Rand Paul Slams Trump Over White House Picnic Disinvitation

Washington, D.C. — Senator Rand Paul criticized the White House for what he called “immaturity” after he and his family were disinvited from the annual White House picnic, a longstanding tradition involving members of both political parties. The picnic is set for Thursday, but Paul revealed on Wednesday that the invitation was abruptly rescinded without clear explanation.

Paul, a Republican from Kentucky and a vocal critic of President Donald Trump’s new policy bill, expected to attend the picnic with his family, including his six-month-old grandson. Resentment grew as Trump and his aides had publicly criticized Paul for opposing the sweeping legislation that includes an increase in the national debt limit.

“The level of immaturity is beyond words,” Paul said while speaking to CNN outside the Capitol. He expressed disappointment, stating that he has lost “a lot of respect” for Trump due to this decision. “It’s incredibly petty,” he added. Paul emphasized that his concerns stem from genuine worries about national debt, contrasting his concern with the White House’s response.

CNN has reached out to the White House for their perspective on the disinvitation. The incident raises potential concerns for Trump, who needs the support of all but three Republican senators to advance his policy agenda through the Senate.

Paul indicated he could reconsider his opposition to the bill if the debt limit increase were removed, but Republican leaders and the White House seem unwilling to accommodate his request. “It’s just sad that this is the level of warfare they’ve stooped to,” he remarked, noting that it may backfire on Trump’s administration.

Regarding the origin of the disinvitation, Paul suggested it may have come from staffers rather than Trump himself. He directed criticism toward Stephen Miller, an influential aide noted for controversial positions. “I think they don’t like hearing me say stuff like that, and so they want to quiet me down,” Paul said.

Paul noted that he and his family had previously attended ten White House picnics under former presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden, stating, “It’s the Americans’ White House. We all pay for it.” Despite his frustrations, Paul confirmed that his family had already planned their travel for Thursday.