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
- Sen. Rand Paul on a variety of issues affecting Kentucky and the country - Spectrum News 1 - September 13th, 2025 [September 13th, 2025]
- Fauci told email recipients to delete them after reading: Rand Paul - NewsNation - September 11th, 2025 [September 11th, 2025]
- Gerth: Rand Paul opposition to military action may show Trump fever is breaking | Opinion - The Courier-Journal - September 11th, 2025 [September 11th, 2025]
- Rand Paul Forced to Explain to JD Vance That Abitrary Killing Is Bad - The New Republic - September 11th, 2025 [September 11th, 2025]
- Rand Paul is the chair of the Senate Homeland Security Committee - Spectrum News - September 11th, 2025 [September 11th, 2025]
- Rand Paul has been serving as junior United States senator from Ky since 2011 - Spectrum News - September 11th, 2025 [September 11th, 2025]
- Rand Paul splits from GOP as US Senate votes down forcing release of Epstein files - somerset-kentucky.com - September 11th, 2025 [September 11th, 2025]
- SEN RAND PAUL: The GOP once knew how to fix the deficit now theyre losing the battle - Fox News - September 11th, 2025 [September 11th, 2025]
- The government has been misleading us for years, argues Sen. Rand Paul - Fox News - September 11th, 2025 [September 11th, 2025]
- Fauci ordered deletion of emails relevant to COVID-19 origins, Rand Paul alleges - Washington Examiner - September 11th, 2025 [September 11th, 2025]
- Rand Paul Calls Out JD 'I Don't Give A Sh*t' Vance For Bombing Stance - Yahoo News New Zealand - September 11th, 2025 [September 11th, 2025]
- Rand Paul rips JD Vance's assertion that executing cartel members is the 'best use of our military' - Fox News - September 9th, 2025 [September 9th, 2025]
- Vance post on boat strike really ticked me off, Rand Paul says - Politico - September 9th, 2025 [September 9th, 2025]
- Rand Paul clashes with JD Vance over US strike on boat leaving Venezuela - Politico - September 9th, 2025 [September 9th, 2025]
- The GOPs Elizabeth Warren: Vance happy to feud with Rand Paul - Politico - September 9th, 2025 [September 9th, 2025]
- Rand Paul speaks the truth - Forward Kentucky - September 9th, 2025 [September 9th, 2025]
- Senator Rand Paul warns tariff price increases are coming soon - LEX18 - September 6th, 2025 [September 6th, 2025]
- Former CDC official calls Sen. Rand Paul a bigoted bully in response to criticism - CNN - September 6th, 2025 [September 6th, 2025]
- Rand Paul Slams Trump For Unilateral Strike On Suspected Drug Vessel: 'Where Does It End?' - HuffPost - September 5th, 2025 [September 5th, 2025]
- Rand Paul called out after saying gay CDC officials lifestyle disqualified him from government - The Independent - September 3rd, 2025 [September 3rd, 2025]
- Homophobe Rand Paul says gay CDC official's 'lifestyle' made him unfit to be in government - Advocate.com - September 3rd, 2025 [September 3rd, 2025]
- Rand Paul called out after saying gay CDC officials lifestyle disqualified him from government - inkl - September 3rd, 2025 [September 3rd, 2025]
- Why Rand Paul says Kentucky bourbon business will continue to suffer with 'triple whammy' - The Courier-Journal - August 27th, 2025 [August 27th, 2025]
- Rand Paul will be Kentucky's next senior senator. What that means for the commonwealth - The Courier-Journal - August 27th, 2025 [August 27th, 2025]
- Rand Paul sounds alarm over Trump Admin buying 10% Intel stake | RISING - The Hill - August 26th, 2025 [August 26th, 2025]
- Article | Rand Paul disses Trumps plan for a government stake in Intel - POLITICO Pro - August 26th, 2025 [August 26th, 2025]
