Defense Secretary Campaigns for Trump-Backed Challenger in Kentucky House Primary

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth spoke at a campaign event in Hebron, Kentucky, on Monday to support Ed Gallrein, the Trump-backed challenger to Rep. Thomas Massie in Tuesday's Republican primary. Hegseth described Gallrein as a combat veteran who led special operations forces and served in the elite ranks of SEAL Team Six.

He said Kentucky voters face a choice between sending a "warrior" or an "obstructionist" to Congress.

The event was hosted by America First Works, a pro-Trump nonprofit group. Gallrein spoke before Hegseth and said service members deserve leaders they can trust, naming both President Trump and Hegseth. Hegseth noted he was appearing in his personal capacity as a private citizen and combat veteran.

Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said no taxpayer dollars were used and that the appearance had been cleared by lawyers.

Massie has opposed some of President Trump's legislative priorities and criticized military actions in Iran. He also helped lead efforts to release government files related to Jeffrey Epstein. In a Fox News Digital interview, Massie said the high-profile campaign against him shows he is ahead in the polls.

He noted his events draw large crowds while his opponent's events have been canceled for low attendance.

Ad spending in the race has exceeded $32 million according to AdImpact, making it the most expensive House primary on record. Much of the spending has come from Trump allies and pro-Israel groups. President Trump posted a video on Truth Social calling Massie the worst congressman in the country's history and urging voters to remove him from office.