Rand Pauls five biggest Republican feuds
Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) is one of the biggest draws in the Republican Party right now. He's also one of its most polarizing figures.
That was evident once again on Tuesday when Mark Salter, a longtime aide to Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), penned an op-ed lambasting the possible presidential candidate over his claim that McCain met with members of the Islamic State.
It got us to thinking: Who else has Paul clashed with in his own party? Plenty of people -- often hawkish Republicans -- over plenty of comments, often over national security and foreign policy.
Below we take a look at Paul's biggest feuds with fellow Republicans, in reverse chronological order. Did we miss any? As always, let us know in the comments section.
1. Mark Salter: We can't mention Salter without laying out the full story. The former McCain aidewrote on Real Clear Politics that Paul is "completely unsuited" for the presidency and "is either a liar or too easily captivated by the kinds of outlandish conspiracy theories that excite many of his and his fathers supporters, a cohort long overrepresented by political fringe dwellers." So, yeah. That happened. Salter's beef was Paul's insistence that McCain met with representatives of the Islamic State last year. "He [McCain] did meet with ISIS, and had his picture taken, and didnt know it was happening at the time," Paul recently told Daily Beast. The Washington Post Fact Checker gave Paul's claim four Pinocchios.
2. Rick Perry:The Texas governorwrote a July Washington Post op-ed arguing that it was "disheartening to hear fellow Republicans, such as Sen. Rand Paul (Ky.),suggest that our nation should ignore whats happening in Iraq." Three days later, Paul put up his own op-ed in Politico accusing Perry of mischaracterizing his views. "Apparently his new glasses havent altered his perception of the world, or allowed him to see it any more clearly," wrote Paul. Oh yes, he went there.
3. Peter King: The New York Republican congressman said in May that part of the reason he was considering running for president was to stop Paul and Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Tex.). King is one of the most hawkish members of Congress. It surprised no one when the libertarian-leaning Paul clashed with him.
4. Chris Christie:We could be witnessing the early stages of an epic battle between Paul and the New Jersey governor, since neither are shy about speaking their minds and both are openly considering running for president. It all started in earnest in the summer of 2013, when Christie expressed deep concerns about the skepticism Paul and other libertarian-leaning Republicans voiced about the National Security Agency's sweeping surveillance efforts. Paul swiftly offered a rebuttal on Twitter. More than a year later, the spat still hasn't been smoothed over. Asked in a recent interview withKentucky Educational Television what the first word is that comes to mind when he hears Christie's name, Paul responded "Bridges," a clear dig at the "Bridgegate" traffic scandal that rocked Christie's office.
5. John McCain:The longtime Arizona senatorlabeled Paul and a trio of other members of Congress "wacko birds" in an interview with the Huffington Post. McCain took issue with of the filibuster of now-CIA Director John O. Brennanover drones."I treat Sen. McCain with respect. I don't think I always get the same in return," Paul responded.
Sean Sullivan has covered national politics for The Washington Post since 2012.
