Trump calls Rep. Massie a "moron" at National Prayer Breakfast after Massie votes against spending bill

On Feb. 3, 2026, the House passed the Senate amendment to HR 7148 — five full-year spending bills covering Defense, HHS, Labor, HUD, Transportation, and Education through Sept. 30, 2026, plus a two-week DHS extension — by a 217-214 vote. Massie was the only Republican to vote against it. Trump signed it the same day, ending a four-day partial government shutdown.

HR 7148, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026, originally passed the House 341-88 on January 22, 2026, covering most of FY2026 appropriations. The Senate amended it; the House passed the final Senate amendment 217-214 on February 3, 2026.

President Trump called Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) a 'moron' and 'Rand Paul Jr.' at the 74th National Prayer Breakfast on Feb. 5, 2026. He said 'there's something wrong with him' and called him an 'automatic no' on all legislation.

Massie was one of two Republicans — along with Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) — to vote against the One Big Beautiful Bill Act in July 2025. The Congressional Budget Office estimated it would add $3.4 trillion to federal deficits over 10 years.

Massie told Trump he lacked constitutional authority to strike Iran without congressional approval under the War Powers Act. Article I of the Constitution gives Congress, not the president, the power to declare war.

Trump endorsed Ed Gallrein, a retired Navy SEAL, to challenge Massie in the Republican primary for Kentucky's 4th Congressional District. As of May 2026, polling showed Gallrein leading Massie 48-43 percent, with more than $25 million in outside ad spending flowing into the race.

Massie responded on X: 'The President of the United States called me a moron at the National Prayer Breakfast this morning because I'm still fighting for what he promised the American people: Reduce big spending, DOGE, no new wars, end foreign aid.'

The National Prayer Breakfast is traditionally a bipartisan event focused on faith and unity. Trump used it to attack a member of his own party and endorse his primary challenger, breaking from the event's norms.

Trump calls Rep. Massie a "moron" at National Prayer Breakfast after Massie votes against spending bill

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Trump calls Rep. Massie a "moron" at National Prayer Breakfast after Massie votes against spending bill