Kyle Rittenhouse Faces Backlash from MAGA Movement for Supporting Thomas Massie

Kyle Rittenhouse has generated controversy within the Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement by expressing support for Representative Thomas Massie, a Republican from Kentucky known for his criticism of former President Donald Trump. Rittenhouse, previously viewed as a gun rights advocate by MAGA followers, was acquitted of all charges in connection with a 2020 incident during a Black Lives Matter protest in Kenosha, Wisconsin, where he shot three individuals, two of them fatally.

Rittenhouse recently announced his support for Massie in Kentucky’s 4th Congressional District race, declaring on social media platform X, “Volunteering for the greatest congressman.” This endorsement has underscored existing divisions within the MAGA movement, exacerbated during Trump’s subsequent term. Prominent MAGA figures, including Tucker Carlson, have distanced themselves over issues like U.S. foreign policies.

The reaction to Rittenhouse’s endorsement has been critical. Vince Langman, identifying as a MAGA supporter, criticized Rittenhouse as “a complete douchebag,” implying regret for past support. The account Catturd echoed this sentiment to its 4 million followers, expressing frustration over Rittenhouse’s past support. YouTuber Joey Salads lamented making “the wrong people famous.”

Massie, known for opposing Trump on matters such as foreign policy and the Department of Justice’s handling of Jeffrey Epstein-related files, was labeled a “loser” by Trump, who accused him of being “disloyal, ungracious, and sanctimonious.”

Rittenhouse Breaks with Trump Over Gun Rights

Before backing Massie, Rittenhouse had already distanced himself from the MAGA movement. In August 2024, he angered supporters by refusing to endorse Trump’s presidential run, criticizing Trump’s stance on the Second Amendment. This led to accusations of “disloyalty” from MAGA followers.

Earlier this year, Rittenhouse criticized the Trump administration’s rhetoric regarding Alex Pretti, who was fatally shot during a demonstration by federal agents. Trump condemned Pretti, who was unarmed at the time, stating in January, “I don’t like it when somebody goes into a protest with a powerful, fully loaded gun.” Trump once defended Rittenhouse in 2020 by suggesting he acted in self-defense during the Kenosha protests.

Rittenhouse resisted comparisons to Pretti, arguing that such analogies incite needless anger. Nonetheless, Rittenhouse urged his followers to “carry everywhere” as a right. He also responded to Trump’s comments on Pretti’s firearm, calling it “a very dangerous gun.”

The Strained Relationship of Trump and Massie

Trump and Massie have had a contentious association, beginning when Massie, a libertarian-leaning politician, opposed a $2 trillion COVID-19 relief bill in March 2020. Trump branded Massie a “third rate Grandstander” and encouraged Republicans to remove him. Despite initial conflicts, Massie endorsed Trump’s presidential campaign in 2024.

However, tensions escalated in Trump’s second term. Several MAGA supporters, including Candace Owens and former Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, have severed ties with Trump. Disagreements have arisen over Trump’s handling of Epstein-related issues, his backing of Israel, and military actions against Iran. Trump has endorsed Ed Gallrein for the Kentucky’s 4th Congressional District in the Republican primary, challenging Massie, who has held the seat since 2012.