Just as President Donald Trump has seemingly de-escalated one major international conflict, he’s ramping up another battle on the home front, setting his sights on Representative Thomas Massie (R-Ky.). The president’s powerful political machine is gearing up for a showdown in the GOP primary next year, aiming to unseat the congressman who has often played the role of a thorn in his side.

Massie, known for his independent streak, recently threatened to introduce a resolution to curb presidential war powers, exacerbating existing tensions with Trump. This comes after Massie’s repeated attempts to block what Trump refers to as the “big, beautiful bill,” challenging the party’s agenda ahead of the self-imposed July 4 deadline.

Despite facing challenges in the past, including significant funding from pro-Israel donors, Massie has consistently prevailed. However, the upcoming primary may prove more daunting. Trump has committed to campaigning “really hard” against him, and a super PAC named Kentucky MAGA has been formed specifically to support his ousting.

The conflict between Trump and Massie has deep roots, dating back to Trump’s first term when Massie obstructed a Covid-19 relief package, prompting Trump to call for his expulsion from the Republican Party. Although the two seemed to reconcile briefly, with Trump endorsing Massie’s 2022 reelection bid, the détente was short-lived.

Recently, Massie stood as the sole Republican to oppose a critical government funding bill, prompting the rekindling of Trump’s campaign against him. This intensified effort includes the formation of a super PAC aimed squarely at Massie’s defeat, an endeavor that could see spending upwards of $30 million, a staggering amount for a primary in Kentucky’s 4th Congressional District.

Despite the mounting pressure, Massie remains defiant, jokingly remarking that he acquired “Trump antibodies” from their previous clashes and expressing confidence in his resilience. He’s leveraging the conflict in his fundraising efforts, reportedly raising $120,000 within 24 hours after announcing his intention to continue with his war powers resolution.

The primary not only tests Massie’s political fortitude but also serves as a barometer for Trump’s influence in a district that has historically appreciated Massie’s libertarian leanings. With potential challengers like state Rep. Aaron Reed and former gubernatorial candidate Kelly Craft on the horizon, the battle will undoubtedly be one of the most watched in the coming election cycle.

As the feud unfolds, members of Kentucky’s GOP, including Senator Rand Paul, have expressed continued support for Massie, highlighting his popularity and principled stand on issues, despite the formidable opposition he faces from within his own party.