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Hegseth backs Gallrein
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth campaigned in Kentucky’s 4th Congressional District on Monday in support of former Navy SEAL Ed Gallrein, who is trying to unseat longtime Republican congressman and Trump antagonist Thomas Massie.
“no taxpayer dollars will be used to facilitate his visit”
Hegseth’s remarks came as the U.S. entered its 12th week of war in Iran, and after his appearance President Donald Trump posted that he had just postponed a planned attack on Iran set for Tuesday.
At a campaign event in Hebron, Kentucky, Hegseth urged voters to support Gallrein over Massie, framing the choice as sending “a warrior, reinforcements for the president” or an “obstructionist.”
The Pentagon said Hegseth’s visit was in a “personal capacity as a private citizen” and that “no taxpayer dollars will be used to facilitate his visit,” while Politico described the appearance as an unusual break from tradition for a civilian military leader.
Hatch Act dispute
Hegseth sought to preempt Hatch Act concerns by telling the crowd, “For the lawyers,” he said, “I’m here in my personal capacity as a private citizen, a fellow American and a fellow combat veteran.”
Chief Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell insisted in a statement to The Hill that “Secretary Hegseth is attending this event in his personal capacity,” adding that “No taxpayer dollars will be used to facilitate his visit.”
Critics argued the move could politicize the military, with retired Army Reserve and counterintelligence expert Lawrence Sellin writing on X that if Hegseth “in his official capacity as Defense Secretary intervenes in a Congressional primary . . . it is a violation of the Hatch Act and should be immediately removed from office.”
Massie, meanwhile, portrayed the administration’s pressure as a fundraising boost, telling ABC’s “This Week” that “That’s why they’re sending the secretary of War to my district tomorrow,” and he also posted “Pickin and grinnin !” ahead of the primary.
Primary stakes and spending
The Kentucky primary is set for Tuesday, with polls open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. local time, and the contest is described across outlets as the most expensive House primary in U.S. history with tens of millions in spending.
“Kentucky's primary is May 19, with polls open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. local time”
Politico reported that Trump’s political operation and outside groups aligned with the president have spent more than $16 million trying to oust Massie, while overall spending has topped $32 million, and the Lexington Herald Leader said the race has become the most expensive U.S. House primary race in history with more than $25 million spent.
In Hebron, Kentucky, Hegseth told voters “When President Trump needs backup, Massie wants to debate process,” while Gallrein urged support by saying service members “deserve a commander in chief who has their back and leaders they can trust.”
The fight also ties to the broader Iran war and domestic policy clashes cited in the coverage, including Massie’s criticism of the Iran war and his push for the release of the Jeffrey Epstein files, as Trump’s allies attempt to unseat him in the GOP primary.
