A key Republican senator who initially came out hard against the House’s “Big, Beautiful Bill,” which codifies and finances much of President Donald Trump’s agenda, has signaled he could potentially support it after all.
Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) signaled that he may reconsider his opposition to the Trump-backed “Big Beautiful Bill” omnibus resolution—a measure the administration has promoted as a major legislative achievement, promising billions in new funding for border security and deportation efforts.
Paul has been the most outspoken GOP critic of the bill in the Senate, raising concerns about its fiscal impact as President Trump’s July 4 deadline approaches. He has argued that supporting the legislation would be fiscally irresponsible due to its effect on the debt ceiling. However, supporters counter that claim, noting the Congressional Budget Office includes tax cuts in its deficit projections, which they argue skews the bill’s true fiscal impact.
During an appearance on Meet the Press Sunday, Paul indicated he is growing more open to supporting the legislation following what he described as a productive conversation with President Trump. “I talked to the president last evening after the parade, and we’re trying to get to a better place in our conversations,” the senator said. “And I’ve let him know that I’m not an absolute no. I can be a yes.”
Paul continued, “I like the tax cuts. I actually agree with Art Laffer and supply-siders that a lot of times when we cut rates we actually get more revenue. So I don’t have as much trouble with the tax cuts. I think there should be more spending cuts.”
The statement represents a major breakthrough when just earlier this week, the relationship between the senator and the White House appeared to be at an all-time low. Paul accused the administration of revoking his tickets for the annual White House picnic, a move he called “petty.” Things started to improve on Thursday, when Trump disputed the claim and formally extended an invite to the senator and his family in a Truth Social post.
“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?” the president wrote. “Besides, it gives me more time to get his Vote on the Great, Big, Beautiful Bill.”
