President Donald Trump called for a primary challenger against Rep. Lauren Boebert on Saturday, May 16, sharply withdrawing his support for the Colorado Republican after she backed Rep. Thomas Massie in Kentucky’s upcoming primary.
In a Truth Social post, Trump labeled Boebert “weak-minded” and a “carpetbagger” who switched districts to save her political career.
He said he would back any strong candidate who steps up to run against her in Colorado’s 4th Congressional District.
“Boebert is campaigning for the Worst ‘Republican’ Congressman in the History of our Country, Thomas Massie, of the Great Commonwealth of Kentucky, and anybody who can be that dumb deserves a good Primary fight!” Trump wrote.
Fallout Between the President and Boebert
The attack marks a sudden break between Trump and Boebert, once a vocal MAGA ally who rose to prominence with strong support for the president.
Boebert switched from Colorado’s 3rd District to the safer 4th District after a tough reelection fight. Trump had previously endorsed her in the new seat.
The trigger was Boebert’s decision to campaign for Massie just days before Kentucky’s Republican primary on May 19.
Trump has poured heavy support into Massie’s opponent, Navy veteran Ed Gallrein, and has repeatedly called Massie disloyal.
Boebert posted side-by-side photos of herself with Massie and Trump on Friday, and wrote that she supports both men and has worked with each on issues of freedom and liberty. Massie replied positively to her message.
The president also criticized Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky in related posts for standing with Massie. The president has clashed with Massie for years over votes against major legislation, criticism of U.S. actions in Iran, and efforts to release more files related to Jeffrey Epstein.
Also Read: Political Suicide? MAGA in Total Meltdown as Boebert Sides With Trump’s Enemy Massie
Boebert responded to Trump’s post on X shortly after it appeared. “Yes, I saw the President’s post. No, I’m not mad or offended. I knew the risks when I agreed to stand by my friend Thomas Massie,” she said.
The move has stirred fresh tension inside the Republican Party. Boebert built her national profile as a firebrand conservative who rarely backed down from fights with party leadership or Democrats.
Her past included a high-profile divorce, a viral incident at a theater with her then-boyfriend, and strong backing from grassroots conservatives.
Some online MAGA voices quickly turned on her after the Massie endorsement, calling her move political suicide.
Others defended her right to support a colleague she views as consistent on limited government issues.
Massie has long positioned himself as a constitutional conservative who often votes against spending bills and foreign interventions.
Also Read: Trump Cuts Colorado Water Funding, “Punishing” Lauren Boebert After She Defied Him
While popular with libertarian-leaning Republicans, he has drawn Trump’s ire for breaking ranks on key votes.
Trump’s push against Boebert comes as he works to clear the field of lawmakers he sees as insufficiently loyal. He has endorsed challengers in other races to enforce unity behind his agenda.
Boebert won her new district comfortably in 2024 after the switch. Colorado’s 4th is heavily Republican, so the primary winner is heavily favored in November. A serious challenger backed by Trump could create a difficult fight for the incumbent.
As it stands, no prominent Republican in Colorado has announced a run against Boebert. Trump’s invitation for candidates to step forward and his promise of full support could change that quickly.
Fractures in MAGA Movement
Lately, the MAGA movement has been witnessing widening divisions, with key figures publicly opposing some of Trump’s policies.
While many lawmakers line up behind the president, a small group, including Massie, continues to prioritize independent votes on spending, surveillance, and foreign policy.
Boebert’s public show of support for Massie tested where loyalty lines now stand.
Trump has made it clear he expects full backing from those he has helped elect.
His explosive language about Boebert, calling her weak-minded and a carpetbagger, leaves little room for reconciliation in the short term.
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