Kyle Rittenhouse, previously hailed as a gun rights hero by the Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement, is now facing backlash for his support of Kentucky Republican Representative Thomas Massie. Massie has criticized President Donald Trump, sparking controversy within the party.
Rittenhouse was acquitted in 2021 for the fatal shooting of two people during a Black Lives Matter protest in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Recently, he announced his support for Massie in the Kentucky 4th Congressional District race. He referred to Massie as “the greatest congressman” on X, formerly known as Twitter.
This endorsement has highlighted increasing fractures within the MAGA movement, particularly as Trump faces criticism from various high-profile figures, including political commentator Tucker Carlson. The opposition centers around U.S. and Israel’s actions against Iran and other Trump policies.
Vince Langman, identifying as a MAGA “deplorable,” criticized Rittenhouse, stating, “Wow! Kyle Rittenhouse turned out to be a complete douchebag, we should’ve left him to the liberal wolves in 2020!”
The right-wing account Catturd also commented, reflecting frustration over the situation, while YouTuber Joey Salads expressed concerns about making “the wrong people famous.”
Rittenhouse’s Shift on Gun Rights
Before backing Massie, Rittenhouse distanced himself from MAGA. He refused to support Trump’s presidential bid, citing concerns over Trump’s stance on the Second Amendment. His critics labeled him as “disloyal” and a “sellout.”
Earlier this year, Rittenhouse spoke against Trump’s rhetoric regarding Alex Pretti, a protestor shot by federal agents in Minneapolis. Trump criticized Pretti for carrying a gun at a protest, yet Rittenhouse defended the right to carry firearms.
Trump had previously described Rittenhouse’s actions in Kenosha as self-defense, stating that he “probably would have been killed.” Despite this, Rittenhouse challenged comparisons to Pretti, emphasizing different circumstances.
Rittenhouse addressed Trump’s comments on the type of gun Pretti had by stating, “Carry everywhere. It is your right. #ShallNotBeInfringed.” He also commented on Trump’s critique of the Sig Sauer P320 9mm pistol.
Trump and Massie’s Ongoing Conflict
The relationship between Trump and Massie has been difficult, originating in March 2020 when Massie opposed a COVID-19 relief package. Trump labeled him a “third rate Grandstander.” Despite this, Massie supported Trump during the 2024 election.
Massie praised Trump’s focus on safeguarding U.S. liberties and opposing unnecessary wars. However, recent political discord centers around the Trump administration’s handling of Jeffrey Epstein files and its foreign policy decisions.
This division has seen other figures, like commentator Candace Owens and former Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, clash with Trump. Trump has since endorsed former Navy SEAL Ed Gallrein for Kentucky’s 4th Congressional District primary against Massie.
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