Senator Rand Paul, a leading libertarian and Republican from Kentucky, has that blunt opposition to a $5 trillion increase in the national debt ceiling. This increase comes as a result of a detailed, appropriations-based budget promoted by former President Donald Trump. During a recent appearance on CNBC’s “Squawk Box,” Paul stated his opposition. This week, he unequivocally stated, “I’m just not open to supporting $5 trillion … in debt ceiling increase.” This declarative sentence shows just how serious he is about the budget. More important, he continues, is that the nation’s economic future depends on that investment.
The Senate’s version of the omnibus budget bill contained major tax cut. It is widely projected to greatly increase the national deficits. Paul stood firm that he would never vote for such a plan that increases the country’s debt. In his own words, “I’m just not going to be held accountable for the debt.” He says it would be accepting such an increase that would violate his principles.
Paul’s decision not to back the bill in its current form has attracted deep scorn from Trump. On his Truth Social platform, the former president said that Paul knows almost nothing about his new, little budget blueprint. He was suggesting that Paul was without practical and constructive ideas. Responding to Paul’s proposal, Trump bashed Paul’s approach, claiming, “He loves voting ‘NO’ on everything. He may think it’s good politics, but Trump says it’s not. His comments are indicative of an emerging feud between the two political leaders within the GOP on fiscal matters.
In analyzing the bill’s opposition, Paul pointed out that there are now four other Republicans with his concerns. They are far from satisfied and not on board with the package as currently crafted. He suggested that he might be able to vote for the bill if it removed the debt ceiling hike that’s been largely blamed for its failure. His position places him in direct opposition to Trump. It stretches credibility, too, given that many of those same party leaders view the debt ceiling increase as essential for renewing economic stability and growth.
Trump’s scathing remarks did not end with criticism of Paul’s understanding of the budget. He went on to declare that Paul’s ideas are “actually crazy (losers!)” and asserted that “the people of Kentucky can’t stand him.” This public feud illustrates a deeper ideological rift within the GOP. Both figures highlight opposite approaches to federal spending and fiscal policy.
Though it is clear that Trump was wrong about all the jobs Trump promised to create directly related to the budget bill, Paul has not wavered. Yet here he is—a supposedly responsible Republican—calling for increasing the debt ceiling. It would more drastically cut against delivering our stated goal of long-term economic prosperity and stability.
The fight over this budget proposal lays bare the divisions in GOP ranks. Members are in a tough spot, balancing the principles of fiscal conservatism against long held values to pursue growth through increased spending.