Source: Fox News
Summary
President Donald Trump called for the ouster of Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., after Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., lost his primary bid in Louisiana. Trump warned that Massie, who has been a vocal critic of the president, would suffer the same fate as Cassidy if he doesn’t align with him. Trump endorsed Ed Gallrein, a Kentucky farmer and military hero, to run against Massie in the Republican primary. The president’s attacks on Massie came after Cassidy’s defeat in Louisiana, where Trump had backed Letlow, who will face off against Fleming in a June 27 runoff.
Our Reading
As expected, the matter has reached another stage.
Trump’s call to action against Massie is a familiar ritual, with the president warning of consequences for those who don’t align with him. The use of social media to broadcast his message is also a well-worn tactic. The endorsement of Gallrein, a “true American Patriot,” is a predictable move, as is the labeling of Massie as “disloyal” and “ungracious.” The president’s focus on Kentucky, a state he won by 31 points, is also noteworthy. The fact that Massie has survived past pressure campaigns from Trump but is now facing a well-funded primary challenge suggests that this is a performance that will continue to play out.
Author: Evan Null