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Rand Pauls five biggest Republican feuds
- Rand Paul still pushing for a Fauci prosecution. Is it finally going to happen? - Washington Examiner - June 22nd, 2026 [June 22nd, 2026]
- Rand Paul calls for new scrutiny of overseas biolabs after Gabbard declassifies documents - National News Desk - June 22nd, 2026 [June 22nd, 2026]
- Sen. Rand Paul leads hearing considering 11 nominees - Spectrum News - June 17th, 2026 [June 17th, 2026]
- Future of college sports shouldnt be dictated by Congress: Sen Rand Paul - Fox News - June 16th, 2026 [June 16th, 2026]
- Sen. Rand Paul says Mitch McConnell is doing better in the hospital - WDRB - June 16th, 2026 [June 16th, 2026]
- Sen. Rand Paul hopeful that gas prices will begin to fall if US, Iran peace deal is signed - LEX18 - June 16th, 2026 [June 16th, 2026]
- Rand Paul: Democrats tried to defund Trump's border patrol; I stopped them - The Daily Independent - June 16th, 2026 [June 16th, 2026]
- Rand Paul urges end to birthright citizenship as State Dept. cracks down on 'birth tourism' | RISING - The Hill - June 16th, 2026 [June 16th, 2026]
- Sen. Rand Paul releases documents about Covid-19 origins and Dr. Fauci role in messaging - WBFF - June 12th, 2026 [June 12th, 2026]
- Sen. Rand Paul releases documents about Covid-19 origins and Dr. Fauci role in messaging - WSMH - June 12th, 2026 [June 12th, 2026]
- Democratic CNN Commentator Explains Campaign Donation To Rand Paul: This Was the Right Thing - Yahoo - June 3rd, 2026 [June 3rd, 2026]
- Democratic CNN Commentator Explains Campaign Donation To Rand Paul: This Was the Right Thing - Mediaite - June 3rd, 2026 [June 3rd, 2026]
- Rand Paul pushes back on GOP criticisms of Trump-Iran tentative deal - The Hill - May 29th, 2026 [May 29th, 2026]
- Rand Paul Reacts After Scott Bessent Reveals Shocking $500 Billion Fraud Estimate 'Glad The Trump Administration Is Finally Cracking Down...' - Yahoo - May 29th, 2026 [May 29th, 2026]
- Rand Paul introduces healthcare reform bill - Kentucky Today - May 22nd, 2026 [May 22nd, 2026]
- Its Way Past Due That Rand Paul Quit His Covid-19 Crusade - Esquire - May 16th, 2026 [May 16th, 2026]
- Rand Paul Says Trump's $1 Billion White House Ballroom Funding Faces 'A Lot Of Questions' Before Senate Vote, Backs 'Private Funds' Instead - Yahoo - May 16th, 2026 [May 16th, 2026]
- Sen. Rand Paul's son accused of drunken, antisemitic tirade at DC bar - USA Today - May 16th, 2026 [May 16th, 2026]
- Sen. Rand Paul visits Grove City College, discusses fear, COVID-19 and AI - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette - May 16th, 2026 [May 16th, 2026]
- Rand Paul alleges Fauci overruled CIA scientists in COVID-19 origin investigation - Fox News - May 16th, 2026 [May 16th, 2026]
- Rand Paul Says Trump's $1 Billion White House Ballroom Funding Faces 'A Lot Of Questions' Before Senate V - Benzinga - May 16th, 2026 [May 16th, 2026]
- Sen. Rand Paul backs Trump's ballroom after Saturday correspondents' dinner shooting - WUKY - May 1st, 2026 [May 1st, 2026]
- Rand Paul proposes amendment to end birthright citizenship for illegal immigrants in the US - Washington Examiner - May 1st, 2026 [May 1st, 2026]
- Rand Paul on Government Accountability Office report findings: 'This seems to go on year after year' - Fox Business - May 1st, 2026 [May 1st, 2026]
- Rand Paul proposes White House ballroom bill amid security concerns and funding debate - WHAS11 - May 1st, 2026 [May 1st, 2026]
- Sen. Rand Paul proposes bipartisan bill that would exempt state from federal hemp ban - LEX18 - May 1st, 2026 [May 1st, 2026]
