Senator Rand Paul criticized the White House on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, after learning his invitation to the annual Congressional picnic had been revoked. He described the action as “incredibly petty” and noted a loss of respect for President Donald Trump as a result.
The Kentucky Republican informed reporters that he discovered his exclusion from Thursday’s White House event while attempting to collect his tickets. Paul had intended to attend the bipartisan event with his son, daughter-in-law, and grandson before being told that his invitation had been withdrawn.
Paul attributed the disinvitation to his outspoken opposition to Trump’s major legislative initiative, referred to as the “Big, Beautiful Bill.” The Congressional Budget Office estimated that the bill would significantly increase the national debt. As a fiscal conservative, Paul has consistently criticized the spending package for its potential impact on federal finances.
Outside the Capitol, Paul expressed frustration with what he described as retaliatory behavior. He stressed that he had maintained a respectful tone as an intellectual and policy critic of the administration. Paul noted that, despite criticizing former presidents, including Barack Obama and Joe Biden, he had never been excluded from White House events.
Paul directed specific criticism at White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, accusing him of orchestrating a social media campaign against him. The senator alleged that the White House had been conducting a paid influencer campaign targeting him on X for about two weeks.
The Kentucky senator also criticized Miller’s comments on habeas corpus, expressing concern about administration officials discussing the suspension of constitutional protections. Paul suggested that those directing the social media campaign against him were willing to overlook constitutional principles.
In response to Paul’s public criticism, Trump stated on Truth Social Thursday morning that the senator and his family were still welcome at the event. The president described Paul as the toughest vote in Senate history and expressed hope that the gathering would help secure Paul’s support for the legislation.
Trump’s social media post appeared to contradict Paul’s claim of being disinvited. It was unclear whether Paul was initially excluded and later reinstated or if the disinvitation never occurred. The president emphasized the bill’s importance, aligning it with his “Make America Great Again” agenda.
Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky also reported being excluded from the picnic, noting on social media that his tickets were withheld. Massie called the White House decision petty and shortsighted, especially as Democratic lawmakers, including Nancy Pelosi, received invitations while Republican critics were excluded.
Paul has been one of Trump’s most consistent Republican critics in the Senate, being among the last GOP senators to endorse Trump during the 2024 election cycle. Recently, Paul drew additional administration criticism by comparing Trump’s planned military parade for the Army’s 250th anniversary to those in the Soviet Union and North Korea.
Paul indicated that he might consider supporting the legislation if the debt limit provision were removed, although he acknowledged this change was unlikely before the Senate vote. With Republicans holding a narrow majority, losing support from only three senators could be significant for the bill’s passage.
Paul emphasized that his criticism was rooted in genuine concern for the country’s fiscal path rather than political positioning. He suggested that the White House’s response demonstrated a lack of interest in securing his vote through substantive policy discussions, opting instead for what he viewed as personal attacks.
The incident highlighted growing tensions between Trump and members of his own party concerned about government spending and constitutional issues. Paul’s public rebuke of the administration’s tactics suggested the dispute had moved beyond policy disagreements to questions of political maturity and respect for institutional norms.
In a later interview, Paul referred to Miller as a “knucklehead” while discussing the deputy chief of staff’s positions on habeas corpus and constitutional protections. The senator maintained his criticism of administration officials, accusing them of being willing to suspend fundamental legal rights.
The Congressional picnic controversy underscored challenges Trump faces in maintaining Republican unity as he advances his legislative agenda, particularly among fiscal conservatives historically opposed to large spending measures.
