Trump's grip on the GOP on display in Kentucky as primaries are held in six states

Kentucky U.S. Rep. Thomas Massie has lost his Republican House primary after a concerted effort by President Donald Trump to oust him through challenger and ultimate winner Ed Gallrein. The result shows the president’s persisting influence over GOP voters. It also adds to a growing number of Trump-backed primary challengers to defeat Republican lawmakers he considers disloyal. Massie has served in Congress since 2012. He angered Trump by pushing for the release of the Jeffrey Epstein files, criticizing the war in Iran and voting against his signature tax legislation last year. Also Tuesday, Republicans statewide chose their Senate nominee: U.S. Rep. Andy Barr, who was endorsed by Trump.

Thomas Massie, a Republican congressman from Kentucky, has lost his primary bid for reelection. President Donald Trump had launched a costly attack against him, showcasing the president's power to remove his GOP adversaries. Massie, known for his independent voting and willingness to oppose Trump, was a prominent figure in the House. He opposed Trump’s tax cuts and military actions, and pushed for the release of the Jeffrey Epstein files. Massie, an engineer and libertarian-leaning politician, first joined Congress in 2012. Despite his popularity in his district, Trump's relentless criticism ultimately led to Massie's defeat.