In a recent development, President Donald Trump has taken to Truth Social, his social media platform, to express his disapproval of Kentucky Representative Thomas Massie.
The Republican has been a vocal critic of some of Trump's key policies, including the Big Beautiful Bill and, more recently, the strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities. In a bold statement, Massie declared the strikes "not Constitutional."
Trump, in a characteristic display of candor, called for Massie's removal from office. "Get this 'bum' out of office ASAP!!!" he wrote emphatically on Truth Social. This was a follow-up to his Sunday post where he stated, "Congressman Thomas Massie of Kentucky is not MAGA, even though he likes to say he is. Actually, MAGA doesnt want him, doesnt know him, and doesnt respect him."
According to The Post Millennial, Trump defended the air strikes on Iran, which Massie opposed, by lauding the American military's prowess. "We had a spectacular military success yesterday, taking the 'bomb' right out of their hands (and they would use it if they could!) but, as usual, and despite all of the praise and accolades received, this 'lightweight' Congressman is against what was so brilliantly achieved last night in Iran."
Trump's criticism of Massie did not stop there. He described Massie as "weak, ineffective, and votes 'NO' on virtually everything put before him," likening him to "Rand Paul, Jr." He also announced that Massie would face a primary challenge, stating, "The good news is that we will have a wonderful American Patriot running against him in the Republican Primary, and Ill be out in Kentucky campaigning really hard. MAGA is not about lazy, grandstanding, nonproductive politicians, of which Thomas Massie is definitely one."
In the wake of the strikes on Iran and subsequent questions about the US's potential involvement in regime change in Iran, Trump said, "It's not politically correct to use the term 'Regime Change,' but if the current Iranian Regime is unable to MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN why wouldn't there be a Regime change??? MIGA!!!" Massie's response was succinct: "This is not America First folks."
Two of Trump's advisors, Chris LaCivita and Tony Fabrizio, have initiated a super PAC aimed at unseating Massie, who has represented his district for over 12 years. Despite endorsing Massie in his 2022 race for Kentucky's 4th district, Trump seems to have shifted his support. Republican Niki Lee Ethington has filed to run against Massie in the GOP primary.
Massie, in a bipartisan effort, joined forces with Democrat California Rep. Ro Khanna to introduce a resolution to "prohibit involvement in Iran." He argued that "The Constitution does not permit the executive branch to unilaterally commit an act of war against a sovereign nation that hasnt attacked the United States."
The Constitution's Article 1, Section 8, and Clause 11 state that "The Congress shall have Power ... To declare War, grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal, and make Rules concerning Captures on Land and Water." The War Powers Resolution of 1973 further restricts the President's power to engage the U.S. in military conflicts.
However, presidents have often cited Article 2, Section 2, which states that "The President shall be Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy of the United States, and of the Militia of the several States, when called into the actual Service of the United States..." This ongoing debate over the balance of power continues to shape the political landscape.
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