Pete Hegseth boosts Trump-backed challenger to Rep. Thomas Massie ahead of Kentucky primary

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth spoke Monday at a campaign event boosting the President Donald Trump-backed challenger to Rep. Thomas Massie.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth spoke Monday at a campaign event boosting the President Donald Trump-backed challenger to Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., ahead of Kentucky’s primary elections Tuesday.

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“I’m proud here to stand with Ed Gallrein, because he led warriors in combat,” Hegseth said at an event in Hebron, Kentucky. “He led at the very highest levels of special operations. He served with distinction as a Navy SEAL, rose into leadership within the elite ranks of SEAL Team Six, one of the most demanding combat organizations on planet Earth.”

The event was hosted by the nonprofit organization America First Works, a pro-Trump group. Gallrein, who entered the race at Trump’s urging, spoke shortly before Hegseth.