Conservative Backlash After Trump Mocks Rep. Thomas Massie’s Remarriage

Conservative Backlash After Trump Mocks Rep. Thomas Massie’s Remarriage

Several conservative commentators and politicians criticized former President Donald Trump after he publicly mocked Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) for remarrying following the death of his first wife.

Massie announced last week that he and Carolyn Grace Moffa had been legally married in October. Massie’s first wife, Rhonda Howard Massie — his "high school sweetheart" — died in June 2024 after 31 years of marriage. In announcing his remarriage, Massie wrote that he has "four adult children, who are all married to wonderful people, and three grandchildren from my blessed 31 year marriage to Rhonda who I still miss every day."

Trump took aim at Massie in a Friday night post on Truth Social. He wrote:

"Did Thomas Massie, sometimes referred to as Rand Paul Jr., because of the fact that he always votes against the Republican Party, get married already??? Boy, that was quick! No wonder the Polls have him at less than an 8% chance of winning the Election. Anyway, have a great life Thomas and (?). His wife will soon find out that she’s stuck with a LOSER!"

Trump, who has been married three times, has faced reporting and allegations of extramarital relationships in the past. The personal nature of his criticism of Massie drew swift rebuke from conservatives across the political spectrum.

The exchange also comes amid a separate dispute between Trump and some Republicans over materials tied to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein; Massie joined a petition seeking a vote on releasing Epstein-related files, prompting Trump to lash out at lawmakers he called "stupid."

Responses from conservative voices

Several conservative figures publicly defended Massie and criticized Trump’s decision to target him over his remarriage.

Jenna Ellis, the former president’s senior legal adviser, condemned the attack on X, arguing that "some things are still sacred and should still be beyond this kind of political mud-slinging." Ellis added that she had known Massie for more than a decade and had prayed for him after he unexpectedly became a widower.

Adam Kinzinger, the former Illinois Republican congressman and outspoken Trump critic, called the attack "beyond the pale" and "pure evil," saying, "Massie and I weren’t very close but he’s a good man and I wish the best. Trump is evil to the core."

Conservative commentator ThePatrioticBlonde offered a sarcastic reply: "how presidential." Right-wing commentator Evan Kilgore described the attack as "disgusting," noting that the line of attack "was low, even for President Trump."

The episode underscores growing tensions within the Republican Party over messaging, personal attacks and how intra-party disputes are handled publicly.