President Donald Trump reserved his fiercest attacks for Massie, a quirky conservative who had become among the most powerful rank-and-file Republicans in the House because of his willingness to vote as he pleased, rather than as the party demanded.

Trump calls Thomas Massie a "Weak and Pathetic RINO" and backs Ed Gallrein in a heated Kentucky GOP primary clash.

The Kentucky Republican has emerged as perhaps the president’s most critical primary target after bucking him on issues ranging from budget legislation to the Epstein files.