GOP lawmakers dismissed Trump’s primary threats after Massie lost in Kentucky
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GOP lawmakers brushed aside concerns about President Donald Trump targeting GOP incumbents after the loss of Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., as several Republicans emphasized the need for unity to advance the Republican agenda.
Massie lost to Congressman Ed Gallrein in last week’s Kentucky primary after months of attacks from Trump, who has publicly criticized the Kentucky Republican for repeatedly breaking with the president and antagonizing parts of the GOP.
“The primaries are happening,” Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Fla., told Fox News Digital. “We’re going through that, but it’s back to the business of the American people, so you know, my hope is that everybody will focus on that.”
MTG SAYS GOP’S FUTURE IS ‘BEAT’ AFTER TRUMP DRIVER THOMAS MASSIE LOSES IN PRIMARY.
Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Fla., speaks in Hollywood, Florida, as he campaigns for Florida governor with the support of former President Donald Trump. (Al Diaz/Getty Images)
Massie has long been one of the most outspoken Republican critics of parts of Trump’s agenda in Congress, drawing repeated attacks from the president over the money fight and other legislative disputes. Trump stepped up his criticism of Massie in the months ahead, supporting efforts to remove him from Congress.
The stakes are high for Republicans as the party works to maintain its slim House majority over Democrats while navigating internal divisions over Trump’s agenda and political influence.
Despite speculation that Trump’s strategy of targeting GOP incumbents could be harmful to the party, many lawmakers stand by Trump’s decision to make his recommendations as he sees fit.
“I think Trump is going to be Trump, and not everyone is going to agree with what he’s doing,” said Rep. Beth Van Duyne, R-Texas. “The truth is that he worked in an amazing way.”
“You will admit who it is you want to approve,” said Sen. John Hoeven, RN.D.,.
FRUSTRATED WITH TRUMP, GOP CANDIDATES ARE FIGHTING AND SUPPORTING THE RE-ELECTION ACT AS IT IS
President Donald Trump arrives at the commencement ceremony at the Cadet Memorial Field at the United States Coast Guard Academy in New London, Conn., on May 20, 2026. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
Still, some Republicans admitted that Trump’s forced participation in the primaries could cause problems within the conference, especially for members who are no longer worried about re-election.
“It’s not lost on many people, I think the reason why the president doesn’t like those members would be….”
Others stressed that with Republicans operating under narrow limits in the House, lawmakers have little room for protracted battles in the party as leadership works to move Trump-backed legislation through Congress.
“We have a tough bracket to cover every week,” said Rep. Pete Sessions, R-Texas. “And as we move into the primaries, as we head into the election, we need a team. We need members to show up.”
FEAR OF DEMOCRATIC TAKEAWAY GOES AS GOP HOLDS ON TO MAJORITY
Rep. Pete Sessions, co-chair of the Congressional DOGE Caucus, speaks during the session. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc)
Republicans have also stressed the importance of getting voters and members of Congress together ahead of the midterms as the party works to secure its House majority in November.
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““Ultimately, it’s up to the voters in those states and districts who wins in these primaries and it’s up to each member to make sure they win,” said Rep. Mike Lawler, RN.Y..
“As for the rest of Congress, look, we have a lot of work to do on behalf of the American people. And unless you suddenly change your mind on these issues, one would think that you would still represent your state and speak the right way.”
