Thomas Massie Calls for Lutnick’s Resignation, Rebukes Trump Amid Primary Challenge

LOUISVILLE, KY (Azat TV) – Kentucky Congressman Thomas Massie has escalated his public confrontations, calling for the resignation of Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick following the latest release of Jeffrey Epstein files and strongly rebuking former President Donald Trump over a controversial video and personal attacks. These actions come as Massie navigates a challenging re-election campaign against a Trump-endorsed primary opponent, underscoring his independent political brand.

On Sunday, February 8, 2026, Massie told CNN’s Manu Raju that Secretary Lutnick should step down, citing the recent disclosures from the Epstein investigation, a cause Massie has championed by co-sponsoring legislation for the files’ release. Concurrently, Massie criticized Trump for sharing a now-deleted video on social media that depicted former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama as apes, labeling it a “racist trope” and stating Trump had “gone beyond the pale.”

Massie Condemns Trump’s Rhetoric and Personal Attacks

Rep. Massie, a Republican representing Kentucky’s 4th congressional district, did not mince words regarding former President Trump’s recent conduct. In interviews on Sunday, Massie insisted that Trump “definitively needs to apologize” for the racist video, which Trump later claimed he had not watched to the end, believing it was solely about voter fraud. Massie also revealed that Trump had recently attacked his wife, Carolyn Grace Moffa, online, calling her a “Radical Left flamethrower.” Massie stated that such attacks on a spouse cross “certain guardrails” and are “beyond the pale,” urging the White House Chief of Staff, Susie Wiles, to monitor Trump’s social media posts.

These remarks follow Trump calling Massie a “moron” at the National Prayer Breakfast just days earlier, an insult Massie playfully dismissed by referencing his two degrees from MIT. The congressman’s outspoken criticism highlights a persistent tension between him and the former president, despite both being Republicans.

Microphone Incident at GOP Dinner

The heightened political drama surrounding Massie was further amplified by an incident at the Oldham County Republican Party’s Lincoln Day Dinner on Friday, February 6. A viral video showed Kentucky House Speaker David Osborne, the event’s emcee, taking the microphone from Massie during his speech after the congressman exceeded his allotted five minutes. Massie was the only speaker to have his mic cut off that evening.

Massie acknowledged going over his time but explained he sought extra minutes to defend his wife from Trump’s recent online attacks and to discuss his voting record. He speculated that political differences with Speaker Osborne, who leads a more moderate wing of the Kentucky GOP, might have influenced the decision, though event organizers maintained it was strictly a matter of adhering to time limits. Following the incident, Massie left the dinner “in solidarity” with supporters who also exited.

Reelection Campaign Amidst High-Profile Clashes

These recent events unfold as Massie prepares for a competitive primary election on May 19, where he faces Trump-endorsed challenger Ed Gallrein, a Shelbyville farmer and former Navy SEAL. Massie, who has served in Congress since 2012, has built a reputation as an independent conservative, often voting against party leadership when he believes they are not upholding promises. He expressed confidence in winning his primary by a large margin, despite the need for hard work.

Campaign finance records indicate Massie held nearly $2.2 million on hand at the end of the last reporting period, significantly more than Gallrein’s approximately $930,000, suggesting a well-resourced campaign to fend off the challenge. The contest is drawing national attention, with national money pouring into the Kentucky 4th Congressional District primary.

Massie’s Call for Commerce Secretary Lutnick’s Resignation

Adding another layer to his assertive week, Massie’s demand for Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick’s resignation directly ties into his long-standing advocacy for transparency regarding the Jeffrey Epstein case. Massie has been a key figure in pushing for the Department of Justice to release millions of files related to Epstein, a convicted sex offender with connections to many powerful individuals. His call for Lutnick’s departure underscores his continued commitment to public accountability regarding the Epstein saga, even as he questioned if all relevant files have truly been released.

The confluence of Massie’s public criticism of Trump, his highly visible clash at a local party event, and his demand for a cabinet secretary’s resignation paints a picture of a congressman firmly asserting his independent stance and principles during a critical reelection cycle, potentially leveraging these high-profile moments to distinguish himself from a Trump-backed challenger.