Rep. Thomas Massie Endorses Trump for President Despite Past Criticism from Former President

Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky announced his endorsement of former President Donald Trump for the 2024 presidential election on Friday, despite Trump having previously called for his ousting from the Republican Party.

In a statement, Massie urged conservatives, libertarians, and independents to support Trump, citing his commitment to putting Americans first and securing liberties at home while avoiding unnecessary foreign conflicts.

Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump arrives to speak at a news conference at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport on Friday, Oct. 25, 2024, in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

“Donald Trump will put Americans first by securing our liberties at home and preventing needless wars abroad,” Massie stated. He praised Trump’s plans to empower small farmers, reform the healthcare system, and his commitment to freeing Ross Ulbricht, who was sentenced for his role in the Silk Road online marketplace.

Massie explained to Fox News Digital that the significance of the 2024 election prompted him to take a stand. After discussions with Trump and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., he felt compelled to join the alignment focusing on everyday Americans rather than corporate interests.

“One of the pressing issues of our day is that our meddling overseas has put us on the brink of war, and I believe Trump is the only one who can pull us back from that,” Massie said, reaffirming the reasons behind his endorsement.

Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., speaks at the Capitol in Washington, Jan. 12, 2024. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File)

The relationship between Massie and Trump has been rocky; in March 2020, Trump publicly criticised Massie for opposing a COVID-19 relief bill, calling him a “third-rate grandstander” and suggesting he should be expelled from the Republican Party. However, Massie later secured a decisive victory in the June 2020 primary for Kentucky’s 4th Congressional District.

Trump eventually endorsed Massie before his successful 2022 primary despite their past conflicts. Massie had previously supported Florida Governor Ron DeSantis for president before DeSantis’s withdrawal from the race and subsequent endorsement of Trump in January 2024.

In a June interview, Massie had remarked on Trump endorsing “non-conservatives” in Republican primaries, highlighting the complex dynamics within the party. However, his recent endorsement signifies a shift as the election approaches, emphasising the critical nature of the upcoming presidential race.