A significant political division has emerged within Kentucky’s Republican primary as President Donald Trump’s military intervention in Venezuela becomes a central point of contention. The race features Congressman Thomas Massie, a longstanding libertarian-leaning Republican who has frequently clashed with Trump, facing challenger Ed Gallrein, a retired Navy SEAL officer enjoying the former president’s full endorsement.
Massie has launched a vigorous social media campaign condemning the military operation that resulted in the capture of Nicolás Maduro, characterizing it as an unconstitutional overreach of executive power. The congressman asserted that the Venezuela intervention fundamentally concerns oil interests and regime change rather than combating drug trafficking, directly contradicting the administration’s stated objectives.
“The Founders deliberately vested war-making authority in Congress, not the executive branch,” Massie emphasized, accusing Trump of bypassing constitutional procedures.
Gallrein countered by defending the operation as a necessary measure against rogue regimes. “This decisive action demonstrates America’s commitment to holding bad actors accountable, restoring international law and order, deterring aggression, and protecting American families,” the Trump-endorsed candidate stated. He further argued that U.S. involvement creates opportunities for Venezuelans to experience peace and prosperity after decades of oppression.
The May primary will serve as a crucial test of Trump’s ongoing influence within Republican politics. Massie, despite his frequent disagreements with Trump, has consistently secured reelection by substantial margins since 2012. Gallrein benefits from Trump’s powerful political machinery and support from a super PAC operated by former Trump aides, though he confronts a well-established incumbent with significant financial resources.
Trump recently reinforced his endorsement of Gallrein through social media, urging other potential Republican candidates to avoid the race and describing Massie as a “Weak and Pathetic RINO” (Republican In Name Only). The primary winner will likely become the favored candidate in a district that last elected a Democrat two decades ago, though at least two Democratic contenders have already filed for the congressional seat representing northern Kentucky.