MAGA castoffs plot 2028 spoiler bid

An unconventional coalition is vying to recruit former Representative Thomas Massie as the Libertarian Party's 2028 presidential nominee, hoping that his candidacy could serve as a spoiler for the Republican nominee. Massie, a vocal critic of former President Donald Trump, raised nearly $10 million during his primary campaign and boasts a substantial donor base. As his final act in Congress, Massie introduced an impeachment motion against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

Recent months have seen Libertarian Party officials and former Trump supporters privately and openly urging Massie to run under a rebranded Libertarian Party. Larry Sharpe, a long-time Libertarian candidate and third-party enthusiast, has engaged in discussions with Massie about a potential presidential bid. The Libertarian Party, often referred to as LP, has the potential to win 5% of the national vote, which would allow its next nominee to receive federal funding.

The plan involves the LP claiming ownership of the "America First" agenda, focusing on anti-war sentiments. The organizers believe they can unite supporters from the MAGA wing, including those aligned with Tucker Carlson, Joe Kent, and Marjorie Taylor Greene, as well as individuals disillusioned with the "Make America Healthy Again" movement and populist-leaning voters from both sides of the political spectrum.

James Fishback, a former GOP gubernatorial candidate, met with the organizers in October and expressed optimism about the potential impact of such a campaign.

Michael Heise, a key figure in the rebranded Libertarian Party, serves as the main organizer and also leads the Mises Caucus, a faction that took control of the LP in 2022. The Mises PAC, which is funding this initiative, raised $394,000 during the 2024 election cycle, with contributions from prominent figures such as the Musk siblings, Abigail Rockefeller, and a well-known LP contributor. Heise, however, has declined to comment on the matter.