President Donald Trump observes as congressional hopeful Ed Gallrein speaks at Verst Logistics on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, in Hebron, Kentucky.Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP
Mere days before his eagerly awaited primary, Republican Rep. Thomas Massie adopted a combative stance, declaring on Sunday that outside-of-state billionaires "have channeled millions of dollars inward" aiming to "acquire a position" in Congress.
"How did this contest evolve into the priciest contest in congressional history for a primary? It's due to the fact that three billionaires originating outside Kentucky have steered millions of dollars to this place. They're attempting to secure a seat," Massie stated during an interview on ABC News' "This Week."
On Friday, Massie conveyed to a reporter that his has "transformed into an assessment of whether Israel is permitted to purchase seats in Congress."
Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., makes an appearance on ABC News’ “This Week” on May 17, 2026.ABC News
"This Week" host George Stephanopoulos questioned Massie concerning the remark, inquiring, "What was your intention behind that?"
Massie specified that two of the individuals he referenced — prominent GOP benefactors Miriam Adelson and Paul Singer, together with the Republican Jewish Coalition (RJC) and American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), are "all affiliated with the Israeli lobby."
Adelson and Singer function as significant AIPAC contributors.
"That's the origin of all the finances, and it will be an evaluation of foreign policy, regarding whether Israel is permitted to dictate that via, you know, intimidating members of Congress, and I'm the individual they haven't managed to intimidate, thus they're focusing all the force, the pressure, on me," Massie communicated.
Massie suggested his rivals are "desperate" since he claims he's ahead in the surveys.
"That's the reason the president is restless and commenting about this," the Kentucky congressman expressed.
President Donald Trump observes as congressional hopeful Ed Gallrein speaks at Verst Logistics on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, in Hebron, Kentucky.Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP
In a declaration to ABC News, RJC CEO Matt Brooks accused Massie of "antisemitism and rock-bottom nativism at a juncture when hatred towards Jews is increasing."
"The RJC aligns with those who will confront antisemitism such as Captain Ed Gallrein, and opposes those who instigate it," Brooks conveyed, alluding to Massie's Republican challenger. "Massie's history is unjustifiable, and the Republican primary electorate of Kentucky will hold him to account."
ABC News also contacted AIPAC, Adelson's foundation, Singer's foundation and Singer's investment management organization to solicit commentary in reply to Massie's assertions, but hasn't gotten a response.
President Donald Trump has consistently criticized Massie, notably on Sunday morning, subsequent to another Republican whom Trump desired to remove from Congress — Louisiana's Sen. Bill Cassidy — suffered defeat in his primary on Saturday.
"Ineffective Congressman Tom Massie voted in opposition to Tax Cuts, the Border Wall, our Armed Forces and Law Enforcement. In reality, he voted against practically everything beneficial. The Worst Republican Congressman ever. Kentucky, vote the bum out on Tuesday. We are unable to endure this agitator for another two years. He represents a genuine detrimental influence!!!" Trump shared on his social media site.
Massie is confronting a primary challenge from former Navy SEAL Ed Gallrein, who gained endorsement from Trump before he even entered the contest. In an Oct. 17 Truth Social publication, Trump voiced his hope that Gallrein "enters the race to compete against Massie"; Gallrein acted accordingly four days after.
The seven-term congressman has conflicted with Trump during his subsequent tenure in the White House. But Massie contended he can conquer Trump's resistance to succeed in this primary.
"I have the backing of pro-life organizations, the gun advocacy groups. I had four members of Congress come here yesterday and campaign alongside me. Therefore, my circumstances differ somewhat [compared to Sen. Cassidy's]," Massie explained. "Additionally, I’ve received millions of dollars originating from the grassroots, tens of thousands of givers, to my website, thomasmassie.com. And that support continues to arrive. And that's the strategy through which we're going to overcome them."
Sourse: abcnews.go.com