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: The government is open, but a hemp industry shutdown has just begun | Opinion - The Courier-Journal - November 14th, 2025 [November 14th, 2025]
- Rand Paul warns McConnell-backed provision will regulate hemp industry to death - LINK nky - November 14th, 2025 [November 14th, 2025]
- Rand Paul warns McConnell-backed provision will regulate hemp industry to death - the-messenger.com - November 14th, 2025 [November 14th, 2025]
- Senator Rand Paul threatens to delay government reopening over hemp language - The Independent - November 11th, 2025 [November 11th, 2025]
- Black Tie CBD Stands with Senator Rand Paul to Defend the Future of Legal Hemp and THCA Products - Reuters - November 11th, 2025 [November 11th, 2025]
- Rand Paul wants hemp vote to speed up shutdown endgame - Politico - November 11th, 2025 [November 11th, 2025]
- Republican Senator Uses Trump Post to Dunk on Rand Paul: Common Sense Is Illegal - Yahoo - November 11th, 2025 [November 11th, 2025]
- Rand Paul demands vote on hemp amendment before proceeding with tally to open government - Washington Examiner - November 11th, 2025 [November 11th, 2025]
- Itll take them 5 days': Rand Paul could be obstacle to quickly ending shutdown - Politico - November 10th, 2025 [November 10th, 2025]
- Republican Senator Uses Trump Post to Dunk on Rand Paul: Common Sense Is Illegal - Mediaite - November 10th, 2025 [November 10th, 2025]
- Trump Drags Rand Paul for Blocking Bill to Withhold Pay From Senators: He Wanted to Be Paid! - Yahoo - November 10th, 2025 [November 10th, 2025]
- U.S. Sen. Rand Paul hopeful ongoing discussions will end government shutdown - WCHS - November 10th, 2025 [November 10th, 2025]
- RAND PAUL: THE SWAMP SMILES FOR EVERY CONCESSION MADE BY THE GOP "Tonight the process of opening the govt begins. Less chaos is a good thing but... - November 10th, 2025 [November 10th, 2025]
- Rand Paul Again Warns Against Regime In Venezuela: 'Risks Empowering The Very Cartels We Are Trying To Defeat' - Latin Times - November 10th, 2025 [November 10th, 2025]
- Rep. Thomas Massie announces marriage to former staffer of Sen. Rand Paul - WLWT - November 5th, 2025 [November 5th, 2025]
- Senators Tim Kaine and Rand Paul on Tariffs and U.S. Trade - C-SPAN - November 5th, 2025 [November 5th, 2025]
- Rep. Thomas Massie announces his marriage to former staffer of Rand Paul - WAVE News - November 5th, 2025 [November 5th, 2025]
- Rep. Thomas Massie marries ex-Rand Paul staffer a year after wifes death: Of course we served raw milk! - New York Post - November 5th, 2025 [November 5th, 2025]
- Sen. Rand Paul blasts health care subsidies for rich people as shutdown drags on - Fox Business - November 5th, 2025 [November 5th, 2025]
- Civilized People Dont Do This! Rand Paul Torches Trumps Insane Strikes on Alleged Drug Boats - Yahoo - November 5th, 2025 [November 5th, 2025]
- Opinion - Bill Straub: Rand Paul shows backbone in recent efforts to kill Trump's damaging tariff policy - NKyTribune - November 3rd, 2025 [November 3rd, 2025]
- Kentucky Senator Rand Paul urges compromise to open government - WAVE News - October 30th, 2025 [October 30th, 2025]
- Rand Paul Takes to Fox News Sunday to Condemn Trump Over Shutdown Gridlock, Extrajudicial Killings On Suspected Drug Boats - Yahoo - October 30th, 2025 [October 30th, 2025]
- How Rand Paul says Congress can work together to end government shutdown - The Courier-Journal - October 28th, 2025 [October 28th, 2025]
- PolitiFact FL: Is Rand Paul right 25% of Coast Guard searches of suspected drug boats come up empty? - WLRN - October 28th, 2025 [October 28th, 2025]
- Sen. Rand Paul calls for immediate action to pay federal employees and end shutdown - LEX18 - October 28th, 2025 [October 28th, 2025]
- US warships in Caribbean, Rand Paul reaction - WPSD Local 6 - October 28th, 2025 [October 28th, 2025]
