Thomas Massie: Libertarian Firebrand or Anti-Israel Contrarian?

When ideology trumps morality, even allies become targets.
With its 435 voting members and 6 non-voting delegates, the House of Representatives is the chaotic heartbeat of American democracy. Its population-based representation, endless gerrymandering, and ideological extremes can make it a volatile chamber, but within this cacophony, certain figures occasionally make their mark.
Thomas Massie, Kentucky’s libertarian firebrand, makes a strong impression with his passionate stance for small government, but are his strongly held convictions crossing the line into something entirely darker?
We are all fairly familiar with the coterie known as the “Squad”, through their intersectionality of antisemitic rhetoric, they have formed a posse of irrelevance. We are far less familiar with Thomas Massie, the Republican representative for the great state of Kentucky’s 4th district for the past 12 years. A member of the House Freedom Caucus, a committed libertarian, and a forceful Second Amendment defender. At first glance, unremarkable, until you take a closer look.
What at first seemed like small government fundamentalism metastasized into what would appear a consistent disdain for all things Israel. My grandmother used to tell me that “To a hammer, everything looks like a nail,” and there are those who might suggest that I am mischaracterizing a good man who has been loyal to his philosophical beliefs, but I will let the evidence speak for itself, and you can be the judge.
Before diving deeper, let me just preface with the personal confession that I subscribe strongly to libertarian values and have always regarded myself more of a libertarian than any other political affiliation. Being an American in Europe, I am in awe of the founding fathers’ foresight in separating church and state, checks and balances in the federal government, and the devolved powers of the States that are effectively semi-independent.
As a young Yeshiva student, I once objected, quite vociferously, to a new policy that banned FM radios in the dormitories (younger readers, feel free to Google “FM Radio”). Encouraged by my fellow students, I stormed into the Rabbi’s office and demanded the edict be repealed immediately as it was egregious Yeshiva overreach, and as a libertarian, I was deeply offended. This “Che Guevara” moment of heroic defiance did not go down as I had imagined. My Rabbi, with infinite patience, reminded me that the Torah’s first libertarian was Korach, whose rebellion against Moses ended rather disastrously for him and his followers.
That setback and resulting suspension aside, I have remained true to my libertarian instincts and have a deep respect for those who genuinely uphold these ideals. I have less respect for those who cloak themselves in a facade of libertarianism in order to pursue more nefarious objectives.
On July 23, 2019, Massie was the lone Republican to vote against a resolution that opposed the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement. The BDS movement is unapologetic in its singular focus on Israel to the exclusion of all others and wears its antisemitic credentials proudly. This bill did not have any spending requirements or civil liberty infringements; it was entirely a show of solidarity. Source
On September 23, 2021, Massie voted against funding Israel’s Iron Dome, the entire purpose of which is to defend the civilians of an ally nation against a very real threat. As before, he diverged from the Republican Party as the only “no” vote, aligning himself with the progressive “Squad,” who were virtually the only Democrats to oppose the passing. Even Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) refrained from voting against it and chose to vote “present” instead. Source
Here is another example, on May 18th, 2022. Massie was the only “no” vote against a bill condemning antisemitism. The resolution passed overwhelmingly 420-1, with even the infamous “Squad” voting in favor. Source
On October 25th, 2023, Massie broke from the party as the solitary Republican vote against a purely symbolic resolution affirming Israel’s right to defend itself. This came in response to the deadliest attack against Jews since the Holocaust. That Israel would even need such validations is perplexing, notwithstanding, the resolution passed 412-10 with bi-partisan support, sending a strong message. Yet again. Massie departed his party ranks to stand shoulder to shoulder with the “Squad”. Source
On November 28th, 2023, Massie stood out as the sole Republican (there is a theme developing here) to vote against a resolution that affirmed Israel’s right to exist, rejecting calls for its destruction and condemning Hamas’s brutal attack on October 7th. The resolution, which also equated anti-Zionism with antisemitism, passed with nearly unanimous support and 412 votes in favor. Even Rashida Tlaib, the Democratic representative from Michigan who was the only other member not to vote in favor, voted present. Source
Finally, on November 21, 2024, Massie voted against a resolution condemning the global rise of antisemitism and, more recently, when the House voted to oppose the ICC’s highly controversial warrant for the arrest of Netanyahu, Massie voted present.
It is imperative to understand that these votes are mostly for non-binding measures; they are emblematic declarations. They signal to citizens and to the world the steadfastness of our moral compass and the ethical integrity of the United States of America.This is not a “libertarian” issue or even a political one; these votes highlight a basic standard of human decency and the absence of it. Such resolutions rise above partisanship and broadcast to the world what makes America exceptional: we stand with our allies, we abhor injustice, and most of all, we uphold the ideals of democracy.
The machinations of government in action represent the very best American values: fierce debate, moral clarity, and unity in the face of adversity. Massie’s votes are a sobering reminder that values are not always a given. In moments of ethical conflict, standing alone in the face of opposition can be principled, but sometimes, it just means you are wrong.
Kentucky’s 4th district deserves a representative who is true to libertarian values, untainted by philosophically twisted ambiguity. We stand as one nation under God, indivisible…., except for Thomas Massie, who repeatedly stands alone and votes “nay.”
“If you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice”
Rush – Freewill