Pro-Israel billionaires pumped more than $1.5 million into a super PAC over 38 days last summer in a bid to defeat U.S. Rep. Thomas Massie in Kentucky’s Republican primary, filings show, as tensions escalate between the libertarian-leaning congressman and President Donald Trump’s allies. The spending by MAGA KY, a super PAC aligned with Trump, totaled $1.56 million [1] from June 27 to Aug. 4, 2025, on television and digital ads opposing Massie’s reelection.
The effort targeted Massie, R-Ky., for his opposition to U.S. military aid to Israel and criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza, positions that have drawn ire from pro-Israel groups. Donors included hedge fund manager Paul Singer of New York, who contributed $1 million; fellow hedge fund manager John Paulson of Florida, who gave $250,000; and Preserve America PAC, largely funded by GOP megadonor Miriam Adelson of Nevada, which donated $750,000 [1].
These contributions, all from outside Kentucky, helped the PAC raise $2 million [2] shortly after its launch in late June 2025.
Massie, who represents Kentucky’s 4th Congressional District, dismissed the campaign as a “DC-funded hit job” in a statement last year.
The seven-term lawmaker has consistently voted against bills supporting Israel, including aid packages, and has spoken out against the influence of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, known as AIPAC. The push comes amid a heated primary set for May 19, where Massie faces former Navy SEAL Ed Gallrein, Trump’s endorsed challenger. Trump has poured resources into backing Gallrein, framing him as his “handpicked choice [3]” to unseat Massie.
The president condemned Massie last March for opposing a government funding bill, signaling an upcoming “very interesting Primary” in Kentucky.
The disagreement became more problematic when Massie forced the release of the Epstein files through the Epstein Files Transparency Act [4], which he co-sponsored and pushed through Congress via a discharge petition in September 2025. Trump signed the bill into law on Nov. 19, 2025, requiring the Justice Department to publicly release all unclassified records related to Jeffrey Epstein, his associates ,and investigations.
However, Massie has accused Trump’s administration of failing to comply, criticizing Attorney General Pam Bondi for improper redactions that he says protect powerful individuals.
Gallrein, a Shelby County farmer, has also picked up endorsements from U.S. Rep. Andy Barr [5], R-Ky., and Lexington businessman Nate Morris, both of whom are vying for the GOP nomination to succeed retiring U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell. Barr’s support for Gallrein shook up the Senate race, with Morris following suit shortly after.
On Massie’s side, U.S. Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., is actively campaigning with him, planning joint events this spring. Former U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., has offered assistance. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., has not committed to backing Massie and said he needs to discuss it with him first.
Massie remains defiant. “I’m not going to go on an apology tour,” he told CNN recently, criticizing Trump on issues like government spending, foreign aid and calling for a full release of the files related to Jeffrey Epstein.
The district, which spans northern Kentucky and requires advertising in three media markets, makes campaigns expensive.
Recent betting markets reflect Massie’s edge. On Kalshi, Massie holds a 74% chance of winning [6] the nomination, compared with 27% for Gallrein.
The race has spotlighted intraparty rifts, with Trump eager to purge critics like Massie, who broke with him on key votes including a tax bill and potential military action against Iran. Kentucky Republicans recently saw tensions flare at a local event where a microphone was snatched from Massie amid pro-Trump chants.
Cook Political Report [7] rates the seat as solid Republican, ensuring the primary winner will likely hold it in November.
With the primary three months away, the contest tests whether Trump’s influence can topple a well-entrenched incumbent in a deep-red district.