Scoop: Pro-Trump group unleashes first TV ad against Massie

A pro-Trump super PAC, MAGA Kentucky, is launching a TV ad campaign against Rep. Thomas Massie, a Kentucky Republican who has been critical of President Trump. The ad buy is worth $1 million and will air on Fox News and broadcast TV stations in the Cincinnati and Louisville markets, as well as digitally targeting Republican voters. The ad accuses Massie of siding with Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and features an image of Massie alongside Khamenei and liberal politicians Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. The ad also targets Massie for voting against Trump-backed legislation on taxes and border security. The goal of the ad campaign is to unseat Massie, who the White House views as its chief Republican detractor in the House. Trump's political operation is willing to spend part of its $500 million war chest to defeat Massie. MAGA Kentucky is affiliated with Trump's official political apparatus and is led by senior Trump advisers Chris LaCivita and Tony Fabrizio. Trump advisers are actively recruiting a primary challenger to Massie, with the aim of clearing the field to ensure a single opponent. Massie allies argue that his libertarian streak has made him popular in his conservative district, and he has easily fended off primary challenges in the past. Despite this, Trump has vowed to campaign hard against Massie in the Republican primary.