Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) appeared on NBC’s Meet The Press Sunday, where he responded to a blistering post from President Donald Trump, who questioned the Senator’s loyalty to the Republican Party.
During the interview with host Kristen Welker, Paul addressed a Friday night social media post by the President which stated: “Whatever happened to Senator Rand Paul? He was never great, but he went really bad. I got him elected twice in the great commonwealth of Kentucky, but he just never votes positively for the Republican Party. He’s a nasty little guy.”
Senator Paul suggested that the root of the friction lies in his unyielding commitment to fiscal conservatism, a position he says sets him apart in Washington. “I think the problem is this – is that in Washington, what I represent, some people describe as unusual, and the president describes it as weird, that I’m for less debt and balanced budgets,” Paul told Welker.
READ: Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul Says He ‘Will Support’ Paying Federal Employees But Draws Line On Debt
However, the Kentucky Senator maintained that his stance resonates strongly with his constituents and voters across the country. “When I come home to Kentucky or when I travel the United States, people come up to me and say, ‘Stick to your guns. You’re the only voice up there, Republican or Democrat, who’s still talking about the debt and still talking about balanced budgets.'”
Despite the President’s personal attack, Paul downplayed the seriousness of the feud, emphasizing his long-standing relationship with Trump and his continued support for the President’s agenda.
“I don’t take it too seriously. Look, I’ve known the president for over a decade. I’ve played golf with him many, many times. I enjoy his company,” Paul said. “I was one of his biggest defenders on impeachment and would do so again. I think he’s one of the best presidents, if not the best president of my lifetime.”
Paul clarified that his appreciation for the President does not translate into complete deference, asserting his independence to criticize policy where he sees fit.
READ: Zelenskyy Urges Trump To Be Tougher On Putin, Ready To Join Summit Despite Missile Hesitation
“It doesn’t mean I will sit quietly and say, ‘Oh well, whatever you want to do.’ I was elected to have a voice,” he explained, citing specific policy disagreements. “I continue to be a voice – like on the bombing of the Venezuelan boats, I think that’s inappropriate. A war with Venezuela without Congress’s opinion or Congress’s weighing in and authorization is inappropriate. The tariffs are bad for the economy, but it doesn’t mean I dislike Donald Trump.”
“So he gets mad at me sometimes, but I’m still one of his best supporters if he’s willing to have it,” Paul concluded. The exchange highlights the delicate balance between party loyalty and independent legislative judgment within the Republican ranks.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.