- Rand Paul Pitches Novel Shutdown-Solving Idea to Trump - NOTUS News of the United States - October 28th, 2025 [October 28th, 2025]
- GOP Sen. Rand Paul Again Slams Trump Admin Over Strikes Off Venezuelan Coast: 'Akin To What China, Iran Do' - Latin Times - October 28th, 2025 [October 28th, 2025]
- 'They are afraid': Rand Paul thrashes fellow Republicans for not having the 'guts' to stand up against Trump in fear of being ostracized - The Mary... - October 28th, 2025 [October 28th, 2025]
- Rand Paul: "In the one instance you're killed on sight. On the other instance, if you're captured, we just say, 'Oh well, we're gonna send you... - October 26th, 2025 [October 26th, 2025]
- Rand Paul Says 20 GOP Senators Are Grumbling Over Trump Policy But Dont Have the Guts to Criticize the President - Yahoo - October 26th, 2025 [October 26th, 2025]
- Recipe for Chaos: Rand Paul Piles on More Harsh Trump Criticism After Being Called Nasty Liddle Guy - Yahoo - October 26th, 2025 [October 26th, 2025]
- Colin McEnroe (opinion): Chasing unity with Rand Paul and Aaron Rodgers - CT Insider - October 26th, 2025 [October 26th, 2025]
- SEN. RAND PAUL: TRUMP IS CARRYING OUT SUMMARY EXECUTIONS OF VENEZUELANS "I would call them extrajudicial killings. This is akin to what China... - October 26th, 2025 [October 26th, 2025]
- Rand Paul on Trump's strikes on boats: "I would call them extrajudicial killings. This is akin to what China does, what Iran does with drug... - October 26th, 2025 [October 26th, 2025]
- Rand Paul Trashes Republicans for Always Caving to Trump - The New Republic - October 24th, 2025 [October 24th, 2025]
- Rand Paul: Trump could see all hell break loose with further involvement in Ukraine, Venezuela - Yahoo - October 24th, 2025 [October 24th, 2025]
- GOP Senator Rand Paul Cut From Fancy White House Lunch for Voting Against Trump - The Daily Beast - October 24th, 2025 [October 24th, 2025]
- Rand Paul pokes back at Trump after snub from White House reception - USA Today - October 23rd, 2025 [October 23rd, 2025]
- Rand Paul says he was not invited to Rose Garden lunch - Politico - October 23rd, 2025 [October 23rd, 2025]
- Rand Paul Slams Trump Admin For Strikes On Alleged Drug Boats: 'It's Summary Execution!' - HuffPost - October 23rd, 2025 [October 23rd, 2025]
- Rand Paul Again Slams Trump Over Strikes On Alleged Drug Boats Off Venezuela: 'A Lot Of Reasons To Be Worried' - Latin Times - October 23rd, 2025 [October 23rd, 2025]
- Sen. Rand Paul says he was not invited to Republican luncheon - WNKY - October 23rd, 2025 [October 23rd, 2025]
- Sen. Rand Paul to Newsmax: Persistent Critic of Overspending - KABC-AM - October 23rd, 2025 [October 23rd, 2025]
- Rand Paul visits Johnson County to talk Eastern Kentucky tourism - Mountain Top Media - October 23rd, 2025 [October 23rd, 2025]
- Rand Paul: 'All of these people have been blown up without us knowing their name' - Politico - October 21st, 2025 [October 21st, 2025]
- Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul explains why he is voting against spending bill - WDRB - October 21st, 2025 [October 21st, 2025]
- Rand Paul responds to Trump post calling him a 'nasty' guy. What he said on 'Meet the Press' - The Courier-Journal - October 21st, 2025 [October 21st, 2025]
- Rand Paul Awkwardly Confronted About Trump Calling Him a Nasty Liddle Guy - Yahoo - October 21st, 2025 [October 21st, 2025]
- Rand Paul Thought He Could Get Away with Bucking Trump. He Was Wrong. - NOTUS News of the United States - October 21st, 2025 [October 21st, 2025]
- Rand Paul Responds Humbly to Trump Calling Him 'Nasty Little Guy': 'Still One of His Best Supporters' | Video - TheWrap - October 21st, 2025 [October 21st, 2025]
- Rand Paul Again Slams Trump Over Military Pressure On Venezuela: 'Regime Change Isn't Always What You Expect' - Latin Times - October 21st, 2025 [October 21st, 2025]
- Donald Trump posted a vicious attack on Rand Paul, but it hasnt scared the loyal senator away. - Yahoo - October 21st, 2025 [October 21st, 2025]
