Trump Slams Rep. Thomas Massie as “Grandstanding Career Politician” Over GOP Budget Clash
FNF News – May 21, 2025
In a dramatic escalation of internal Republican tensions, former President Donald J. Trump has launched a blistering verbal attack on Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY), accusing the long-serving congressman of being a “do-nothing, grandstanding career politician” amid deep divisions over the Republican-backed budget and tax package. The latest salvo from Trump underscores the widening rift between the MAGA-aligned populist wing and fiscal conservatives within the GOP.
“Massie Can’t Hold a Candle to Trump” — Allies Rally Behind the Former President
Speaking to reporters outside Capitol Hill on Tuesday, Trump criticized Massie for opposing the proposed “One Big Beautiful Bill Act”, a sweeping Republican legislative package designed to extend Trump-era tax cuts, eliminate income tax on tips, reduce IRS expansion, and fund aggressive border security measures.
“This is a bill that helps waiters, waitresses, truckers, small businesses — and Massie wants to block it,” Trump said. “He’s a do-nothing grandstander who’s more interested in being on camera than in getting anything done.”
Trump loyalists quickly amplified the attack, with conservative influencers on Truth Social calling Massie “a fraud with zero charisma” and “a relic of pre-Trump Republicanism.”
The “One Big Beautiful Bill” — What’s at Stake?
At the heart of this growing feud is a budget proposal that would:
- Extend 2017 Trump tax cuts
- Eliminate taxes on tips (a key appeal to service industry workers)
- Cap IRS hiring and spending increases
- Roll back green energy subsidies
- Increase defense and border security funding
- Revise Medicaid and SALT deduction policy
The bill is seen as Trump’s effort to lay the groundwork for his 2025 economic platform and unify the party ahead of a contentious election cycle. But Massie, who chairs the House Rules Committee, has opposed key aspects of the proposal, citing concerns over deficit spending and federal overreach.
“This bill is a political stunt more than sound policy,” Massie said in a brief statement. “We can’t spend our way into prosperity or conservatism.”
A History of Tensions Between Trump and Massie
This isn’t the first time Trump and Massie have clashed. In 2020, Massie threatened to block a COVID-19 relief package, prompting Trump to call for his expulsion from the Republican Party.
“Throw Massie out of the Republican Party,” Trump tweeted at the time. “He’s a disaster for America.”
Yet, in a puzzling turn, Trump endorsed Massie for re-election in 2022, calling him “a Conservative Warrior.” Political analysts say that endorsement may have been driven more by party pragmatism than personal rapport.
“It was a strategic move. Trump wanted to avoid splitting MAGA voters,” says GOP strategist Sarah Glickman.
Deepening Republican Divide
The clash exposes a fundamental division within the modern Republican Party: between Trump’s populist-nationalist movement and libertarian-leaning constitutionalists like Massie and Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY). Massie, often praised by fiscal conservatives for standing against bloated spending, finds himself increasingly isolated in a party now dominated by Trump-style politics.
“There’s Trump’s GOP — and then there’s what’s left of the Tea Party,” said historian Kevin Kruse. “Massie is clinging to the old orthodoxy, but the voters and leadership have clearly moved on.”
Reactions on the Hill and Beyond
While some lawmakers have quietly sided with Massie’s fiscal caution, few are willing to challenge Trump publicly. Several House Republicans have privately expressed concern that Trump’s influence may be pushing the party into unsustainable populist territory — but fear primary retaliation if they speak out.
Meanwhile, Democrats have largely stayed silent, watching the internal GOP drama unfold.
“This is what happens when you let personality cults run your party,” said one unnamed senior House Democrat.
Trump’s Vision: Loyalty First
For Trump, the dispute is about more than policy — it’s about loyalty. Sources close to the former president say he views Massie’s opposition as a personal betrayal and is considering endorsing a primary challenger against him in 2026.
“He’s not a team player. If you’re not with us, you’re against us,” said one Trump campaign adviser.
What’s Next for the Bill?
As of this week, the “One Big Beautiful Bill” is expected to pass the House with narrow margins, but only if GOP leadership can prevent further internal defections. Senate prospects remain uncertain.
Massie has not backed down and continues to defend his position in media appearances and online forums.
“I answer to the Constitution and my constituents — not to cults of personality,” he posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Conclusion
As the Republican Party heads into what could be a defining election year, the conflict between Trump’s dominating influence and traditional conservative resistance embodied by figures like Thomas Massie may shape the party’s future — and the country’s direction — for years to come.
Sources:
- New York Post – Trump criticizes Massie over tax bill opposition
- Newsweek – Trump calls for Massie’s expulsion in 2020
- Associated Press – Trump endorsed Massie in 2022
- [Congressional Record – Budget bill analysis, May 2025]