On rare campaign trail visit, Hegseth implores Kentucky voters to oust Massie | CNN Politics

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth made a rare wartime visit to the campaign trail on Monday, imploring Republicans in Kentucky to defeat GOP Rep. Thomas Massie and send President Donald Trump “reinforcements” who pledge to support his agenda. Rallying alongside Ed Gallrein, Massie’s Republican challenger, on the eve of Kentucky’s primary, Hegseth railed against the congressman, whose repeated clashes with the administration over budgets, the Epstein files, and US support for Israel have infuriated the president. “President Trump does not need more people in Washington who are trying to make a point, especially from his own party,” he said. “He needs people trying to help him win, to vote with him when it matters most.” He added: “When President Trump needs backup, Massie wants to debate process.” Hegseth’s appearance in Hebron is among the only times in recent memory in which a secretary of defense took time from his Pentagon duties to campaign for a political candidate, who is running against one of the Iran war’s biggest critics. “I have to say upfront,” Hegseth said at the opening of his remarks, “I’m here in my personal capacity.” No Republican ha