Thomas Massie: Heir to the Ron Paul Revolution?

“Fifty years from now (and longer), young kids will still be learning from Ron: reading his books, following his recommendations for further study, and taking inspiration from his courage and principle.” – Pursue the Cause of Liberty

In September 2025, Kentucky Senator and son of former Congressman Ron Paul introduced a plan to balance the federal budget within five years.  Called the Six Penny Plan, Paul’s proposal would cut six cents from every dollar spent in the next five fiscal years.  The result would be an end to the fiscal deficits, adding to an uncontrollable national debt of 38 trillion.  Yet, in a Senate vote, only 29 Senators voted yea, while nearly two-thirds, 67, voted against the measure.  Believing that the national debt is the greatest threat to national security, Paul’s proposal is the most fiscally responsible budget being offered this year. 

His congressional peer, Thomas Massie, has also drawn the ire of the Trump Administration and MAGA republicans, who are actively campaigning against him.  Voting no on the Continuing Resolution, which Democrats were quick to pass when offered under Biden, but unyielding when offered under Trump, saw Republicans play the opposite game.  Proving again, the lack of seriousness in either party to address our country’s most catastrophic crisis. 

In Ron Paul’s 2012 book, “Pursue the Cause of Liberty”, Paul reprints his farewell to Congress when he retired in 2012 after 39 years of cumulative service, after returning once to his medical practice.  Paul’s primary goal during his career was to shrink the size and scope of government through reduced spending, ending American empire building through wars and conquests, and by auditing and ending the Federal Reserve system.  Despite his unsuccessful efforts, Paul continues to fight the good fight by calling for an intellectual awakening, a reeducation to the evils of government. 

Unfortunately, after decades of service, the government had only grown, in wars, taxes, regulations, and deficits, creating even more poverty and dependence on the federal government.  One government intervention after another has led to unsustainable debts and unfunded liabilities.  Bailouts, manipulation of interest rates, welfare, and warfare have led to booms and busts, and an ongoing devaluation of the dollar.  Freedom has suffered as politicians have attempted to create equality of opportunity, a clear anathema to the Founders' plans for America.

Paul took every opportunity to promote the policies of Austrian Economics to prohibit government interference in the markets, with a focus on production and innovation.  As such, he advanced sound money principles, calling for an end to the Federal Reserve System that regularly intervenes in the marketplace. 

Paul voted against meddling in social activities and decried the ongoing attack on Americans' civil liberties from the surveillance state.  He backed a return to constitutional government, to protect our natural rights, enforce private property and contracts, and defend against foreign force. 

An anti-politician, Paul was a statesman of times long past.  He was anti-war, anti-police state, calling for peaceful interactions with all nations, favoring none over another.  Believing that a new revolution is only possible with the changing of hearts and minds, Paul called for a rebirth of critical thinking and an increase in knowledge of civic education.  Believing that a free society was the only solution to address the crises we face, Paul advocated for a return to self-reliance to return America to its unprecedented prosperity. 

Donald Trump’s promise of a new Golden Age of economic prosperity emanates from his nationalist agenda called America First.  Through a resurgence in manufacturing, tariffs on foreign products, incentives for businesses to relocate to the United States, and a draining of the swamp in federal agencies and programs, Trumpism pledged to usher in a renaissance in America.  

Yet, these lofty goals have neither materialized nor have they reached the people.  A Gallup poll conducted in September 2025 reveals that 62 percent of respondents believe that neither party is working for the people, and a third-party option may be needed. 

Thankfully, the torch that Ron Paul lit so long ago has been passed to a new generation.  In addition to his son, Rand Paul, Thomas Massie is Ron Paul’s best protégé.  Like the Pauls, Massie tells unpopular truths and isn’t afraid to stand on principles.  Rather than support party politics, Massie, too, chose the road of free agency, free from either team, to be able to negotiate and never compromise his principles.