- Trump backs Rand Paul's bill to build White House ballroom - Washington Examiner - May 1st, 2026 [May 1st, 2026]
- SEN RAND PAUL: My plan would force Congress to stop overspending your hard-earned money - Fox News - April 27th, 2026 [April 27th, 2026]
- SEN RAND PAUL: My plan would force Congress to stop overspending your hard-earned money - AOL.com - April 27th, 2026 [April 27th, 2026]
- SEN RAND PAUL: My plan would force Congress to stop overspending your hard-earned money - FOX 8 TV - April 27th, 2026 [April 27th, 2026]
- Rand Paul Slams Republicans For Voting Against Bill To Rein In Trump Amid Iran War - HuffPost - April 25th, 2026 [April 25th, 2026]
- 'Sooner the war ends, the better': Sen. Rand Paul hopes Iran War ends in negotiated peace - LEX18 - April 25th, 2026 [April 25th, 2026]
- Sen. Rand Paul moves to protect Kentuckys hemp industry from federal crackdown - FOX 56 News - April 25th, 2026 [April 25th, 2026]
- Rand Paul backs Trumps NATO withdrawal warning, calls Congress for debate on alliance [PHOTO] - AzerNews - April 5th, 2026 [April 5th, 2026]
- Rand Paul says he's '50-50' on running for president in 2028, 'thinking about it' - Yahoo - April 5th, 2026 [April 5th, 2026]
- Sen. Rand Paul on his confrontation of Trump and Senate GOP over Iran strikes - CBS News - March 30th, 2026 [March 30th, 2026]
- Rand Paul says he's 'thinking' about running for president in 2028 - Fox News - March 30th, 2026 [March 30th, 2026]
- Rand Paul says hes 50-50 on running for president in 2028, thinking about it - 930 WFMD Free Talk - March 30th, 2026 [March 30th, 2026]
- From Cory Booker to Rand Paul, 2028 White House speculation is already underway - Washington Times - March 30th, 2026 [March 30th, 2026]
- Sen. Rand Paul on breaking away from Senate Republicans over some of Trump's policies - CBS News - March 30th, 2026 [March 30th, 2026]
- Sen. Rand Paul reveals whether hed run for president in 2028 - New York Post - March 30th, 2026 [March 30th, 2026]
- GOP Sen. Rand Paul says there is a 50-50 chance hell run for president - Washington Times - March 30th, 2026 [March 30th, 2026]
- Sen. Rand Paul files bill to bar 'junk food' from federal food assistance - WUKY - March 30th, 2026 [March 30th, 2026]
- Stephen Miller is Most Unpopular Political Figure In The U.S.: Rand Paul, Scott Bessent and Pam Bondi Follow - Latin Times - March 30th, 2026 [March 30th, 2026]
- Joe Scarborough Baffled by Markwayne Mullins Cheering for the Criminal Assault of Rand Paul: Why Cant He Just Apologize? - Yahoo - March 22nd, 2026 [March 22nd, 2026]
- DHS pick Mullin defends record, spars with Rand Paul at confirmation hearing - The Washington Post - March 22nd, 2026 [March 22nd, 2026]
- Mullin responds to Sen. Rand Paul's criticism in opening statement - NBC News - March 22nd, 2026 [March 22nd, 2026]
- 'Tell the world why': Sen. Rand Paul says Markwayne Mullin condoned violence against him - KOCO - March 22nd, 2026 [March 22nd, 2026]
- Rand Paul demands apology from Mullin over comments on assault | CNN Politics - CNN - March 22nd, 2026 [March 22nd, 2026]
- Ill be a no: Rand Paul says hell oppose Markwayne Mullins DHS bid - NBC News - March 22nd, 2026 [March 22nd, 2026]
- Mullin gets rocky reception from Rand Paul at combative DHS confirmation hearing - The Hill - March 22nd, 2026 [March 22nd, 2026]
- Rand Paul says hes a no vote on Mullin for DHS secretary - The Hill - March 22nd, 2026 [March 22nd, 2026]
- Mullin confronted about 'anger issues' by Rand Paul in tense DHS confirmation hearing - News From The States - March 22nd, 2026 [March 22nd, 2026]
