Trump Endorses Challenger in Kentucky House Primary Against Massie
President Trump endorsed Ed Gallrein in the Republican primary for Kentucky’s 4th Congressional District. The race is set for Tuesday. Prediction markets showed Massie’s chances of victory falling to 43 percent on Monday.
Fox NewsPresident Trump endorsed Ed Gallrein in the Republican primary for Kentucky’s 4th Congressional District, urging voters to remove Representative Thomas Massie from office. ” He described Gallrein as “a successful Kentucky farmer and American War Hero” who deserves the seat.
The primary is scheduled for Tuesday. Massie has represented the district since 2012.
Monday, Massie’s chances of winning fell to 43 percent on both Kalshi and Polymarket. The figures were down from 61 percent and 56 percent respectively on Saturday, after in-person early voting ended. The decline followed Trump’s repeated public attacks on Massie.
Trump has criticized Massie over the Department of Justice’s handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files and foreign policy issues. He has also pointed to votes against tax cuts, the border wall, military funding, and law enforcement. Gallrein entered the race after concluding that Massie had been disloyal to Trump.
The president’s endorsements have historically influenced Republican primaries, and this contest is viewed as a test of his standing within the party.
Letlow and state Treasurer John Fleming will face each other in a June 27 runoff. Trump described Cassidy’s result as a warning to other Republicans. "Kentucky, get this LOSER out of politics in Tuesday’s Election." — President Donald Trump, Truth Social, May 17
Key Facts
Story Timeline
3 events- May 17, 2026
Trump posted on Truth Social calling for Massie’s defeat and endorsing Gallrein.
2 sourcesFox News · Newsweek - May 17, 2026
Massie’s predicted win probability dropped to 43 percent on Kalshi and Polymarket.
1 sourceNewsweek - May 16, 2026
Senator Bill Cassidy finished third in Louisiana’s Republican Senate primary.
2 sourcesFox News · Newsweek
Potential Impact
- 01
A Gallrein victory would remove Massie from Congress after 14 years.
- 02
The outcome will test the influence of presidential endorsements in Republican primaries.
Transparency Panel
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