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.
See more here:
Rand Pauls five biggest Republican feuds
- Fact Check: Chef Joe Gera claimed Rand Paul lied about not getting COVID-19 vaccine. Here's what we know - Yahoo - August 5th, 2026 [August 5th, 2026]
- Rand Paul Vents to MS NOW the US Is Worse Off After Trump Launched the Iran War - Mediaite - August 5th, 2026 [August 5th, 2026]
- Rand Paul threatens to hold Fauci in contempt after he declines to answer questions - The Washington Post - August 5th, 2026 [August 5th, 2026]
- Sen. Rand Paul says committee will vote Thursday to hold Dr. Fauci in contempt - WLKY - August 5th, 2026 [August 5th, 2026]
- Committee led by Sen. Rand Paul set to vote on contempt of Congress for Dr. Fauci - wbko.com - August 5th, 2026 [August 5th, 2026]
- Rand Paul answers whether he believes Fauci should be jailed - Yahoo - August 5th, 2026 [August 5th, 2026]
- The Senate Got Spicy Today, Courtesy of Anthony Fauci and Rand Paul - Slate - August 5th, 2026 [August 5th, 2026]
- Rand Paul to refer Fauci to DOJ for contempt of Congress after committee vote - Washington Examiner - August 5th, 2026 [August 5th, 2026]
- Sen. Rand Paul reveals contempt resolution against Fauci; committee to vote on Thursday - Washington Times - August 5th, 2026 [August 5th, 2026]
- Senator Rand Paul explains the consequences Fauci could face for refusing to answer any questions during his senate testimony - Yahoo - August 5th, 2026 [August 5th, 2026]
- Sen. Rand Paul on Fauci hearing: He wouldn't have had any liability if he told the truth - CNBC - August 5th, 2026 [August 5th, 2026]
- Fauci declines to answer questions at Senate hearing led by Rand Paul - bakersfieldnow.com - August 5th, 2026 [August 5th, 2026]
- Rand Paul Slams Trump Over Iran War: 'We Are Worse Off Now Than We Were Before' - HuffPost - August 5th, 2026 [August 5th, 2026]
- Anthony Fauci, Rand Paul to face off again in Senate hearing next week - The Washington Post - July 24th, 2026 [July 24th, 2026]
- Rand Paul Slams $1.5 Trillion Pentagon Ask: The Biggest Threat to America Isn't Iran, It's the Debt - Yahoo - July 24th, 2026 [July 24th, 2026]
- Rand Paul Trashes Trumps War: Were Worse Off Than We Were - Mediaite - July 24th, 2026 [July 24th, 2026]
- In Focus: Q&A with U.S. Senator Rand Paul on McConnell, Washington and what's next - Spectrum News - July 24th, 2026 [July 24th, 2026]
- Rand Paul releases docs that reveal FBI halted border inspection of virus researcher over Wuhan lab links - Yahoo - July 24th, 2026 [July 24th, 2026]
- Sen. Rand Paul speaks on war in Iran - WPSD Local 6 - July 24th, 2026 [July 24th, 2026]
- Rand Paul releases docs that reveal FBI halted border inspection of virus researcher over Wuhan lab links - Fox News - July 24th, 2026 [July 24th, 2026]
- User Clip: Rand Paul on war powers - C-SPAN - July 24th, 2026 [July 24th, 2026]
- Rand Paul Trashes Trumps War: 'Were Worse Off Than We Were' - Yahoo - July 24th, 2026 [July 24th, 2026]
- Sen. Rand Paul and events in DC - Spectrum News - July 24th, 2026 [July 24th, 2026]
- Rand Paul Slams $1.5 Trillion Pentagon Ask: The Biggest Threat to America Isn't Iran, It's the Debt - Benzinga - July 24th, 2026 [July 24th, 2026]
- COLUMN: At Trumps behest, Rand Paul and Andy Barr wade into the breach on birthright citizenship - pmg-ky2.com - July 24th, 2026 [July 24th, 2026]
- Rand Paul accuses Fauci of funding gain-of-function research, manipulating intel - Fox Business - July 1st, 2026 [July 1st, 2026]
- Rand Paul accuses Fauci of funding gain-of-function research, manipulating intel - AOL.com - July 1st, 2026 [July 1st, 2026]
- Rand Paul: Anthony Fauci will answer to the American people - Washington Examiner - July 1st, 2026 [July 1st, 2026]
- 'Your Iran War Has Been A Disaster': GOP Senators Cassidy, Rand Paul Clash With Trump At Senate Meet - The Times of India - June 28th, 2026 [June 28th, 2026]
- Sen. Rand Paul on U.S.-Iran peace negotiations, Covid origins and subpoenaing Dr. Fauci - CNBC - June 28th, 2026 [June 28th, 2026]
- Rand Paul subpoenas Dr. Anthony Fauci to appear before the Senate on COVID-19 origins - New York Post - June 28th, 2026 [June 28th, 2026]
- Sanctions relief in exchange for no nukes in Iran a 'good trade,' according to Sen. Rand Paul - WUKY - June 28th, 2026 [June 28th, 2026]
- Rand Paul subpoenas Fauci to testify on COVID | RISING - The Hill - June 28th, 2026 [June 28th, 2026]
- Trump Hails Rand Paul And Bill Cassidy's Reversal On War Powers Resolution: 'This Vote Puts Iran On Notice' - Yahoo - June 28th, 2026 [June 28th, 2026]
- Senate Homeland Security Chairman Rand Paul (R-KY) has subpoenaed Dr. Anthony Fauci, the former director of the National Institute of Allergy and... - June 28th, 2026 [June 28th, 2026]
- Sen. Rand Paul says Dr. Anthony Faucis power abuse has nothing on J. Edgar Hoover with COVID cover up - New York Post - June 28th, 2026 [June 28th, 2026]
- Trump Hails Rand Paul And Bill Cassidy's Reversal On War Powers Resolution: 'This Vote Puts Iran On Notic - Benzinga - June 28th, 2026 [June 28th, 2026]
- Sen. Rand Paul says Dr. Anthony Fauci exerted a powerful influence for decades on US-funded research - The Australian - June 28th, 2026 [June 28th, 2026]
- 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]