Trump Tightens Control Over GOP with Primary Wins

On Tuesday, former President Donald Trump celebrated another success in his efforts against Republican critics, solidifying his influence in the Republican Party after a series of primary wins. Ed Gullane, a Kentucky farmer and former Navy SEAL endorsed by Trump, emerged victorious over longtime rival Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.), as reported by the Associated Press.

Gullane’s victory marks a significant win for Trump’s political strategy and pro-Israel supporters, who have invested considerable resources to challenge sitting lawmakers.

High-Stakes Primaries in Six States

On the final day of the primary campaign, Trump made some notably personal comments about Massie, emphasizing his support for Gullane, whom he actively promoted during the election. On Monday, Trump referred to Massie as “the worst ‘Republican’ lawmaker ever,” a reflection of their frequent disagreements on several policy issues.

In an interview with FOX News Digital, Gullane echoed Trump’s criticisms. He asserted, “My opponent, he opposes the policies that President Trump and the Republican Party have put forward.”

However, Massie argued that Trump’s endorsement of Gullane is not an overwhelming burden, citing strong grassroots conservative backing for his own unconventional political views. “It’s as engaging here as it is at my events. We regularly see 100 to 200 people, sometimes even 300,” he remarked. He also pointed out that Gullane had to cancel events due to low attendance.

Massie expressed confidence, noting their campaign utilized grassroots efforts to challenge the opposition effectively. “We were able to energize the country,” he concluded.

Additionally, he criticized Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth for backing Gullane, suggesting that Trump’s political tactics indicated he viewed Massie as a significant competitor. “If I wasn’t there, they wouldn’t send an army chief to my constituency,” he added.

Trump had also campaigned in strongly Republican areas, calling Massie “disloyal” to both the Republican Party and the nation.

Controversies Surrounding Massie’s Record

Massie, holding libertarian views, was among the few Republicans to oppose Trump’s major tax cuts and spending bill due to concerns over the budget deficit. Furthermore, he advocated for transparency regarding Epstein files, facing considerable pushback from the White House yet eventually gaining approval.

His recent stance against Trump’s approach to Iran, along with votes opposing military aid to Israel, has drawn attention from pro-Israel donors allied with Trump, motivating them to target the incumbent.

Massie emphasized, “I have nothing against Israel. I just have never voted for foreign aid,” reiterating his commitment to an “America First” approach that rejects foreign assistance to multiple countries.

Kentucky’s primary follows a trend of impactful Republican contests where Trump’s backing has proven crucial.

In early May, Trump celebrated the defeat of five Indiana Republicans who resisted redrawing the state’s congressional maps ahead of the midterms, and another success came over the weekend with Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) being excluded from a runoff for a third Senate term. It’s notable that these defeated senators had voted to convict Trump during his second impeachment.

While Massie has navigated previous challenges effectively, Gullane presents the most formidable attempt against him since his election to the House in 2012. The eventual victor will likely proceed to the general election in a deeply Republican district.