(This story has been updated with new information.)

President Donald Trump endorsed Kentucky veteran Ed Gallrein to take on and oust U.S. Rep. Thomas Massie from Congress “ASAP” in an Oct. 17 Truth Social post.

"The incredible people of Kentucky's 4th Congressional District gave us a mandate to, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN, and the person that will help us do that is Navy SEAL, Army Ranger, and Fifth Generation Kentucky Farmer, Captain Ed Gallrein, a true America First Patriot," Trump wrote.

In a statement, Gallrein said he was honored by Trump’s support.

“He is doing an amazing job securing the border, lowering taxes, and making America great again,” he said. “I will make an announcement on what’s next soon!"

Gallrein has not yet announced a campaign for Massie’s seat.

In a statement, Massie derided the choice, calling Gallrein an “establishment hack.”

“After having been rejected by every elected official in the 4th District, Trump's consultants clearly pushed the panic button with their choice of failed candidate and establishment hack Ed Gallrein,” he said. “Ed's been begging them to pick him for over three months now.”

Trump has been persistent in his efforts to oust Massie since he was one of two Republicans to vote against the One Big Beautiful Bill Act in May.

Gallrein, who Trump endorsed after months of calling for someone to oppose Massie, ran for the Kentucky state Senate District 7 seat in 2024, but lost the Republican primary to fellow Navy SEAL Aaron Reed.

Gallrein’s state campaign website lists key issues such as advancing conservative values and protecting parent rights, cutting taxes and regulations while growing the economy, partnering with parents and teachers to ensure children receive world-class education and keeping communities safe through supporting law enforcement and protecting the Second Amendment.

Gallrein owns and operates the Circle G Stables, a farm in Shelby County, alongside his wife and is active in the Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association as well as a member of the Kentucky Soybean Growers and Kentucky Corn Growers Association.

This story may update.