MTG says Thomas Massie’s defeat proves Congressional seats can be ‘bought’
WASHINGTON, DC: Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene slammed the influence of billionaire political donors after Rep. Thomas Massie’s primary loss in Kentucky, saying the results proved congressional seats can effectively be “bought” by wealthy interests tied to foreign lobbying groups.
In an interview with Major Garrett on CBS News’ ‘The Takeout’, Greene argued that voters are increasingly frustrated with what she described as a political system controlled by elite donors instead of ordinary Americans. She also warned that heavily funded political networks are reshaping Republican primaries and sidelining populist candidates.
MTG says billionaire donors are influencing congressional races
Greene pointed to the recent Kentucky primary results as evidence that outside money now plays a major role in determining political outcomes.
“This is what the American people are tired of,” Greene said.
Former Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) says Republican Rep. Thomas Massie's primary loss this week is proof, "that a congressional seat can be bought by several billionaires representing a foreign lobby,” telling CBS News foreign political donors are a “direct threat to the… pic.twitter.com/svHzTvBDAJ
— CBS News (@CBSNews) May 21, 2026
“And they very much want to be able to have a say in the policies and the decisions that are made in Washington, but they don’t.”
“The proof was there on the Tuesday election results,” she said.
“The proof was there that a congressional seat could be bought by several billionaires representing a foreign lobby and not the people of Kentucky.”
When asked by Garrett which foreign lobby she was referring to, Greene responded by naming AIPAC and Israel-focused donors.
During the interview, Greene argued that major political donations tied to foreign interests represent a growing danger regardless of which country is involved.
“I think anytime you have donors, billionaires that are donating and focused on congressional seats or any type of political seat, and their interest is for a foreign country, that can be any foreign country,” Greene said.
“I think that is a direct threat to the American people. I do."
Greene says Massie defeat sparks concerns inside GOP
The Georgia Republican also warned that the direction of the Republican Party could be affected if populist and America First candidates struggle to compete against heavily funded opponents.
Greene has previously said that Massie is one of the few Republicans willing to challenge both parties over spending, foreign policy and government power. Their political alignment became more visible during debates over aid packages and surveillance legislation.
Her remarks also came after a public split with President Donald Trump last year over foreign policy differences and the Epstein files, although Greene remains closely aligned with the MAGA movement.
Massie was known for voting against bipartisan spending bills and frequently opposing Republican leadership positions, building a reputation as one of Congress’ more independent conservative voices.
His primary defeat quickly became a flashpoint among populist conservatives who argue that outsider lawmakers are increasingly targeted by powerful donor networks.
“It’s a reflection of the frustration of grass-roots conservatives who feel disconnected from the decision-makers in Washington,” Greene said.