Trump Slams Rand Paul for Opposing Tax Bill: Calls Out 'Votes No on Everything'

President Donald Trump escalated his criticism of Senator Rand Paul, R-Ky., on Tuesday, following Paul’s continued opposition to the administration’s sweeping "big, beautiful bill" (BBB), a major tax and spending package that top Republicans are hoping to advance in the coming weeks.

Taking to TRUTH Social, Trump wrote, "Rand Paul has very little understanding of the BBB, especially the tremendous GROWTH that is coming. He loves voting ‘NO’ on everything, he thinks it’s good politics, but it’s not. The BBB is a big WINNER!!!” The president went further, calling Paul’s ideas “crazy (losers!)” and suggesting that the senator lacks practical or constructive alternatives. Trump also claimed, "The people of Kentucky can’t stand him. This is a BIG GROWTH BILL!"

Senator Paul has emerged as a leading critic of the legislation, which the White House describes as a comprehensive answer to what it characterizes as four years of failures under former President Joe Biden. Paul is joined by several other GOP senators—Ron Johnson of Wisconsin, Rick Scott of Florida, and Mike Lee of Utah—in raising red flags over the bill’s estimated $5 trillion increase to the national debt.

In his own words, Paul explained his reasoning: "That’s a hard place for me as I support much of what’s in the bill—tax cuts, spending cuts, plus more spending cuts if we can get them. But I can’t reconcile myself to adding $5 trillion in debt, raising the debt ceiling," he said. Paul further noted that this year’s deficit is already projected at $2.2 trillion, warning that annual shortfalls could reach $3 trillion again under the current trend.

Paul has argued that Republicans risk “owning” the debt ceiling issue for the first time in recent history should the package include an increase to the nation’s borrowing limit. He publicly stated willingness to vote for the package if the debt ceiling hike was removed, emphasizing his goal of preserving the progress made in government efficiency and curbing runaway deficits.

“My fear is that when this bill passes, the ramifications a year out, two years out, will be, ‘My goodness, what happened to DOGE? What happened to the spending cuts? Why is the deficit so big still?’” Paul said, referencing concerns about long-term fiscal discipline. Still, he clarified that his opposition is not rooted in hostility toward Trump personally, noting, "I do support President Trump and I support most of the bill. I’m his biggest defender on foreign policy. But at the same time I want conservative government so I have to fight for what I believe in.”

Meanwhile, negotiations intensified this week as Trump and Senate Majority Leader John Thune met at the White House, aiming to shore up GOP support before the July 4 deadline Republicans have set for passage. Thune said that the party is “on track” to approve the legislation, but acknowledged protracted behind-the-scenes talks as senators seek to modify the House-passed version. The main priorities, according to Thune, include "extending tax relief for hardworking Americans and strengthening our border, energy, and national security."

Other intraparty disputes remain unsettled. Senator Josh Hawley, R-Mo., revealed that he had spoken directly with Trump, who assured him that Medicaid benefits would not be cut as part of the final bill. Hawley is among a group of senators seeking to protect healthcare funding, instead proposing that increased revenue could come from closing tax loopholes favored by wealthy individuals.

The continued disagreement underscores the complex balancing act facing Republican leaders as they attempt to marshal enough support for a bill that Trump insists will deliver economic growth, but that fiscal conservatives warn could saddle the country with unsustainable debt. With the July 4 timeline approaching, both the White House and congressional Republicans face mounting pressure to find a compromise that satisfies both wings of the party while demonstrating unity ahead of the general election season.