In a surprising turn of events, Kentucky Republican Rep. Thomas Massie has endorsed former President Donald Trump for the 2024 presidential election. Massie, known for his independent streak and past clashes with Trump, announced his support for the GOP frontrunner on Friday, citing Trump’s focus on American interests and his commitment to reforms.
Massie, who once faced Trump’s public ire for delaying a COVID-19 spending bill, outlined his reasons for supporting the former president in a statement. He highlighted Trump’s promise to secure American liberties, prevent unnecessary wars, and address healthcare concerns. Massie also praised Trump’s commitment to freeing Ross Ulbricht, a controversial figure known for his alleged involvement in the Silk Road dark web marketplace.
“Donald Trump will put Americans first by securing our liberties at home and preventing needless wars abroad. He will make America Healthy Again by empowering small farmers and taking on special interests that have corrupted our healthcare system. He has even committed to freeing Ross Ulbricht who was wrongfully sentenced,” Massie declared in the statement.
In a written comment to Fox News Digital, Massie emphasized the importance of the 2024 election, stating that it was “too important” for him not to “weigh-in.” He noted conversations he had with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Trump, highlighting his desire to focus on “regular people instead of corporations and bureaucracy.”
This endorsement comes after a tumultuous history between Massie and Trump. In 2020, Trump publicly lashed out at Massie for delaying a vote on a massive COVID-19 relief package, calling for the congressman to be expelled from the Republican Party. However, Trump later reversed course, issuing a full endorsement of Massie before his 2022 primary victory.
Massie’s decision to back Trump also marks a shift from his previous stance on the 2024 race. Last year, he endorsed Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis for president before DeSantis announced his White House bid. DeSantis eventually dropped out and endorsed Trump in January 2024 after Trump won the Iowa caucuses.
This unexpected endorsement adds another layer to the complex and ever-evolving dynamics of the 2024 presidential election. It remains to be seen how this development will impact the race as it unfolds.
