President Donald Trump just dropped a political bombshell in Kentucky’s 4th Congressional District with a fiery endorsement that’s sure to shake up the Republican primary.
Breitbart reported that Trump has thrown his weight behind former Navy SEAL Ed Gallrein to challenge incumbent Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) in the primary set for May 19, 2026, blasting Massie for failing to support key Republican goals while praising Gallrein as the true champion of the "Make America Great Again" vision.
For years, Trump has made no secret of his frustration with Massie, repeatedly signaling his desire to see the congressman ousted from office.
The tension between Trump and Massie isn’t new, as the president has accused the Kentucky representative of consistently siding with Democrats on critical votes that undermine conservative priorities.
Adding fuel to the fire, a super PAC aligned with Trump has been airing attack ads against Massie since the summer, aiming to chip away at his support in the district.
Of course, this tells half the story, as Massie has been one of the most ideologically consistent and transparent representatives in Congress. He refuses to play along with GOP leadership's political games, and that has earned him the loyalty of his very MAGA voter base.
Described as a fifth-generation Kentucky farmer, Army Ranger, combat veteran, and successful businessman, Gallrein brings a resume that Trump clearly believes resonates with the district’s voters.
In a late-night post on Truth Social on a recent Friday, Trump offered Gallrein his “Complete and Total Endorsement” should he officially join the race for the Republican nomination.
Gallrein, for his part, didn’t shy away from the spotlight, teasing that an announcement about his candidacy is coming soon, hinting at a campaign that could ignite a fierce primary battle.
Trump didn’t hold back in his critique, claiming Massie’s support in the district has plummeted to a mere 9% due to his habit of voting against the Republican Party’s agenda.
“I hope Ed gets into the Race against Massie, who is now polling at about 9% because the Great People of Kentucky are wise to him — He only votes against the Republican Party, making life very easy for the Radical Left,” Trump declared on Truth Social, painting Massie as a liability to conservative causes.
Let’s be real—polling at single digits in your own district isn’t exactly a badge of honor, and Trump’s words are a sharp reminder that loyalty to the party line matters in today’s GOP.
Trump’s endorsement of Gallrein isn’t just a slap at Massie; it’s a full-on campaign pitch, with the president touting the challenger’s military service and business acumen as proof he’ll fight for American jobs, energy independence, and Second Amendment rights.
“I’m honored by President Trump’s support. He is doing an amazing job securing the border, lowering taxes, and making America great again,” Gallrein responded, signaling he’s ready to align himself with Trump’s agenda if he enters the race.