Representative Thomas Massie (R-KY), once a steadfast supporter of former President Donald Trump, has publicly derided Trump’s latest legislative endeavor—the so-called “One Big Beautiful Bill Act“—as a fiscal farce.
Massie, known for his libertarian leanings and fiscal conservatism, didn’t mince words, labeling the bill’s claim of not adding to the deficit as “a joke.” In response, Trump, never one to shy away from a feud, branded Massie a “grandstander” and called for his ousting from Congress.
‘Big, beautiful bill’ or fiscal fantasy?
GOP Rep. Thomas Massie on WH claims the bill won’t add to the deficit. “That’s a joke.”
— Manu Raju (@mkraju) May 20, 2025
“We’re going to add $20 trillion dollars to the debt over the next 10 years, which is three and a half to $5 trillion dollars more than would have been added otherwise,” he said of the bill pic.twitter.com/BgjvAXFq2b
Massie, who has represented Kentucky’s 4th Congressional District since 2012, has a history of bucking party lines, especially on spending issues. His libertarian stance often puts him at odds with both Democrats and fellow Republicans.
In a scathing critique, Massie highlighted the bill’s fiscal irresponsibility, stating, “The idea that this bill won’t add to the deficit is a joke.” He further emphasized that the legislation could lead to a $20 trillion increase in national debt over the next decade, according to Politico.
This isn’t the first time Massie has clashed with Trump. In 2020, during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Massie opposed the $2.2 trillion stimulus package, insisting on a recorded vote.
Massie “SHOULD BE PRIMARIED”
Republicans MUST UNITE behind, “THE ONE, BIG BEAUTIFUL BILL!” Not only does it cut Taxes for ALL Americans, but it will kick millions of Illegal Aliens off of Medicaid to PROTECT it for those who are the ones in real need. The Country will suffer greatly without this Legislation,…
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 16, 2025
True to form, Trump responded to Massie’s dissent with characteristic vitriol. On his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump lambasted Massie, stating, “HE SHOULD BE PRIMARIED, and I will lead the charge against him. He’s just another GRANDSTANDER, who’s too much trouble, and not worth the fight.”
Trump’s history with Massie has been tumultuous. While Massie endorsed Trump in the 2024 election, citing Trump’s promise to release Silk Road founder Ross Ulbricht, their relationship has been marred by disagreements over fiscal policies.
Massie stands firm
The Big Beautiful Bill will add $20 trillion of federal debt over 10 years, and that’s according to the authors of it.
— Thomas Massie (@RepThomasMassie) May 19, 2025
But there’s another huge problem: it will increase the price of the $36 trillion of debt we already have, as bond buyers realize we aren’t fiscally responsible. pic.twitter.com/fGSIexNSOZ
Undeterred by Trump’s threats, Massie took to social media to reaffirm his commitment to fiscal responsibility. He posted, “Someone thinks they can control my voting card by threatening my re-election. Guess what? Doesn’t work on me.”
Massie also pointed out that previous challengers attempting to out-MAGA him failed to gain traction, emphasizing that his constituents value “transparency and principles over blind allegiance.”
The clash between Massie and Trump underscores a broader tension within the Republican Party between traditional fiscal conservatism and the populist approach championed by Trump. As debates over spending and deficits continue to roil Congress, Massie’s stand serves as a reminder that not all Republicans are willing to toe the party line when it comes to fiscal policy.
In the end, whether Massie’s principled stand will resonate with voters or lead to political repercussions remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: in the world of politics, calling out “a joke” can sometimes be the most serious move of all.