- Why trust a man with anger issues? | Rand Paul grills Trumps new pick as DHS head in confirmation hearing - WHAS11 - March 22nd, 2026 [March 22nd, 2026]
- Thune: Rand Paul, Mullin have some personal history they must work through - The Hill - March 20th, 2026 [March 20th, 2026]
- Mullins DHS nomination set for quick vote as of now, Rand Paul says - Politico - March 20th, 2026 [March 20th, 2026]
- Sen Rand Paul grills Mullin on past comments on assault: 'Tell it to my face' - Fox News - March 20th, 2026 [March 20th, 2026]
- Rand Paul and Markwayne Mullin clash at Senate hearing over past comments - NBC News - March 20th, 2026 [March 20th, 2026]
- Fact-check: What Markwayne Mullin said about Rand Paul, Alex Pretti at DHS confirmation hearing - PolitiFact - March 20th, 2026 [March 20th, 2026]
- Mullin Nomination Advances After Tense Clash With Rand Paul - Native News Online - March 20th, 2026 [March 20th, 2026]
- Sen. Rand Paul calls out Trump's Homeland nominee over past rhetoric - The Detroit News - March 20th, 2026 [March 20th, 2026]
- Rand Paul asked whether 'someone who applauds violence' should lead DHS in Markwayne Mullin hearing - Fortune - March 20th, 2026 [March 20th, 2026]
- Heated exchanges between Sen. Rand Paul and Sen. Markwayne Mullin at confirmation hearing - CBS News - March 20th, 2026 [March 20th, 2026]
- Rand Paul and Markwayne Mullin clash at hearing - NBC News - March 20th, 2026 [March 20th, 2026]
- Markwayne Mullin WENT AFTER Rand Paul. But Could That Hurt His DHS Nomination? - The Hill - March 20th, 2026 [March 20th, 2026]
- Markwayne Mullin and Rand Paul clash at DHS confirmation hearing on attack response - USA Today - March 20th, 2026 [March 20th, 2026]
- Tell me to my face: Rand Paul demanded an apology from DHS nominee Markwayne Mullin. He declined. - The Boston Globe - March 20th, 2026 [March 20th, 2026]
- Sen. Rand Paul eviscerates Markwayne Mullin in DHS confirmation hearing: A man with anger issues - New York Post - March 20th, 2026 [March 20th, 2026]
- Amid Rand Paul Drama, Mullin Vows Gentler Immigration Crackdown - Time Magazine - March 20th, 2026 [March 20th, 2026]
- Rand Paul Confronts Markwayne Mullin for Making Light of His Assault: 'Tell It to My Face' - people.com - March 20th, 2026 [March 20th, 2026]
- Rand Paul Rips DHS Nominee Markwayne Mullin for His Anger Issues - NOTUS News of the United States - March 20th, 2026 [March 20th, 2026]
- 'Tell it to my face': Rand Paul confronts DHS nominee Markwayne Mullin - whas11.com - March 20th, 2026 [March 20th, 2026]
- Mullin makes heated case against Sen. Rand Paul as steady hand for DHS - FOX 56 News - March 20th, 2026 [March 20th, 2026]
- Rand Paul beef with Markwayne Mullin adds surreal layer to bizarre hearing - MS NOW - March 20th, 2026 [March 20th, 2026]
- Markwayne Mullin clashes with Rand Paul at tense hearing ahead of key committee vote - cbs19.tv - March 20th, 2026 [March 20th, 2026]
- Mullin confronted about anger issues by Rand Paul in tense DHS confirmation hearing - Now Georgia - March 20th, 2026 [March 20th, 2026]
- A freakin snake? Rand Paul lights into Trump pick to lead Homeland Security - Lexington Herald Leader - March 20th, 2026 [March 20th, 2026]
- Rand Paul grills Markwayne Mullin in opening minutes of DHS confirmation hearing - Fox News - March 20th, 2026 [March 20th, 2026]
- Mullin spars with Sen. Rand Paul in explosive DHS confirmation hearing - WUHF - March 20th, 2026 [March 20th, 2026]
- 'Tell Me To My Face': Markwayne Mullin, Rand Paul Clash In Confirmation Hearing - HuffPost - March 20th, 2026 [March 20th, 2026]