The Libertarian parties of Kentucky, Iowa, and Vermont have all recently endorsed Republican Congressman Thomas Massie in a series of statements as their choice for Secretary of Agriculture in President-elect Donald Trump’s next administration. Massie is among several candidates reportedly under consideration for the position.
The three state Libertarian Party affiliates announced their support for Massie last week in a series of statements. Although the specific language varies by statement, each party praises Massie for what they view as his dedication to individual liberty, sustainable food practices, and limited government.
“The Libertarian Party of Kentucky believes that Rep. Massie’s track record of advocating for deregulation, market access, and consumer choice makes him the ideal candidate to lead the Department of Agriculture,” read the statement from the Libertarian Party of Kentucky. “His appointment would signal a shift toward policies that prioritize individual liberty and the empowerment of American farmers and consumers.”
“Massie has consistently advocated for American farmers, particularly those from small, independent operations, whose voices are often drowned out by large agricultural interests and lobbyists,” added the Libertarian Party of Iowa. “His commitment to transparency and accountability has led him to challenge controversial programs like the USDA’s Checkoff system.”
The Libertarian Party of Vermont further echoed these sentiments. “His emphasis on local control, decentralization, and the promotion of regenerative farming practices represents a promising vision for Vermont farmers and for American agriculture as a whole,” said Libertarian Party of Vermont Chair Anne Lepeltier in the party’s statement.
In addition to Massie’s consistency with Libertarian principles, the parties referenced various legislative actions or instances of support taken by Massie over the years that him an ideal fit for the role. They cited his introduction of the Processing Revival and Intrastate Meat Exemption Act, his overall support for raw milk access, his advocacy for hemp legalization, and his promotion of local food systems initiatives, among other examples of what they view as his commitment to reforming agricultural policy.
As of Thursday morning, Trump has not yet announced his pick for the next Secretary of Agriculture, though Massie’s name remains in consideration. Other reported candidates for the role include Pennsylvania Congressman Glenn Thompson and prominent Republican donors Sarah Frey and Charles Herbster.
The loss of his wife must have hit him harder than anyone realized, over the weekend he’s gone from being a man who looks quite young for 53 to a woman who looks rather old for 52: https://c2.legalinsurrection.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Brooke-Rollins.jpg
Unlikely. Elaborate.
Massie is a nasty old man
Doubtful. Kennedy is no more libertarian than Massie is. In many ways a good deal less.
I saw Darryl Perry make the same joke before, but I took it as just that: no more than a joke. If true, which seems improbable to me, it would be a(nother) terrible miscalculation on Trump’s part – one that he, and certainly any 2028 “MAGA” candidates, would no doubt come to regret.
Such a betrayal would, I imagine, affect far more than a few disgruntled Trump-voting LP-ers. Then again, his previous betrayals didn’t lose him this election against someone as universally despised as Harris, so clearly the amount of backlash also depends on how much worse the Democrats can get over the next four years.
No, they have announced the libertarian appointment this afternoon. Kennedy.
Kennedy joined the LP. Kennedy was nominated during the selection of the presidential candidate. Kennedy was involved in a joint fundraiser with the national committee.
Game, set, match.
I hope Massie won’t be “the one promised libertarian on Trump’s cabinet”. Please put him in the cabinet, by all means – preferably in charge of commerce, labor, trade or the interior, and far from defense, treasury and state department – but not to the exclusion of someone more libertarian.
This might be a good move for Rep. Massie who has seen his share of difficulties as of late. His wife passed away fairly recently and he has a couple of kids who are of high school/college age as I recall. A couple of years as Secretary of Agriculture and then run for Mitch McConnell’s seat when it comes up.