Trump imposes his will in Kentucky as rebel Thomas Massie loses most expensive primary in history

Ed Gallrein defeated Republican congressman Thomas Massie in a Kentucky primary after receiving explicit support from Donald Trump. Trump posted more than a dozen messages criticizing Massie on Truth in the three days before the election and mobilized his electoral machine to direct funding to Gallrein. A Trump-backed political committee raised more than $7 million for Gallrein, with an additional $9 million from the pro-Israel lobby, bringing total support to over $18 million when other private donations are included. The campaign relied on intense smear tactics and self-promotion. Massie raised just over $13 million but was ultimately sidelined after seven consecutive terms.

"Trump posted more than a dozen messages criticizing Massie on his social network, Truth. The Republican magnate mobilized his electoral machine to direct funding to his candidate's campaign in Kentucky. He worked intensively to finish off Massie, a popular libertarian congressman who had held a House seat since 2012. The Trump-backed political committee raised more than $7 million for Gallrein, to which another $9 million from the pro-Israel lobby eager to see Massie out was added."

"In total, Trump's candidate benefited from a budget exceeding $18 million when other private donations are included. That money helped win the primary through an intense smear campaign against his rival and heavy self-promotion. Massie, for his part, raised just over $13 million for what became the most expensive House primary in history. After seven consecutive terms, Massie, an eccentric politician with an engineering degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), is now facing his final months as a representative."

"Donald Trump wants a party in his own image and likeness. He does not tolerate dissent. The president of the United States enforces his will with an iron fist to control Republicans. He has gradually sidelined every rebellious congressman and senator who ignored his orders or opposed his wishes. This Tuesday he offered another example. Ed Gallrein, a nondescript 68-year-old farmer and former member of the Navy SEALs who ran a low-key campaign, defeated Thomas Massie, the Republican congressman who had challenged Trump."

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