GOP Rep. Thomas Massie defiant as Trump seeks to oust him in primary: "I'm going to win"
Updated on: May 18, 2026 / 9:56 PM EDT / CBS News
TL;DR
- Rep. Thomas Massie faces a primary challenge from Ed Gallrein, endorsed by President Trump.
- Massie expresses confidence in winning, citing internal polling that suggests a close race.
- Massie criticizes the involvement of pro-Israel interest groups, including AIPAC and the Republican Jewish Coalition, suggesting their spending is influencing the election.
- Massie has opposed several of Trump's legislative priorities, including the war with Iran, and has defied the president on issues like the release of the Epstein files.
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth campaigned for Gallrein, accusing Massie of "constant obstruction."
- Massie defends his stance on foreign aid, stating he opposes it for all countries, including Israel, due to domestic debt.
- He argues against equating anti-Zionism or criticism of Benjamin Netanyahu's government with antisemitism.