Huge day for President Donald Trump. First, he met in the White House with Saudi Arabia Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS), a man who soon will be king. His father, King Salman, is 86 years old and frail.- They were exceedingly friendly to each other.
- The last time they met in DC was in 2017 in Trump's first term.
- The 2018 Jamal Khashoggi matter came up, and Trump brushed that off in the same manner that he lies about in his own affairs.
- On the Gaza strip issue, MBS steered closer to joining the Abraham Accords and indicated support for Palestinian statehood.
- Saudi Arabia will invest $1 trillion in the U.S.
Trump agreed to sell F-35 jets to Saudi Arabia.- These fighters cost around $100 million each, and 48 will be sold.
- The total investment will approach $4 billion when you add parts, services, etc.
- The deal will be similar to what Israel got.
- Looked like an ambush, but...
A reporter (Mary Bruce) who asked earlier about Khashoggi asked Trump why he is not releasing the Epstein files now, rather than waiting for Congress to vote.
Trump responded: "It's not the question that I mind. It's your attitude. I think you are a terrible reporter. It's the way you ask these questions."
He added "You're a terrible person and terrible reporter."
"As far as the Epstein files," he said, "I have nothing to do with Jeffrey Epstein. I threw him out of my club many years ago because I thought he was a sick pervert ... and I guess I turned out to be right."
He added that he thinks ABC's license should be taken away.
Well, the House voted today on the Epstein Files Transparency Act, and it was almost unanimous. Republican Clay Higgins of Louisiana voted no. This result makes it veto-proof.
Next, on to Senate for an uncertain future. Will this legislation even be brought up? With that kind of House result, most probably. If so, should pass also in veto-proof fashion.
Then what will Trump do? Well, he did say yesterday that he would sign if the legislation reaches his desk. But will he? More obfuscation and delays are almost certain.
Lost in all this kerfuffle is Republican Congressman Thomas Massie. If not for him, and Democratic Ro Khanna, who co-sponsored and led the bipartisan push for this issue, it would have been buried.
So I went to Wikipedia:
Was born in West Virginia in 1971 and is now 54 years old.- Raised in an Appalachian American culture in Kentucky.
- Married his high school sweetheart, Rhonda Howard in 1993 and they together went to MIT. She died in 2024 at the age of 51. They had four children.
Earned a BS in electrical engineering in 1993 and an MS in mechanical engineering in 1996 from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Rhonda also earned a degree.
In 1993, he and his wife founded SensAble Devices Inc. Company in 1996 had raised $32 million of venture capital, employed 70 people and obtained 24 patents. Sold company in 2003.- In 2010 ran for Judge Executive of Lewis County, and campaign for Tea Party groups. Resigned in 2012.
- Was elected congressman in 2012.
Describes himself as a constitutional conservative and libertarian.- Does not believe that the scientific evidence for climate change is compelling.
- Has supported efforts to legalize Cannabis.
- By 2014 was named by Politico as Mr. No for opposing one in three measures that came to the House floor. Was the only House member to vote against sanction on North Korea in 2017.
In 2017, introduced a bill to abolish the U.S. Department Education and co-sponsored another one for abolishment of the Environmental Protection Agency.- Supports repealing the Affordable Care Act.
- In 2019 was one of 14 Republicans to vote with all Democrats to override President Trump's veto of a measure unwinding Trump's declaration of a national emergency at the southern border.
In 2019 supported legislation to scale back the use of the U.S. military abroad, and was the only member of Congress to oppose an act that refused to recognize Russia's annexation of Crimea.
- In 2020 was criticized by Republicans for endangering their health by returning to the floor. President Trump said Massie should be removed from the Republican Party.
- In 2020 argued against face mask mandates and compulsory vaccinations.
- In 2021 was the only Republican to vote against a $1 billion Israel Iron Dome system.
Drew criticism for posting this Christmas family photo only days after four teenagers were killed in the Oxford High School shooting.- In 2024 co-sponsored a motion to vacate by Marjorie Taylor Green to oust House speaker Mike Johnson.
Endorsed Florida Governor Ron DeSantis for president in 2024 election.- In his last re-election, got 76% of the votes in the primary and 99.6% in the 2024 general election.
During the 117th Congress, voted with President Joe Biden's stated position only 1.8% of the time.- In 2025 voted against the One Big Beautiful Bill Act for not being fiscally conservative. Trump irritated enough to announce that he would sponsor a primary challenger against Massie.
- Was the sole Republican in 2025 who voted against the re-election of Mike Johnson as speaker.
In July 2025, with Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna, introduced a discharge petition to force the release of the Jeffrey Epstein client list. President Trump called Massie an "Embarrassment to Kentucky."
Back in his state, he lives in a off-grid home he built on cattle farm, using wood and stone gathered on his land. Home powered by solar panels. Bought a Tesla in 2013. While he is anti-climate warming he refers himself as the greenest member of Congress.
- Last month married Carolyn Moffa, a former Congressional Staffer for Senator Rand Paul.
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