- Sen. Rand Paul questions legality of Trump administrations strikes on alleged drug traffickers - Washington Times - October 21st, 2025 [October 21st, 2025]
- Kentucky US Sen. Rand Paul explains why he is voting against spending bill - WDRB - October 21st, 2025 [October 21st, 2025]
- Rand Paul says he will support paying federal employees but not ending shutdown: Full interview - Yahoo - October 21st, 2025 [October 21st, 2025]
- Sen. Rand Paul says Caribbean boat strikes 'go against all of our tradition' - NBC News - October 19th, 2025 [October 19th, 2025]
- Sen. Rand Paul introduces tourism project for EKY - WKYT - October 19th, 2025 [October 19th, 2025]
- Senator Rand Paul highlights new tourism initiative to boost Eastern Kentucky economy - LEX18 - October 19th, 2025 [October 19th, 2025]
- EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS WITH UKRAINIAN PRESIDENT VOLODYMYR ZELENSKYY, SEN. RAND PAUL AND SEN. TIM KAINE THIS SUNDAY ON MEET THE PRESS WITH KRISTEN WELKER... - October 19th, 2025 [October 19th, 2025]
- Trump Slams Rand Paul After He Moves To Block Military Pressure Campaign Against Venezuela: 'Nasty Liddle' Guy' - Latin Times - October 19th, 2025 [October 19th, 2025]
- Senator Rand Paul announces new organization to focus on Eastern Kentucky tourism - WOWK 13 News - October 17th, 2025 [October 17th, 2025]
- Rand Paul COVID vaccine theories aren't helping to bridge public health divide | Opinion - Yahoo - October 15th, 2025 [October 15th, 2025]
- Rand Paul COVID vaccine theories aren't helping to bridge public health divide | Opinion - The Courier-Journal - October 15th, 2025 [October 15th, 2025]
- Press Release: Rand Paul Proposes Amendment to Terminate Federal Reserve's Assistance to Major Banks in 2026 NDAA - Quiver Quantitative - October 11th, 2025 [October 11th, 2025]
- Republican Sen. Rand Paul Set To Cosponsor Initiative To Prevent Trump Admin From Striking Boats In The Caribbean - Latin Times - October 11th, 2025 [October 11th, 2025]
- Press Release: Chairman Rand Paul Introduces Safeguarding Personal Information Act of 2025 - Quiver Quantitative - October 9th, 2025 [October 9th, 2025]
- Article | Rand Paul blocks Senate extension of cyber information sharing law - POLITICO Pro - October 9th, 2025 [October 9th, 2025]
- There has to be someone who 'believes debt is a problem,' says Sen. Rand Paul - Fox Business - October 4th, 2025 [October 4th, 2025]
- Sen. Rand Paul weighs in on government shutdown, believes it will be 'short lived' - Yahoo - October 4th, 2025 [October 4th, 2025]
- Press Release: Senator Rand Paul Releases Report on TSA's Targeting of Veterans and Lawmakers - Quiver Quantitative - October 4th, 2025 [October 4th, 2025]
- Sen. Rand Paul: Bidens TSA Targeted Veterans, Lawmakers, Mask Critics, and Air Marshals Wife - The Daily Signal - October 4th, 2025 [October 4th, 2025]
- Rand Paul Slams GOP Funding Bill on Fox News Warns It Will Wipe Out DOGE Cuts - Yahoo - October 2nd, 2025 [October 2nd, 2025]
- Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul appears on 'Face the Nation' on CBS - WLKY - September 30th, 2025 [September 30th, 2025]
- Sen. Rand Paul says he would "prefer not to have troops" in Portland, but supports Trump's action - CBS News - September 30th, 2025 [September 30th, 2025]
- Transcript: Sen. Rand Paul on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Sept. 28, 2025 - Yahoo - September 30th, 2025 [September 30th, 2025]
- Targeted by Trump, Rep. Thomas Massie teams up with Rand Paul for district tour - Louisville Public Media - September 30th, 2025 [September 30th, 2025]
- Trump-targeted GOP congressman Massie tours his Kentucky district with support from Sen. Rand Paul - ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos - September 28th, 2025 [September 28th, 2025]
- Rand Paul quips Kimmels thanks is first time Ive ever been on his program - Kentucky Lantern - September 25th, 2025 [September 25th, 2025]