Massie fumes over Trump's 'bullying tactics' after he calls for primary challenge to GOP Rep. Lee

Lee initially endorsed Florida GOP Gov. Ron DeSantis in the Republican primary, but later backed Trump after he left the race.

By Ben Whedon

Published: March 25, 2024 10:02pm

Former President Donald Trump's call for a primary challenger to Florida GOP Rep. Laurel Lee has attracted the ire of Kentucky GOP Rep. Thomas Massie, who urged his fellow Republicans to denounce Trump's "bullying" tactics.

Lee's 15th District is generally regarded as a Republican-leaning seat and includes territory to the northeast of Tampa. She won election to the seat in the 2022 midterms.

Lee initially endorsed Florida GOP Gov. Ron DeSantis in the Republican primary, but later backed Trump after he left the race. Trump on Sunday posted on Truth Social asking "Any great MAGA Republicans looking to run against Laurel Lee in Florida's 15th Congressional District? IF SO, PLEASE STEP FORWARD!"

Massie, who also backed DeSantis, on Monday, fumed over Trump's call, stating that "This is unhelpful and unwarranted. [Laurel Lee] is a conservative thoughtful member of the judiciary committee," he posted. "She endorsed DeSantis for President but then endorsed Trump when DeSantis got out of the race. More of my colleagues should call out these ridiculous bullying tactics."

Trump and Massie have sparred over the years, with the former president previously calling for his ouster from the GOP but later endorsing him in 2022.

Ben Whedon is an editor and reporter for Just the News. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter.