on virtually everything put before him (Rand Paul, Jr.), no matter how good something may be. He is disrespectful to our great military, and all that they stand for, not even acknowledging their brilliance and bravery in yesterday’s attack, which was a total and complete WIN. Massie should drop his fake act and start putting America First, but he doesn’t know how to get there — he doesn’t have a clue! He’ll undoubtedly vote against the Great, Big, Beautiful Bill, even though non-passage means a 68% Tax Increase for everybody, and many things far worse than that. MAGA should drop this pathetic LOSER, Tom Massie, like the plague! The good news is that we will have a wonderful American Patriot running against him in the Republican Primary, and I’ll be out in Kentucky campaigning really hard. MAGA is not about lazy, grandstanding, nonproductive politicians, of which Thomas Massie is definitely one. Thank you to our incredible military for the AMAZING job they did last night. It was really SPECIAL!!! MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN.”—[Donald Trump on Truth Social]
Trump labeled Massie a “pathetic LOSER” and vowed to campaign for a challenger against Massie.
GOP Dynamics and District Context
Kentucky’s 4th District, a safe Republican seat, spans Louisville’s eastern suburbs to Cincinnati’s border. Massie has consistently defeated primary challengers.
Strategist Ford O’Connell claims Massie obstructs Trump’s agenda. A national GOP strategist argues targeting Massie risks the House majority. Speaker Mike Johnson declined to endorse Massie, citing incumbent protection duties.
Conclusion
The Massie Primary Challenge pits Massie’s proven America First record against Ethington’s foreign-focused campaign. Public sentiment labels Ethington an extreme Zionist, citing her website:
“I stand unapologetically with Israel and the Jewish community, both here in Kentucky and across the nation. Peace through strength. I do not support endless wars. These values are the heart of my campaign, and I am dedicated to serving Kentucky’s 4th District with integrity, honor, and a commitment to the future of our families.”
Ethington’s Israel-centric stance undermines her America First claims. Massie, with his commitment to fiscal restraint and constitutional principles, remains the true America First candidate.
Even with speculated backing from Trump’s super PAC, based on his Truth Social post, Ethington is not a credible contender against the support Massie has built over his 13 years representing Kentucky’s 4th Congressional District.
