Thomas Massie Pushes for Epstein Files Release

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Thomas Massie: The Viral Congressman Who Took on Trump and Lost — What's Next in 2026

By Marcus Chen | Updated on July 10, 2026 | 8 MIN READ

Thomas Massie is the Republican congressman from Kentucky who became a viral sensation by taking on President Trump, forcing the release of the Jeffrey Epstein files, and then losing his primary in the most expensive House race in history. Thomas Massie, Thomas Massie Kentucky, Thomas Massie Trump, Thomas Massie Epstein files, Massie primary loss 2026, Thomas Massie net worth, Thomas Massie wife Carolyn Grace Moffa, Massie children, Rand Paul Massie, and Massie 2028 — these are the searches driving political news right now. The libertarian-leaning MIT-educated engineer has become a symbol of defiance against party loyalty, and his political future is now one of the biggest questions in Washington. Read more politics →

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On May 19, 2026, Thomas Massie lost his Republican primary to Ed Gallrein, a retired Navy SEAL backed by Donald Trump. The race became the most expensive House primary on record, with more than $30 million spent on advertising alone. Massie lost by 10 points, but his concession speech sounded like anything but a defeat. "What started out as an election turned into a movement," he told supporters. "We stirred up something. There is a yearning in this country for someone who will vote for principles over party." As someone in the crowd shouted "Massie for president!" his supporters erupted in booming applause. Read more Trump news →

"We stirred up something. There is a yearning in this country for someone who will vote for principles over party."— Thomas Massie, concession speech

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Who Is Thomas Massie?

Thomas Massie is a 55-year-old Republican congressman from Kentucky's 4th Congressional District. He was first elected to the House in 2012 and has become known as one of the most independent-minded members of Congress. Massie is a libertarian-leaning, raw-milk-drinking, MIT-educated engineer who lives on an off-the-grid cattle farm in Kentucky with custom solar panels. He has a net worth estimated at $3.1 million, making him the 189th richest member of Congress.

Massie sits on the Judiciary Committee, the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and the Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement Subcommittee. He has been a vocal opponent of federal spending, foreign aid, and U.S. military intervention overseas. He is also the Co-Chairman of the Second Amendment Caucus and has introduced legislation to lower the handgun purchase age to 18 and to end the COVID-19 vaccine requirement for citizenship.

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The Epstein Files: How Massie Became Trump's Enemy

Perhaps more than any other issue, it was Massie's work on the Jeffrey Epstein files that elevated his profile and drew Trump's wrath. Massie, in partnership with Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna of California, persisted in a long-shot effort to force the Justice Department's release of the Epstein files. The bill passed overwhelmingly despite Trump's vehement opposition. Massie's work on the Epstein files, combined with his votes against Trump's tax cuts package and his opposition to the Iran war, made him a target.

Trump unleashed on Massie repeatedly, calling him "a major sleazebag," "a disloyal, ungracious, and sanctimonious FOOL," "the worst and most unreliable Republican Congressman in the history of our Country," and "an Embarrassment to Kentucky." The president even attacked Massie's new wife on social media, writing that "People are saying that Thomas Massie became a Liberal because his new wife, blessed be their marriage, is supposedly a Radical Left 'flamethrower.'" Massie responded by bringing his wife, Carolyn Grace Moffa, to Trump's State of the Union address.

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Massie's Family: Wife Carolyn Grace Moffa and Four Children

Massie was married to his high school sweetheart, Rhonda Massie, for over 30 years. Rhonda passed away unexpectedly in June 2024 at the age of 51. Massie called her "the smartest kindest woman I ever knew" and "the loving mother of our 4 children." Rhonda was a graduate of MIT with a degree in mechanical engineering.

Massie's children are all adults and married: sons Mason and Justin, and daughters Elizabeth and Sarah. Mason followed in his parents' footsteps, graduating from MIT with a degree in mechanical engineering in 2020. He now builds robots in New York City. Justin lives in Washington with his wife. Elizabeth is married to Collie Elijah Crawford and lives in Louisville. Sarah is married to Carter Moore and lives in Garrison, Kentucky. Massie has at least two grandchildren.

