Outgoing Republican Rep. Thomas Massie openly criticized President Donald Trump and fellow GOP members during the May 24 edition of Meet the Press, just days after losing his Kentucky primary to Ed Gallrein, a former Navy SEAL. Massie had served seven terms in the House before his defeat on May 19.
Epstein Files and Bipartisan Legislation
Massie told NBC host Kristen Welker that his support for releasing government documents related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein—including his Epstein Transparency Act, which he co-sponsored with Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna—played a major role in his loss.
“I think the biggest crime I committed against the swamp, Kristen, was showing the American people that somebody on the right could join somebody on the left and get something done, which is releasing the Epstein Files,” Massie said.
The legislation sought to shed light on federal materials about Epstein, and while President Trump signed a law last year requiring the release of certain documents, critics continue to call for greater transparency.
Criticism of GOP and Trump Policies
Massie has also been outspoken about other GOP initiatives, including Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which Massie opposed along with one other Republican due to its $3.8 trillion contribution to the national deficit.
He argued that the Republican Party has alienated factions that helped reelect Trump in November 2024, including fiscal conservatives, supporters of healthcare reform, and anti-interventionists.
“Some people on the left have Trump derangement syndrome, they call it TDS. But there’s a growing number of people on the right who have a form of TDS called Trump disappointment syndrome,” Massie said.
Despite his primary loss, Massie said he remains committed to voting based on principles rather than party:
“I’ve got seven more months to keep going against the grain, which means voting for principles and for people over party.”
Other Republican Primaries and Trump Influence
Massie’s defeat comes shortly after Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana also lost his reelection bid following Trump’s endorsement of a challenger. Meanwhile, House colleague Rep. Julia Letlow secured enough votes to advance to a runoff against state Treasurer John Fleming, signaling a mixed picture of Trump’s influence among Republican primary voters.
Massie also criticized Trump’s proposed $1 billion White House ballroom project, calling it an “egregious waste of money.” While Trump has stated the ballroom would be funded by private donors rather than taxpayers, many Senate Republicans have reportedly expressed unease over the expense.
