GOP lawmakers brush off Trump primary threats after Massie’s Kentucky loss

GOP lawmakers, Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky. While brushing aside concerns about President Donald Trump’s targeting of GOP incumbents following his loss, many Republicans emphasized the need for unity to advance the Republican agenda.

Massie lost to congressional candidate Ed Gallrein in the Kentucky Republican primary last week; It follows months of escalating attacks from Trump, who has publicly criticized the Kentucky Republican for repeatedly breaking with the president and opposing parts of the GOP agenda.

“The primaries are happening,” Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Fla., told Fox News Digital. “We’re working through that, but it goes back to the business of the American people, so you know, I hope everybody focuses on that.”

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Massie has been one of the most outspoken Republican critics of parts of Trump’s agenda in Congress and has come under repeated attacks from the president over spending fights and other legislative disputes. Trump intensified his criticism of Massie in the months leading up to the primary and supported efforts to oust him from Congress.

The stakes are especially high for Republicans as the party grapples with internal divisions over Trump’s agenda and political influence while trying to maintain its slim majority over Democrats in the House.

Despite speculation that Trump’s strategy of targeting GOP incumbents could harm the party, many lawmakers stood behind Trump’s decision to offer personal support as he saw fit.

“I think Trump will be Trump, and not everyone will agree with what he does,” said Rep. Beth Van Duyne, R-Texas. “The truth is that it has been incredibly effective.”

“It confirms who you support He wants to confirm,” said Sen. John Hoeven, R-D.

GOP CANDIDATES WHO ARE DETERMINED BY TRUMP AND FIGHTING FOR RE-ELECTION ARE ACTING AS IF THEY ALREADY HAVE HIS SUPPORT.

President Donald Trump arrives at the graduation ceremony at Cadet Memorial Field at the United States Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut, on May 20, 2026. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Still, some Republicans acknowledged that Trump’s aggressive involvement in the primaries could create difficulties for the conference, especially for members who are no longer worried about re-election.

“I think it’s obvious to a lot of people that the president doesn’t like these members… they might have the last laugh if you want because they’re no longer up for re-election.“

Others emphasized that because Republicans operate under narrow margins in the House, lawmakers have little room for prolonged infighting within the party as leadership tries to push Trump-backed legislation through Congress.

““We have a tight bracket that we have to meet every week,” said Rep. Pete Sessions, R-Texas. “And as we go through the primaries, as we move towards the election, we need the team. We need the members to come“

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Rep. Pete Sessions, co-chair of the Congressional DOGE Caucus, speaks during a hearing. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc)

Republicans also emphasized the importance of preparing both voters and members of Congress to stay aligned ahead of the midterm elections as the party looks to defend its narrow majority in the House of Representatives in November.

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“Ultimately, it is up to the voters in these states and districts who wins these primaries, and it is up to each member to make sure they win,” said Rep. Mike Lawler, R-Y.

“As for the rest of Congress, look, we have a lot of work to do on behalf of the American people. And as long as you don’t suddenly change your view on these issues, we can assume that you can continue to represent your district and state appropriately.”