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Pete Hegseth supports Trump-backed candidate to Rep. Thomas Massie before Kentucky primary elections
Defense secretary Pete Hegseth spoke at a Monday campaign event to support the President Donald Trump-backed challenger of Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., prior to Kentucky’s primaries Tuesday. Subscribe to read the story ad free
Get access to exclusive content and ad free articles. Hegseth told an audience in Hebron, Kentucky, “I am proud to stand here with Ed Gallrein because he led fighters in combat.” “He led at very high levels of special operations. He served with distinction as an Navy SEAL and rose to leadership within the elite SEAL Team Six ranks, one of most demanding combat organisations on planet Earth. Gallrein, a candidate who entered the race as early as
, spoke just before Hegseth. Gallrein, who entered the race at
, spoke shortly before Hegseth. They have both in Donald Trump, but they also have Pete Hegseth. It is unusual for a defense secretary to attend a public event. Massie
, who led the effort to release government documents on Jeffrey Epstein was first elected to Congress back in 2012. Parnell stated that “no taxpayer dollars will be used for his visit.” His participation was thoroughly vetted and cleared with lawyers, including those at the Department of War Office of General Counsel. It does not violate federal statutes or the Hatch Act. Massie’s campaign did not respond to an inquiry for comment. In a Trump’s urging, Trump focused on his animosity against Massie rather than his support of Gallrein. Trump said he was hoping Kentucky voters would “put Massie’s business out of commission” on Tuesday.
“We are fighting the worst congressman of our history.” Trump announced from the Oval Office that Thomas Massie is from Kentucky.
The New York Times Trump described Gallrein as “a wonderful guy” and a “great patriot” in the video. But he added, “But don’t forget that.” Massie was the worst congressman to ever represent our country.