US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth made a rare and politically charged appearance in Kentucky on Monday, openly backing a Donald Trump-supported candidate in a high-stakes Republican primary while launching sharp criticism against Congressman Thomas Massie, one of Trump’s most outspoken Republican opponents in Congress.
Hegseth joined a campaign rally to support former Navy SEAL Ed Gallrein ahead of Tuesday’s closely watched primary contest against Massie, a race that has become the most expensive House primary in US history. The Kentucky showdown has gained national attention as Trump intensifies efforts to remove Republicans who challenge his political agenda.
Speaking at the rally, Hegseth accused Massie of repeatedly distancing himself from Trump’s movement instead of strengthening Republican unity during a crucial political period.
“Too often, Thomas Massie has acted like his job is to stand apart from the movement that President Trump leads instead of strengthening it,” Hegseth said while endorsing Gallrein as a loyal supporter of Trump’s agenda.
Massie has frequently clashed with Trump over major legislation and recently pushed for the release of government files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, further widening divisions within Republican ranks.
Escalating his criticism, Hegseth described Massie as an obstructionist, alleging that the Kentucky lawmaker had sided with Democrats during key votes at moments when party unity was needed most.
“When the movement needs unity, especially at a defining moment, Massie is willing to vote with Democrats,” he said.
The appearance drew attention due to the traditionally apolitical role of US military leadership, with defense secretaries rarely participating in campaign events, particularly during periods of global tensions and conflict.
Addressing legal concerns, Hegseth stated that he attended the event in a personal capacity. Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell later confirmed that the visit did not violate the Hatch Act, which restricts federal officials from using their official positions to influence elections.
“No taxpayer dollars were used to facilitate his visit, and legal teams thoroughly reviewed and cleared his participation,” Parnell said.
Meanwhile, Massie dismissed Trump’s attacks during an appearance on ABC’s This Week, claiming that every social media mention by Trump boosts his fundraising efforts and suggesting the former president was “desperate” to remove him.
The Kentucky primary is increasingly being seen as another major test of Trump’s political influence, as he continues targeting Republican lawmakers who break ranks with his leadership.
