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

On Feb. 3, 2026—two days before the National Prayer Breakfast—Massie voted against HR 7148, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, a $1.2 trillion spending package. The House passed it 217-214. Trump signed it into law the same day, ending a four-day partial government shutdown.

HR 7148 funds Defense, Health and Human Services, Homeland Security, Labor, Housing and Urban Development, Transportation, and Education through Sept. 30, 2026. It represented the completion of FY2026 appropriations after months of negotiations.

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 to vote against the One Big Beautiful Bill Act in July 2025—Trump's $3.4 trillion tax-and-spending package. 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 EGEd Gallrein, a retired Navy SEAL, to challenge Massie in the Republican primary for 🐴Kentucky's 4th Congressional District. The primary will test whether Republican voters prioritize party loyalty or fiscal conservatism.

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 using it to attack a member of his own party marked a break from the event's norms.