Kyle Rittenhouse Faces Backlash from MAGA Movement Over Support for Thomas Massie
Kyle Rittenhouse, previously supported by the MAGA community as a gun rights advocate, now encounters criticism after declaring support for Representative Thomas Massie. Massie, a Kentucky Republican, has consistently challenged former President Donald Trump within the Republican ranks.
Rittenhouse, acquitted in 2021 of charges from a fatal shooting at a 2020 Kenosha protest, announced his support for Massie in Kentucky’s 4th Congressional District. He stated on social media platform X, “Volunteering for the greatest congressman.” This step has intensified the ongoing divisions within the MAGA movement, especially during Trump’s second term.
Several MAGA figures, including political commentator Tucker Carlson, have distanced themselves from Trump over U.S. and Israel policies.
Notable MAGA supporters voiced their discontent with Rittenhouse’s decision. Vince Langman, a notable MAGA affiliate, criticized him harshly on social media.
The widely followed right-wing account Catturd reminded its audience of prior warnings about Rittenhouse.
YouTuber Joey Salads expressed regret over Rittenhouse’s rise to fame.
The Rift Between Rittenhouse and Trump
Rittenhouse had previously diverged from the MAGA camp, antagonizing members by not endorsing Trump’s campaign. He argued Trump was “bad on the Second Amendment.” This reaction resulted in accusations of disloyalty from Trump loyalists. Earlier this year, Rittenhouse criticized the Trump administration’s stance on protester Alex Pretti’s shooting by federal agents.
Trump, in addressing Pretti’s gun presence at protests, expressed his disapproval of carrying weapons to such events. In contrast, Rittenhouse championed gun rights on social media, advocating for carrying firearms as a right. He drew a clear line between his actions in 2020 and Pretti’s situation.
Trump and Massie’s Ongoing Tensions
Trump’s relationship with Massie has been fraught. Their first public conflict occurred in March 2020 over Massie’s opposition to a COVID-19 relief package. Trump strongly criticized Massie, calling for the GOP to expel him. Despite this, their relationship temporarily improved with Massie’s endorsement of Trump in the 2024 presidential race.
Support for Massie and Trump strained further in Trump’s second term. Prominent MAGA figures such as Candace Owens and former Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene have parted ways with the movement. The contention largely stems from Trump’s handling of the Epstein files, foreign policy stances, and military actions.
Trump has pledged support for Ed Gallrein, a former Navy SEAL, in the Kentucky primary for the 4th Congressional District. Massie, serving since 2012, seeks to continue his tenure amid these challenging dynamics.