- Rand Paul will be Kentucky's next senior senator. What that means for the commonwealth - thegleaner.com - August 26th, 2025 [August 26th, 2025]
- Net Worth Update: Senator Rand Paul Made an Estimated $385.0K in the Stock Market Last Month - Quiver Quantitative - August 24th, 2025 [August 24th, 2025]
- Rand Paul Is Working To 'Reach A Compromise' On Hemp THC Product Laws With McConnell And House Lawmakers - Marijuana Moment - August 9th, 2025 [August 9th, 2025]
- Rand Paul warns against retaliatory tariffs: 'It's fighting words when you come after Kentucky bourbon' - Fox Business - August 7th, 2025 [August 7th, 2025]
- Rand Paul says we 'aren't going to know' the motive of Trump's would-be assassin - AOL.com - August 3rd, 2025 [August 3rd, 2025]
- Sen. Rand Paul discusses the prospect of abolishing the Federal Reserve - Fox News - August 1st, 2025 [August 1st, 2025]
- 'Absolutely insane': Rand Paul raises alarm by 'casually' suggesting Trump third term - rawstory.com - August 1st, 2025 [August 1st, 2025]
- Rand Paul lost to Trump's bill, but still came out on top for July | Opinion - The Courier-Journal - August 1st, 2025 [August 1st, 2025]
- Sen. Rand Paul on 'The Pelosi Act': Future presidents wouldn't be able to own things - Fox Business - August 1st, 2025 [August 1st, 2025]
- Sen. Rand Paul weighs in on tariffs, FEMA reform amid looming deadline - WTVQ - August 1st, 2025 [August 1st, 2025]
- Sen. Rand Paul: The market should set the interest rates - Fox News - July 30th, 2025 [July 30th, 2025]
- Rand Paul pandemic research bill breezes through Senate homeland security committee - Washington Examiner - July 30th, 2025 [July 30th, 2025]
- SEN RAND PAUL: There are $186 billion reasons why we must audit the Fed - Fox Business - July 28th, 2025 [July 28th, 2025]
- Rand Paul hints Jill Biden and Anthony Fauci could be investigated for autopen usagage - Daily Express US - July 28th, 2025 [July 28th, 2025]
- I was the only one that opposed ex-CIA director John Brennans nomination: Sen. Rand Paul - Fox News - July 24th, 2025 [July 24th, 2025]
- July 30 Event: Senators Tim Kaine and Rand Paul Discuss the Effects of Tariffs on the US Bourbon and Wine Industries - Cato Institute - July 24th, 2025 [July 24th, 2025]
- Rand Paul wants DOJ to charge Anthony Fauci with lying to Congress - Washington Times - July 24th, 2025 [July 24th, 2025]
- Rand Paul urges Trump DOJ to indict Fauci in test of autopen pardons - Straight Arrow News - July 24th, 2025 [July 24th, 2025]
- Rand Paul: On The Case Against Socialism - Alive Tampa Bay - July 24th, 2025 [July 24th, 2025]
- Rand Paul releases final report on Butler shooting without Democratic support or Republican backing - Washington Times - July 22nd, 2025 [July 22nd, 2025]
- Press Release: Senators Todd Young and Rand Paul Reintroduce Federal Reserve Transparency Act to Increase Oversight - Quiver Quantitative - July 22nd, 2025 [July 22nd, 2025]
- Rand Paul introduces bill to audit the Federal Reserve - Washington Examiner - July 20th, 2025 [July 20th, 2025]
- Press Release: Senators Rick Scott and Rand Paul Introduce Federal Reserve Transparency Act to Audit the Fed - Quiver Quantitative - July 20th, 2025 [July 20th, 2025]
- Is Rand Paul eyeing a 2028 presidential run? Here's what he had to say - Yahoo News - July 20th, 2025 [July 20th, 2025]
- Sen. Rand Paul isn't ruling out another shot at the White House - WUKY - July 18th, 2025 [July 18th, 2025]
- Senator Rand Paul Reintroduces Audit the Fed Bill - Senator Rand Paul (.gov) - July 18th, 2025 [July 18th, 2025]
- Is Rand Paul eyeing a 2028 presidential run? Here's what he had to say - The Courier-Journal - July 16th, 2025 [July 16th, 2025]
