Trump's Attack Backfires: Massie Raises $120K After 'Third Rate' Slam

Paul Riverbank, 6/25/2025Trump's attack on Rep. Massie backfires, sparking $120K fundraising surge amid war powers debate.

The Latest Trump-Massie Clash: A Study in Constitutional Principles and Political Theater

The halls of Congress are buzzing with what might seem, at first glance, like just another political spat. But the ongoing tension between Donald Trump and Kentucky Representative Thomas Massie reveals something far more significant about the state of Republican politics and constitutional interpretation.

I've watched Trump's political battles for years, but his recent Truth Social broadside against Massie – calling him a "Third Rate Congressman" and a "LOSER" – strikes me as particularly telling. Not because of the rhetoric (we've all grown accustomed to Trump's social media style), but because of what it represents: a fundamental clash over war powers and constitutional authority.

Massie, who's earned a reputation as Congress's resident constitutionalist, didn't take the bait. Instead, he responded with characteristic dry wit on X: "[President Trump] declared so much War on me today it should require an Act of Congress." Having covered Massie since his early days in Congress, I can tell you this response is quintessentially him – pushing back with substance wrapped in humor.

What's really at stake here goes beyond personality conflicts. Massie's collaboration with Democratic Representative Ro Khanna on war powers legislation has touched a nerve. Their joint effort to limit U.S. involvement in the Israel-Iran conflict represents exactly the kind of cross-party cooperation that's become increasingly rare in Washington.

I spoke with several congressional staffers yesterday who pointed out something interesting: despite Trump's threats to back primary challengers against Massie in 2026, the Kentucky congressman seems more energized than ever. His campaign reported a $120,000 fundraising boost in just 24 hours after Trump's attacks – not bad for a day's work in political fundraising.

"In some sense I have the Trump antibodies," Massie remarked during an MSNBC appearance. Having covered numerous political feuds, I can say this might be one of the more honest assessments I've heard from a politician about dealing with Trump's criticism.

The situation remains fluid. Just yesterday, Massie indicated some flexibility regarding the war powers resolution, telling Speaker Johnson he'd ease off if the current cease-fire holds. This pragmatic approach, while maintaining his principles, shows political savvy that many miss when they focus solely on his voting record.

What fascinates me most about this conflict is how it illuminates the broader struggles within the Republican Party. We're watching, in real-time, the tension between traditional conservative constitutional interpretation and the more personality-driven politics that's dominated recent years.

For those of us who've spent decades covering Washington, this isn't just another Twitter spat – it's a window into how the Republican Party continues to wrestle with its identity in the post-Trump era. Whether Massie's brand of principled independence can coexist with Trump's demand for loyalty remains one of the more intriguing questions in American politics today.

The Latest Trump-Massie Clash: A Study in Constitutional Principles and Political TheaterThe halls of Congress are buzzing with what might seem, at first glance, like just another political spat. But the ongoing tension between Donald Trump and Kentucky Representative Thomas Massie reveals something far more significant about the state of Republican politics and constitutional interpretation.I've watched Trump's political battles for years, but his recent Truth Social broadside against Massie – calling him a "Third Rate Congressman" and a "LOSER" – strikes me as particularly telling. Not because of the rhetoric (we've all grown accustomed to Trump's social media style), but because of what it represents: a fundamental clash over war powers and constitutional authority.Massie, who's earned a reputation as Congress's resident constitutionalist, didn't take the bait. Instead, he responded with characteristic dry wit on X: "[President Trump] declared so much War on me today it should require an Act of Congress." Having covered Massie since his early days in Congress, I can tell you this response is quintessentially him – pushing back with substance wrapped in humor.What's really at stake here goes beyond personality conflicts. Massie's collaboration with Democratic Representative Ro Khanna on war powers legislation has touched a nerve. Their joint effort to limit U.S. involvement in the Israel-Iran conflict represents exactly the kind of cross-party cooperation that's become increasingly rare in Washington.I spoke with several congressional staffers yesterday who pointed out something interesting: despite Trump's threats to back primary challengers against Massie in 2026, the Kentucky congressman seems more energized than ever. His campaign reported a $120,000 fundraising boost in just 24 hours after Trump's attacks – not bad for a day's work in political fundraising."In some sense I have the Trump antibodies," Massie remarked during an MSNBC appearance. Having covered numerous political feuds, I can say this might be one of the more honest assessments I've heard from a politician about dealing with Trump's criticism.The situation remains fluid. Just yesterday, Massie indicated some flexibility regarding the war powers resolution, telling Speaker Johnson he'd ease off if the current cease-fire holds. This pragmatic approach, while maintaining his principles, shows political savvy that many miss when they focus solely on his voting record.What fascinates me most about this conflict is how it illuminates the broader struggles within the Republican Party. We're watching, in real-time, the tension between traditional conservative constitutional interpretation and the more personality-driven politics that's dominated recent years.For those of us who've spent decades covering Washington, this isn't just another Twitter spat – it's a window into how the Republican Party continues to wrestle with its identity in the post-Trump era. Whether Massie's brand of principled independence can coexist with Trump's demand for loyalty remains one of the more intriguing questions in American politics today.