A White House communications director urged confidence in President Trump’s political power after a Trump-backed candidate unseated a frequent critic. The loss followed setbacks for other Trump targets, including a senator who failed to reach a runoff after voting to convict Trump for the Jan. 6 role. Trump has publicly identified additional potential targets inside his party. Colorado Rep. Lauren Boebert faced Trump’s criticism after campaigning for Thomas Massie and after positions including calls for Epstein file releases and support for a rival in a 2024 primary. Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul was attacked for supporting Massie and for opposing Trump’s legislation and actions. Ohio Rep. Warren Davidson was flagged for opposing a bill and for backing Massie’s reelection. Pennsylvania Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick was also targeted by Trump.
"Do not ever doubt President Trump and his political power. F**k around, find out," White House communications director Steven Cheung wrote on X Tuesday after Trump-backed Ed Gallrein unseated Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.), a frequent critic of the president."
"Massie's loss followed a weekend in which another of Trump's longtime targets - Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.), who drew Trump's wrath five years ago by voting to convict him for his role in the Jan. 6 riot - failed to make a runoff for the Senate seat."
"Trump took to Truth Social over the weekend to solicit a primary challenger to Boebert, whom he called "weak-minded" and "very difficult." The president was infuriated that Boebert had campaigned for Massie. "I knew the risks when I agreed to stand by my friend Thomas Massie," Boebert said in response."
"Trump repeatedly attacked Paul for supporting Massie, who shares the senator's libertarian instincts. The president also has criticized Paul for voting against Trump's "big, beautiful bill" and opposing his decision to attack Iran."
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