Former President Donald Trump is facing significant backlash from within his own party after launching a personal attack on Republican Congressman Thomas Massie for remarrying following the death of his first wife.
The Controversial Social Media Post
On Friday night, Trump took to his Truth Social platform to criticize Massie's recent marriage to Carolyn Grace Moffa. The Kentucky representative had announced his legal marriage just days earlier, noting that the ceremony took place on October 19th and was officiated by their church pastor.
"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!" Trump wrote in his post.
The former president continued his criticism, adding: "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!"
Massie's Personal Tragedy and New Beginning
Thomas Massie's first wife, Rhonda Howard Massie, passed away unexpectedly in June 2024. The couple had been married for 31 years and described each other as high school sweethearts. In his marriage announcement post on November 3rd, Massie reflected on his lasting connection to his late wife while embracing his new relationship.
"I have 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," Massie wrote in his social media announcement.
The congressman emphasized that he and Moffa had been attending church together for several months before their October wedding, followed by a Christian ceremony celebration with close friends and family.
Conservative Voices Rally Behind Massie
Trump's comments have drawn sharp criticism from several prominent conservative figures who argue that personal attacks on marriage cross ethical boundaries.
Jenna Ellis, Trump's former senior legal advisor, denounced the attack on Saturday, stating that "some things are still sacred and should still be beyond this kind of political mud-slinging."
"I know personally from my friendship of more than a decade with Massie how incredibly difficult it was to find himself suddenly a widower and losing his best friend. I have prayed for him every day," Ellis wrote on social media platform X.
Former Illinois Representative Adam Kinzinger, a known Trump critic, described the attack as "beyond the pale" and "pure evil." He added: "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 Evan Kilgore called Trump's remarks "disgusting" and noted that the attack was "low, even for President Trump."
Context of the Ongoing Feud
The marriage controversy comes amid growing tension between Trump and Massie over files related to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Trump recently criticized Massie and other Republicans he called "stupid" for joining a petition to force a vote on releasing Epstein-related documents.
The personal nature of Trump's latest attack has raised eyebrows given the former president's own marital history. Trump has been married three times and has faced allegations of extramarital affairs during his marriages, including with model Marla Maples while married to Ivana Trump and with adult film actress Stormy Daniels while married to Melania Trump.
The growing conservative backlash signals potential fractures within the Republican party as Trump continues to target sitting GOP members who don't align with his political agenda.
