Rove: Trump ‘Fed Up’ with Massie’s Libertarian Stance, GOP Colleagues Seek ‘Cleanse’

Former White House Deputy Chief of Staff Karl Rove has detailed President Donald Trump’s deepening frustration with Kentucky Republican Congressman Thomas Massie, characterizing the lawmaker’s persistent procedural defiance as a major irritant for both the president and GOP leadership.

Analyzing the heated midterm primary season, Rove explained that Massie’s problems with his own party extend far beyond simple policy disagreements. While many Republicans may occasionally split with the president on issues, Rove noted that Massie’s unique habit of breaking with party rules has drawn the ire of his colleagues.

“When you want to take a bill to the floor, you have to send a provision through the Rules Committee to set up parameters,” Rove said. “Even if you don’t like the bill, if you are a Republican, you are expected to vote for the rule for what the Republicans on the Rules Committee have decided. He votes against the rules, with the Democrats.”

According to Rove, this is what has truly angered Massie’s fellow Republicans. “This is what has really got the ire of his colleagues, Republican colleagues who may say, ‘I agree with him on this or that,’ [but] say, ‘He is not a team member’ — and has to vote for the rule.”

Regarding national security, Rove described Massie as a “neo-isolationist” who “has never been a fan of Israel either.” He clarified that the congressman’s opposition is ideological rather than personal to Trump.

“It is ideological. The president is wrong — he is a libertarian. He does not like America to be involved abroad. He is against foreign aid and military aid. He has been consistent on those issues over the years,” Rove said.

The commentator noted that Trump has been president twice while Massie has been in Congress, and the president has reached a breaking point. “He has had enough,” Rove stated. “A lot of people in the Republican party have said we have to cleanse this guy.”

Rove further alleged that Massie’s comments about Israel “border on antisemitism for sure.”

The analysis comes as Massie faces a primary challenge in his Kentucky district, a 21-county region along the river where he has served for over a decade. Rove acknowledged that Massie retains a base of support, making him “tough to knock off.”