Washington: President Donald Trump threatened to support a primary challenger to Republican Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-CO) after she campaigned in Kentucky for Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) ahead of the May 19 primary.
Trump posted on Truth Social that Boebert is “weak-minded” and a “Carpetbagger,” and invited anyone interested to run against her in Colorado’s 4th Congressional District.
He said he would withdraw his endorsement in favour of a “good and proper alternative.”
Boebert responded on X, saying she is “not mad or offended” and reaffirmed her commitment to the MAGA movement. She noted she knew the risks when she chose to support Massie alongside Senator Rand Paul.
Massie, a libertarian-leaning Republican, has repeatedly opposed Trump on major spending bills, Iran policy, and the release of government files on Jeffrey Epstein.
Trump has endorsed Ed Gallrein, a retired Navy SEAL, against Massie in Kentucky’s 4th Congressional District, creating a high-stakes, heavily funded primary that has exceeded $25.6 million in advertising.
Despite Trump’s threat, Colorado’s filing deadline for the June 30 primary passed in March, making it legally difficult for a new challenger to appear on the ballot.
Boebert’s prior district switch and strong local base further insulate her from immediate electoral consequences.
The dispute highlights tensions within the GOP between strict Trump loyalty and a libertarian, independent faction.
Read: Democrats split Over Israel as Midterms Strategy Takes Shape
Analysts note that Massie’s survival despite previous Trump-backed efforts signals limits on the president’s influence in primaries.
The outcome of the Kentucky and Colorado contests will indicate how much autonomy remains for Republican lawmakers willing to challenge party leadership.
