Days earlier than his extremely anticipated main, Republican Rep. Thomas Massie struck a defiant tone, asserting on Sunday that out-of-state billionaires “have funneled tens of millions of {dollars} in right here” in an effort to “purchase a seat” in Congress.
“How did this race develop into the costliest race within the historical past of Congress for a main? It is as a result of three billionaires from exterior of Kentucky have funneled tens of millions of {dollars} in right here. They’re making an attempt to purchase a seat,” Massie stated in an interview on ABC Information’ “This Week.”
On Friday, Massie informed a reporter that his has “changed into a referendum on whether or not Israel will get to purchase seats in Congress.”
Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., seems on ABC Information’ “This Week” on Might 17, 2026.
ABC Information
“This Week” anchor George Stephanopoulos pressed Massie on the remark, asking him, “What did you imply by that?”
Massie stated that two of the people he named — main GOP donors Miriam Adelson and Paul Singer, together with the Republican Jewish Coalition (RJC) and American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), are “all a part of the Israeli foyer.”
Adelson and Singer are each main AIPAC contributors.
“That is the place all the cash comes from, and it will likely be a referendum on overseas coverage, whether or not Israel will get to dictate that by, , bullying members of Congress, and I am the one they have not been in a position to bully, so that they’re placing all of the brunt, the drive on me,” Massie stated.
Massie stated his opponents are “determined” as a result of he says he is forward within the polls.
“That is why the president is dropping sleep and tweeting about this,” the Kentucky congressman stated.
President Donald Trump listens as congressional candidate Ed Gallrein speaks at Verst Logistics on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, in Hebron, Kentucky.
Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP
ABC Information has reached out to the RJC, AIPAC, Adelson’s basis, Singer’s basis and Singer’s funding administration fund to request remark in response to Massie’s statements, however has but to obtain a response.
President Donald Trump has repeatedly attacked Massie, together with on Sunday morning, after one other Republican who Trump needed to oust from Congress — Louisiana’s Sen. Invoice Cassidy — lost his primary on Saturday.
“Unhealthy Congressman Tom Massie voted in opposition to Tax Cuts, the Border Wall, our Army and Regulation Enforcement. Truly, he voted in opposition to nearly all the pieces that’s good. The Worst Republican Congressman in Historical past. Kentucky, vote the bum out on Tuesday. We will’t dwell with this troublemaker for one more two years. He’s a real detrimental drive!!!” Trump posted on his social media platform.
Massie is going through a main problem from former Navy SEAL Ed Gallrein, who was endorsed by Trump earlier than he even entered the race. In an Oct. 17 Fact Social submit, Trump stated he hoped Gallrein “will get into the Race in opposition to Massie”; 4 days later, Gallrein did simply that.
The seven-term congressman has clashed with Trump all through his second stint within the White Home. However Massie argued he can overcome Trump’s opposition to win this main.
“I’ve the endorsement of the correct to life organizations, the gun organizations. I had 4 members of Congress come right here yesterday and marketing campaign with me. So, my scenario is a little bit bit totally different [than Sen. Cassidy’s],” Massie stated. “Plus, I’ve had tens of millions of {dollars} are available from the grassroots, tens of 1000’s of donors, to my web site, thomasmassie.com. And it’s nonetheless coming in. And that’s how we’re going to beat them.”
