Trump threatens opponent against Massie, calls him ‘Rand Paul Junior’

President Donald Trump has come out swinging against Republican Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie for his opposition to the “big, beautiful bill” as it cleared one of its final hurdles on Tuesday. The massive piece of legislation is expected to land on Trump’s desk by the Fourth of July deadline.

Speaking to the media from Air Force One, Trump didn’t hold back in his criticism of Massie, predicting that the congressman will be “history” come primary season. Trump announced that Massie will have a formidable opponent in the upcoming primary next year, hinting at a poll that showed Massie losing by 25 points against anyone endorsed by Trump. Trump even went as far as calling Massie “Rand Paul Junior,” referring to Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul’s similar opposition to the bill.

“He’s always a no. Nothing constructive at all, at all, I mean, just terrible. Thomas Massie from Kentucky, and nothing constructive. I don’t think he’s a very smart guy,” Trump continued to criticize Massie.

Trump’s comments came as the Senate passed the bill while Trump was visiting a new illegal immigrant detention center in Florida. The bill has been a key focus for Trump since his inauguration, as it aims to further his agenda on taxes, immigration, energy, defense, and the national debt. While the majority of Republican lawmakers supported various versions of the bill, a handful including Massie, Paul, North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis, and Maine Sen. Susan Collins rejected it.

Massie had previously voiced concerns about the bill adding $20 trillion of federal debt over 10 years. In a speech on the House floor in May, Massie highlighted the dramatic increase in deficits in the near-term and questioned the government’s promise of fiscal responsibility in the future.

As the bill progressed through Congress, Elon Musk, a former Trump ally, sided with lawmakers like Massie and Paul in criticizing the legislation. Musk took to social media to express his opposition to the bill, pledging to support primary challenges against lawmakers who vote in favor of it. Musk’s posts garnered attention, with him promising to support Massie’s re-election campaign.

In response to questions about whether he was trying to set an example by opposing Massie, Trump emphasized that he doesn’t think about the congressman and that his opposition is based on making good decisions for the country. Massie’s office has not yet responded to Trump’s remarks.

The tensions between Trump, Massie, and Musk highlight the divisions within the Republican Party over the “big, beautiful bill.” With the bill nearing completion and heading to Trump’s desk, the political fallout and implications for the upcoming primary season remain to be seen.