Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) announced his support for fellow libertarian-leaning Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) in Massie’s upcoming primary race against a challenger endorsed by former President Donald Trump. Trump last week backed Ed Gallrein, a former Navy SEAL, calling for a 2026 primary challenge to Massie. Massie has often clashed with Trump and GOP leadership, including pressing the administration to release all remaining files related to the Jeffrey Epstein investigation and voting against the president’s summer spending bill. Paul, who has taken similar positions on spending and military authority, emphasized that Massie is an “independent voice” within the party and pledged to help him retain his House seat. “Thomas Massie is going to win. I’m going to help him. I’m going to be with him every step of the way,” Paul told POLITICO.

Paul underscored that while he and Massie often oppose party leadership, they still support Trump’s agenda more than many interventionist Republicans. He criticized those aligned with Trump who advocate regime change in Venezuela or sending advanced weaponry to Ukraine, calling them part of the “interventionist wing” that has historically opposed Trump. Paul said both he and Massie will continue to advocate for “enumerated powers,” balanced budgets, low taxes, and reduced foreign wars. He warned that Trump’s targeting of Massie serves as a “warning sign” for Republicans that dissent could carry political repercussions, noting his frustration with being treated as the party’s “whipping boy” while other colleagues avoid confronting the president.

Despite criticism from Trump, Paul has maintained his positions, recently opposing military strikes on vessels suspected of carrying narco-terrorists due to concerns about due process and innocent casualties. He highlighted Coast Guard data showing a significant portion of boarded ships turn out to be innocent. Earlier this week, Paul revealed he was not invited to a White House luncheon with other Republican senators, reportedly over his disagreements with Trump, but noted he already had a “Liberty Caucus Lunch” with Massie. Paul has campaigned alongside Massie and said he will continue to join him on the campaign trail, reinforcing his commitment to the congressman’s re-election.