MTG claims Trump ‘turned on’ Thomas Massie over Epstein files push: ‘We wanted accountability’

WASHINGTON, DC: Former Rep Marjorie Taylor Greene claimed President Donald Trump “turned on” Rep Thomas Massie because the Kentucky Republican kept pushing for the release of the Epstein files, reviving tensions inside MAGA circles just days after Massie suffered a bruising GOP primary defeat backed by Trump.

Greene made the comments during an interview with CBS News while defending Massie after his loss in Kentucky. She argued that Republican voters wanted accountability tied to Jeffrey Epstein and said Massie was carrying out that demand.

Marjorie Taylor Greene links Trump feud to Epstein files

“We wanted accountability, demanded accountability from the elites and primarily the Epstein class,” Greene said. “And it was Thomas Massie that was following through on that exact mandate.”

She also directly linked Trump’s attacks on Massie to the Epstein files fight, saying Massie’s push for transparency was “the reason that President Trump turned on him.”

The comments came after Trump spent weeks aggressively targeting Massie during the Kentucky primary race. Trump handpicked and endorsed Ed Gallrein, whose victory was widely viewed as another demonstration of the president’s influence over Republican voters.

Massie had become one of the GOP’s most outspoken holdouts against Trump on several issues. He pushed for the release of the Jeffrey Epstein files, criticized the war in Iran, and voted against Trump’s signature tax legislation last year.

Even while facing Trump-backed attacks, Massie tried convincing voters they could support both him and Trump.

Trump intensified attacks against Thomas Massie during race

The race turned increasingly personal in the final stretch of the campaign as Trump intensified his criticism of Massie online, calling him “an obstructionist and a fool.”

After Massie lost, Trump told reporters: “He was a bad guy. He deserves to lose.”

White House communications director Steven Cheung also celebrated the result on social media, writing: “Do not ever doubt President Trump and his political power.”

Massie, however, framed his campaign as a fight over principles and independence within the Republican Party. Speaking to supporters after the defeat, he said,

“We stirred up something. There is a yearning in this country for someone who will vote for principles over party.”

He also took aim at what he described as blind loyalty in Congress, warning: “If the legislative branch always votes whichever way the wind is blowing, then we have mob rule.”

The fallout extended beyond Massie himself. Trump’s anger reportedly shifted toward Republicans who publicly backed the congressman during the race, including Rep Lauren Boebert.

After Boebert endorsed Massie, Trump posted on Truth Social calling for someone to challenge her in a Republican primary. “Anybody that dumb deserves a good Primary fight!” Trump wrote.