Overview

• Paul and his family were removed from the guest list for Thursday’s bipartisan picnic after he opposed President Trump’s budget bill for raising the national debt ceiling.
• He described the disinvitation as petty vindictiveness and immaturity, noting it even barred his six-month-old grandson from the White House grounds.
• White House officials have not provided any explanation for rescinding his invitation or clarified who authorized the decision.
• Paul alleged that lower-level staffers, including aide Stephen Miller, ran a paid social media campaign against him in an effort to silence his dissent.
• He said he remains open to supporting the budget package if lawmakers separate and vote independently on the debt ceiling increase.