U.S. Representative Thomas Massie said President Donald Trump called him “a moron” during remarks at the National Prayer Breakfast on Wednesday, as the Kentucky Republican faces an intensifying primary challenge backed by Trump.
Massie wrote in a post on social media that Trump insulted him “because I’m still fighting for what he promised the American people.”
The President of the United States called me a moron at the National Prayer Breakfast this morning because I’m still fighting for what he promised the American people:
— Thomas Massie (@RepThomasMassie) February 5, 2026
Reduce big spending, DOGE, no new wars, end foreign aid, defend 1A 2A 4A, prolife, and expose sex traffickers. https://t.co/auezIY6xDw
Trump made the comment while speaking at the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, according to a transcript of his remarks. He criticized Massie’s voting record and said, “No matter what we do, this moron, no matter what it is,” prompting laughter and applause from the audience.
Trump also compared Massie to Senator Rand Paul and accused him of opposing major legislative priorities. “We’ll get 100% vote, except for this guy named Thomas Massie,” Trump said, adding that lawmakers like him “love voting no.”
President Trump calls Thomas Massie a "moron" at the National Prayer Breakfast.
— Ryan Schmelz (@RyanSchmelzFOX) February 5, 2026
"There's something wrong with him. We call him Rand Paul Jr. They love voting NO." pic.twitter.com/ThIEb9slh9
The comments come as Massie faces a Trump-backed challenger in a Republican primary in Kentucky’s 4th congressional district, where Trump has endorsed former Navy SEAL Ed Gallrein.
Donald J. Trump Truth Social Post 03:16 PM EST 01.26.26
— Commentary Donald J. Trump Posts From Truth Social (@TrumpDailyPosts) January 26, 2026
The incredible people of Kentucky’s 4th Congressional District, who want desperately to get rid of Thomas Massie, the Worst “Republican” Congressman we have had in many years, gave us a mandate to, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!… pic.twitter.com/Lv59UaSLpT
Gallrein said Massie “attacks President Trump with his words and votes.” and accused him of voting with Democrats on key issues. Gallrein has framed his campaign as a test of loyalty to the president.
I thank @NateMorris for his support as Kentucky MAGA conservatives continue to unite against Thomas Massie.
— Ed Gallrein (@EdGallrein) February 5, 2026
Massie represents Trump County, yet partners with the Squad and attacks President Trump with his words and votes. MAGA Kentucky is standing up to defend our President and…
Trump’s attacks on Massie have escalated as House margins narrowed to a single vote, giving the congressman greater leverage in closely divided votes.
The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment about Trump’s remarks at the prayer breakfast.