- Sen. Rand Paul sees cultural cover-up about Trump shooting last July - Politico - July 16th, 2025 [July 16th, 2025]
- Rand Paul says we 'aren't going to know' the motive of Trump's would-be assassin - Yahoo - July 16th, 2025 [July 16th, 2025]
- EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: SENATOR RAND PAUL TRUMP, ELON & AMERICAS $35 TRILLION DEBT When the U.S. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff was asked,... - July 16th, 2025 [July 16th, 2025]
- Rand Paul says GOP doesnt have the spine to cut spending - Washington Examiner - July 16th, 2025 [July 16th, 2025]
- Sen. Rand Paul visits with Kentucky veterans at VA benefits event in Bullitt County - WDRB - July 16th, 2025 [July 16th, 2025]
- Sen. Rand Paul blasts Secret Service, says we won't know Trump would-be assassin's motive - MSN - July 16th, 2025 [July 16th, 2025]
- Rand Paul re-refers Fauci to Department of Justice - Washington Examiner - July 16th, 2025 [July 16th, 2025]
- Rand Paul says we 'aren't going to know' the motive of Trump's would-be assassin - Fox News - July 14th, 2025 [July 14th, 2025]
- Sen. Rand Paul blasts Secret Service, says we won't know Trump would-be assassin's motive - Fox News - July 14th, 2025 [July 14th, 2025]
- Sen. Rand Paul says "we aren't going to know the motive" of the shooter in Trump's assassination attempt - CBS News - July 14th, 2025 [July 14th, 2025]
- Sen. Rand Paul accuses Secret Service of "cultural cover-up" regarding Butler shooting - MSN - July 14th, 2025 [July 14th, 2025]
- CISA may have a Rand Paul problem - Punchbowl News - July 14th, 2025 [July 14th, 2025]
- Rand Paul says we arent going to know the motive of Trumps would-be assassin - FOX 8 TV - July 14th, 2025 [July 14th, 2025]
- Fundraising Update: Senator Rand Paul just disclosed $697.3K of new fundraising - Quiver Quantitative - July 14th, 2025 [July 14th, 2025]
- Sen. Rand Paul makes remarks on tariffs, Medicaid cuts at Richmond event - WEKU - July 14th, 2025 [July 14th, 2025]
- Sen. Rand Paul voted against Trump's fiscal package, but remains optimistic - Spectrum News 1 - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- Sen. Rand Paul defends vote against Trump's spending bill during Kentucky visit - LEX18 - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- Sen. Rand Paul touches on the Farm Bill, trade, and workers in Georgetown appearance - WUKY - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- Sen. Rand Paul says he isn't really 'optimistic' Congress will 'grow a spine' - Fox Business - July 10th, 2025 [July 10th, 2025]
- Rand Paul and House Freedom Caucus made budget bill better - Washington Examiner - July 10th, 2025 [July 10th, 2025]
- Rand Paul, thank you for standing up to Trump. Will you go one step further? | Letter - The Courier-Journal - July 10th, 2025 [July 10th, 2025]
- Fox News Host Confronts Rand Paul Over Leaked Intel - MSN - July 6th, 2025 [July 6th, 2025]
- Rand Paul rails against big, beautiful bill negotiations after all-night vote-a-rama - The Hill - July 2nd, 2025 [July 2nd, 2025]
- Lisa Murkowski Defends Alaska Carveouts As Elizabeth Warren, Bernie Sanders And Rand Paul Condemn Trump's 'Big Beautiful' Bill: 'Not Good Enough For... - July 2nd, 2025 [July 2nd, 2025]
- Sen. Rand Paul refuses to back budget bill due to added debt - Fox News - June 29th, 2025 [June 29th, 2025]
- Rand Paul questions whether Trump's Iran attack was a good idea: 'Critics are loving it' - Fox Business - June 28th, 2025 [June 28th, 2025]
- Sen. Rand Paul on passing spending bill: 'Both parties are to blame for this' - Yahoo - June 28th, 2025 [June 28th, 2025]