Kentucky Rep. Massie Defies Trump Amid Feud With VP Vance

Kentucky Representative Thomas Massie has intensified his public feud with Vice President JD Vance and President Donald Trump, notably responding to Vance's tweet about vice presidential excitement with a jab referencing the January 6 Capitol riot and the threats against then-Vice President Mike Pence. Massie, who has opposed key GOP initiatives including Trump's 'One Big, Beautiful Bill' Act and the U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, has drawn Trump's ire, prompting Trump to support a primary challenger against him. Despite Trump's efforts, Massie remains defiant, using the backlash to bolster his campaign fundraising and continuing to advocate for Congressional approval under the War Powers Act to limit unauthorized military action in Iran. Vance, a former senator like Massie, has been assisting with fundraising efforts for the Ohio Republican Party amid this discord. The exchanges highlight ongoing divisions within the Republican Party, particularly around loyalty to Trump and approaches to foreign policy and governance. Massie's willingness to publicly challenge both Trump and Vance underscores a significant ideological and personal rift among leading GOP figures from the Ohio-Kentucky region.