War Secretary Pete Hegseth on Monday campaigned for Republican House candidate Ed Gallrein, who faces Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., in what has become the most expensive House GOP primary in history.Hegseth personally campaigning for a candidate while serving in the administration is not strictly illegal under the Hatch Act, which significantly restricts administration officials from political activities and bars them outright while in their official capacities.
During his appearance, Hegseth addressed the issue, saying “I have to say up front, for the lawyers, that I’m here in my personal capacity as a private citizen, a fellow American, and a fellow combat veteran,” The Hill reported.
Gallrein has positioned himself as a Trump-aligned figure and supporter of Israel in contrast to Massie’s independent and libertarian leanings. The primary is set for Tuesday and polls show a close race.
“President Trump needs reinforcements, and that’s what war fighters do,” Hegseth said.
Trump previously endorsed Massie in 2022, after backing a 2020 primary challenge. The Kentucky Republican and the president have long had a tumultuous relationship.
Massie, for his part, is something of a darling among the intervention-skeptic and libertarian-leaning Republicans and has earned the support of several MAGA stalwarts, including Rep. Lauren Boebert, R-Colo.
Ben Whedon is the Chief Political Correspondent for Just the News. Follow him on X.
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