The political knives are out in Kentucky as Republican Senate hopefuls scramble to prove their MAGA credentials by turning against Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) – and it's becoming the ultimate test of loyalty to President Trump.
In a telling display of political calculation, Rep. Andy Barr (R-KY) and entrepreneur Nate Morris both endorsed Massie's primary challenger Ed Gallrein within hours of each other Thursday, clearly hoping to curry favor with Trump ahead of the competitive Senate race.
The move leaves former Attorney General Daniel Cameron as the lone major Senate candidate who hasn't jumped on the anti-Massie bandwagon – a risky position that could signal either principled independence or political miscalculation.
Trump's Long Memory Creates Political Reality
This isn't about policy differences or conservative principles. This is about reading the room and understanding that President Trump has a long memory when it comes to those who've crossed him. Massie's past criticism of Trump has created a political liability that ambitious Republicans are now eager to exploit.
"It's pretty transparent what's happening here," said one Kentucky GOP insider who requested anonymity. "Everyone knows Trump's position on Massie, and these guys are making sure they're on the right side of that equation before the Senate primary heats up."
The question isn't whether opposing Massie helps with Trump – it's whether staying neutral hurts your chances of earning his endorsement.
For everyday Kentucky Republicans watching this unfold, the message is crystal clear: the MAGA movement rewards loyalty and remembers betrayal. Barr and Morris are betting that Trump's approval matters more than any potential backlash from Massie supporters.
Cameron's silence speaks volumes. Is he gambling that he can thread the needle without taking sides, or does he genuinely believe Massie deserves support despite past friction with Trump? Either way, his calculation could define his Senate campaign before it truly begins.
Will Kentucky Republicans reward the candidates who demonstrate unwavering MAGA loyalty, or does Massie still command enough respect to make this strategy backfire?