Kentucky Rep. Massie One of Two House Republicans Opposing Major Tax-Spending Bill

President Trump has publicly criticized Kentucky Congressman Thomas Massie for opposing the GOP's 'Big Beautiful Bill,' a key tax-and-spending legislation central to Trump's agenda. Massie, who has represented Kentucky's 4th District since 2012, voted against the bill citing concerns over increased budget deficits, inflation, and Medicaid cuts, and also opposed Trump's recent bombing of Iranian nuclear sites, calling it unconstitutional. Trump's response included harsh personal attacks and an endorsement of a primary challenger against Massie, signaling a potential primary battle. Massie's opposition has contributed to significant challenges in advancing the bill in the House, with procedural delays and divisions among Republicans, including members of the House Freedom Caucus and moderates concerned about the bill's content. Speaker Mike Johnson faces difficulty securing the necessary votes, as any changes to the bill could prolong negotiations and delay passage. The intra-party conflict underscores deep fractures within the Republican Party over fiscal policy and Trump's leadership approach.