Politics

Rand Paul Says Trump’s White House Invite Is a ‘Promising Sign’ After Accusing Him of ‘Petty Vindictiveness’

By Jake Beardslee · June 13, 2025

Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) appears to have patched things up with President Donald Trump after a recent spat over being excluded from a White House event.

Earlier this week, Paul told CNN’s Manu Raju that he had been “uninvited” from the annual White House picnic because of his criticism of Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill.” He characterized the move as “petty vindictiveness” and said he had lost “respect” for Trump.

But in a Thursday post on Truth Social, Trump extended an olive branch: “Of course Senator Rand Paul and his beautiful wife and family are invited to the BIG White House Party tonight. He’s the toughest vote in the history of the U.S. Senate, but why wouldn’t he be? Besides, it gives me more time to get his Vote on the Great, Big, Beautiful Bill, one of the greatest and most important pieces of legislation ever put before our Senators & Congressmen/women.”

Paul responded positively, writing on X: “This is a promising sign of things to come—and if there’s one thing [President Trump] and I agree on, it’s that my wife is beautiful.” In a follow-up post featuring his grandson in a MAGA hat, Paul added, “Turns out my grandson is actually invited to the Congressional Picnic! He is ready!”

Not everyone was as forgiving. Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY), another fiscal conservative, claimed he had also been excluded. “Incredibly petty & shortsighted of Trump’s staff to exclude Republicans from the annual White House picnic while inviting Pelosi and every Democrat,” Massie posted on X. “I always give my few tickets to my staff and their kids, but apparently this year my tickets have been withheld as well. Low class.”

Despite recent friction, the public display of goodwill between Paul and Trump signals a potential thaw in relations as legislative negotiations continue.