Kentucky Congressman Thomas Massie made headlines over Christmas. Former President Donald Trump called him a “lowlife Republican” on Truth Social. The attack targeted Massie for co-authoring the Epstein Files Transparency Act, a bipartisan law that forces the federal government to release all remaining documents on convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Turning Insult into Opportunity
Massie acted quickly. He shared screenshots of Trump’s post and urged supporters to donate to his 2026 re-election campaign against Ed Gallrein, a Trump-endorsed challenger. In just a few hours, nearly $3,000 came in. The move energized his base and showed Massie could turn an attack into momentum.
The clash highlights a growing divide in the Republican Party. Massie criticized Trump’s administration for failing to fully release Epstein files. He also demanded that anyone tied to Epstein face consequences. He referenced international examples, like the Duke of York losing his royal title and Peter Mandelson’s firing as UK ambassador. Massie suggested similar accountability should happen in the U.S.
Massie described the timing of Trump’s attack as shocking: “Imagine celebrating a blessed Christmas with your family … suddenly phones alert everyone to the most powerful man in the world attacking you … for fulfilling his campaign promise to help victims!”
The Justice Department missed the December 19 deadline for fully releasing Epstein files. Some documents were released on time. Later, officials discovered over a million additional records, which will take weeks to process.
Preparing for a Heated Primary
Trump endorsed Ed Gallrein for the Republican primary. The stage is set for a heated contest. Massie’s response shows he can turn controversy into support and fundraising.
As the Epstein case unfolds, Massie’s campaign illustrates the tension between transparency, accountability, and partisan politics. It also gives a window into the internal struggles shaping the GOP ahead of the 2026 midterms.
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