A prominent Republican senator is drawing attention after openly mocking President Donald Trump over U.S. foreign policy, using a holiday-themed social media post to air his grievances against the administration’s aggressive stance toward Venezuela.
Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky, a longtime Republican with libertarian leanings, took aim at Trump’s actions during a “Festivus” post on X, the annual tradition where Paul highlights what he sees as government excess, waste, and overreach.
While Paul has supported Trump on many domestic and economic priorities, he has repeatedly broken ranks with the president on foreign policy—especially when it comes to military intervention and executive war powers.
GOP Rift Over Venezuela Policy
Tensions between the United States and Venezuela have escalated in recent months following U.S. actions against suspected drug-smuggling operations in the Caribbean and President Trump’s order to block sanctioned oil tankers traveling to and from Venezuela.
Trump has labeled Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro an illegitimate ruler and accused the regime of exploiting oil resources while exporting crime and instability. The administration has framed its actions as necessary to protect U.S. interests, American energy security, and national safety.
Paul, however, has warned that these moves could drag the U.S. into another prolonged foreign conflict.
In a recent interview, the Kentucky senator described the seizure of oil tankers as “a provocation” and suggested it resembled the early steps that led the U.S. into past wars.
Festivus Post Sparks Backlash
Using sarcasm and dark humor, Paul compared the administration’s Venezuela strategy to previous Middle East conflicts, referencing oil seizures and weapons-related justifications. He argued that the Constitution gives Congress—not the president—authority to approve military action.
“If you want to launch operations or reshape another country’s leadership,” Paul wrote, “you should come to Congress first.”
Paul also used the thread to highlight examples of federal spending he considers wasteful, pointing to obscure research projects and foreign aid programs funded by U.S. taxpayers.
The senator ended his post with a familiar sign-off, calling on Americans to take notice of what he sees as runaway spending and unchecked government power.
Trump Allies Push Back
Despite Paul’s criticism, many Republicans remain firmly behind President Trump.
Trump recently reaffirmed his Venezuela policy on Truth Social, announcing a “total and complete blockade” of sanctioned oil tankers and vowing to defend American assets from what he described as a hostile regime.
Sen. Rick Scott echoed that support, calling Maduro a narco-terrorist and backing Trump’s efforts to stop drug trafficking and criminal activity from reaching U.S. communities.
A Deeper GOP Divide
While the U.S. and Venezuela are not officially at war, the situation remains tense. Trump has indicated that stronger measures could be considered if current efforts fail, fueling debate within the Republican Party over America’s role abroad.
Paul continues to position himself as a constitutional conservative focused on limiting federal power, while Trump and his allies argue that decisive action is necessary to protect American sovereignty, energy interests, and national security.
The clash highlights an ongoing divide inside the GOP—between those who favor assertive leadership on the world stage and those warning against costly foreign entanglements.