President Donald Trump is scheduled to visit Hebron, Kentucky, on Wednesday to deliver remarks centered on economic initiatives and policy priorities. The trip comes amid escalating tensions in the Republican primary between incumbent Rep. Thomas Massie, a six-term congressman, and Trump-endorsed former Navy SEAL Ed Gallrein, marking one of the few high-profile MAGA proxy battles of 2026. During his visit, Trump will make stops at a packaging facility in Hebron and at ThermoFisher in Reading, Ohio, where he will discuss efforts to reduce prescription drug prices, reports Baltimore Chronicle.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that Trump will be accompanied by lawmakers from Ohio and Kentucky “whom he greatly admires and supports.” Massie will not attend the events; a Gallrein spokesperson stated that Gallrein will be present for Trump’s appearances. The rivalry between Massie and Trump has intensified this election cycle due to Massie’s persistent push for the release of documents regarding convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and his opposition to major legislation advocated by the former president, including his domestic policy agenda.
Earlier this year, Massie was one of two Republicans to vote in favor of the Iran war powers resolution, defying party leadership by seeking to limit military action. In October, Trump publicly declared that Massie “needed to be thrown out of office” after objecting to a short-term funding bill supported by the president, adding that Massie “SHOULD BE PRIMARIED, and I will lead the charge against him.” Shortly thereafter, Trump encouraged Gallrein to enter the race, providing his endorsement as Gallrein, a fifth-generation farmer, launched his campaign.
On social media, Gallrein described the upcoming rally as “a huge moment for our campaign and for the people of Northern Kentucky.” Massie, speaking with ABC affiliate WCPO, welcomed Trump’s attention to the district but emphasized that he believes local constituents value independent representation over a candidate who promises to be a “rubber stamp” in Washington. Massie also stressed his commitment to the issues he champions, including the release of the Epstein files, fiscal restraint, opposing foreign conflicts, and promoting agricultural and food freedoms.
In anticipation of his visit, Trump renewed his attacks on Massie via social media, labeling him “the WORST Republican Congressman in the long and fabled history of the United States Congress” and reiterating his support for Gallrein. Trump’s criticism echoes earlier disputes; in 2020, he urged the GOP to remove Massie from the party following opposition to a coronavirus relief bill. Despite prior tensions, Massie won his 2020 primary by 62 points and received Trump’s endorsement for reelection in 2022, winning nearly 60 percent of the vote.
With the Kentucky primary scheduled for May 19, the contest remains highly contested. Massie has attempted to portray Gallrein as a “Trump traitor,” citing a prior change in the candidate’s voter registration after 2016. Gallrein’s spokeswoman Alexandra Wilkes acknowledged the registration change, attributing it to systemic issues in Massie’s district and reaffirmed Gallrein’s alignment with Trump and conservative principles. Gallrein also receives backing from Kentucky Rep. Andy Barr, who is pursuing a Senate seat to replace outgoing Sen. Mitch McConnell. Trump has not yet announced an endorsement in the Senate race, which remains competitive among top GOP candidates.
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