Massie continues Epstein push, reacts to Russia diesel deal and plans for livestreamed execution

Massie may only have months left before he hands over his seat to Ed Gallrein, the Trump-backed candidate who ousted him out in the Republican primary, but he's using those remaining weeks to push for a second Epstein files bill. This one would clear the way for state attorneys general to take Epstein co-conspirators to court.

Massie posted online that the discharge petition that would force the bill to the House floor is two signatures away from passage. He wrote, "Two Democrats who were out sick have pledged to sign, but any two Republicans could sign the petition NOW."

The outspoken Kentucky Republican's independent streak is also showing up in his response to President Donald Trump's controversial decision to allow Russian diesel imports to the U.S. While the move has drawn bipartisan criticism and calls by at least four Republican senators to immediately reverse course to "prevent American dollars from financing Putin’s brutal war against Ukraine," Massie has taken another tack.

The congressman wrote that he voted against Russian sanctions in 2022, arguing in part that U.S. citizens would suffer higher prices. He wrote Sunday that he's "glad to see Trump come around to that reality this week."

Massie also polled his X followers on Defense Sec. Pete Hegseth's plan for a public execution of the Ford Hood shooter, writing, "Only 29% of respondents think televising the execution of a killer who considers himself to be a martyr will discourage other 'martyrs.' Setting aside morality and emotion, I’m concerned that increasing the notoriety of self-described martyrs could encourage copy-cats."