In November 2025, Massie remarried. His new wife is Carolyn Grace Moffa, a former staffer for Sen. Rand Paul. Massie has called her his "secret weapon" in politics. She was the one who told him he should ask Attorney General Pam Bondi about the Epstein files when the two met for dinner. "I could tell she was covering something up and the rest, as they say, is history," Massie said.

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Rand Paul and the 2028 Question

Massie's closest ally in Congress is Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky, who shares his libertarian leanings and his willingness to buck party leadership. Paul endorsed Massie and campaigned alongside him, saying "there's a difference between Kentucky and D.C." Paul is up for re-election in 2028 and is also considering a presidential bid, saying he is "50-50" on running.

Massie himself has not ruled out a 2028 run. In fact, he filed a statement of candidacy with the FEC on May 24, 2026, allowing him to raise money for a potential run. The form lists the office being sought as "House," but Massie wrote: "I haven't made a final decision about which office to seek, if I run." When asked if he was considering a run for president, Massie said: "I will not rule out anything, and right now I'm not going to rule in anything." He added: "I won't rule out a run for county commissioner. I used to be the county judge executive here. That was probably the best job I ever had in politics."

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What Happens Next for Thomas Massie?

Massie's congressional term ends in January 2027. He has not ruled out running for office again, but he has also not committed to anything. In the meantime, he remains a vocal presence on social media and continues to raise money through his FEC account. His supporters have called for him to run for president in 2028, and Massie has not dismissed the idea.

For now, Massie is enjoying the support of his fans and the attention of the media. In a video posted from a fishing trip in Costa Rica with former Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, Massie and Greene appeared to troll Trump with an "America First" jab. Massie captioned the footage "America First Pacific Summit Retreat." Greene reposted it, writing "The first summit is underway, more to come." It seems Massie is not done fighting just yet.

FAQ: Thomas Massie 2026

Q: Who is Thomas Massie?
A: Thomas Massie is a Republican congressman from Kentucky known for his libertarian principles and his defiance of President Trump. He lost his primary in May 2026.

Q: Why did Thomas Massie lose his primary?
A: Massie lost to Ed Gallrein, a Navy SEAL backed by Donald Trump, after a campaign that became the most expensive House primary in history.

Q: What are the Epstein files?
A: The Epstein files are Department of Justice documents related to the investigation of financier Jeffrey Epstein. Massie led the push in Congress to force their release.

Q: Is Thomas Massie running for president in 2028?
A: Massie has not ruled it out. He has filed paperwork with the FEC and has said "I will not rule out anything."

Q: Who is Thomas Massie's wife?
A: Massie married Carolyn Grace Moffa in November 2025. His first wife, Rhonda Massie, passed away in 2024.

Q: How many children does Thomas Massie have?
A: Massie has four adult children: sons Mason and Justin, and daughters Elizabeth and Sarah.

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Thomas Massie Thomas Massie Kentucky Thomas Massie Trump Thomas Massie Epstein Files Massie Primary Loss 2026 Thomas Massie Net Worth Thomas Massie Wife Carolyn Grace Moffa Massie Children Rand Paul Massie Massie 2028 Ed Gallrein Trump Endorsement Republican Primary Kentucky 4th District Epstein Files Libertarian Republican Marjorie Taylor Greene Trump 2026 Politics Breaking News US News Trump News Congress House of Representatives Midterm Elections 2026 Trending Stories Viral Stories Today's Top Headlines Social Media Trends Digital Culture Trends Pop Culture News About YEET Magazine Editorial Team Corrections PolicySources: CNN, HuffPost, The New York Times, The Boston Globe, The Courier-Journal, People.com, AP News, LegiPlex, House.gov. Updated on July 10, 2026.