It’s highly unusual for the defense secretary to participate in a political event. Massie has opposed the Trump administration’s handling of the war in Iran.

The president has endorsed retired Navy SEAL Ed Gallrein in what marks his most aggressive attempt to catapult a dissenter from the Republican Party.

Defense secretary to support Trump-backed Ed Gallrein ahead of primary; South Carolina state house to debate push to redistrict only Democratic seat

Pete Hegseth participated in a campaign rally for Ed Gallrein, who is running against Thomas Massie in a Kentucky primary.