WASHINGTON — Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky sharply criticized fellow Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina on Monday, accusing him of swaying President Donald Trump toward aggressive intervention in Venezuela that Paul described as a departure from Trump's original foreign policy vision.
Paul's remarks came in the wake of a U.S. military operation that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, an action carried out without congressional approval. Speaking to reporters at the U.S. Capitol, Paul expressed disappointment in what he called Trump's "disdainful" approach to bypassing lawmakers. "This is Lindsey Graham," Paul said, according to audio captured and posted on X by MeidasTouch contributor Acyn Torabi. "Lindsey Graham has gotten to the president who expressed — I saw a clip — there’s like 20 clips of [Trump] saying he’s not for regime change and how regime change has always gone wrong. Somehow they’ve convinced him it’s different if it’s in our hemisphere."
The operation, which unfolded in early January 2026, marked a significant escalation in U.S. involvement in Venezuela's ongoing political crisis. Maduro, who has led the South American nation since 2013 amid widespread allegations of authoritarianism and economic mismanagement, was arrested by U.S. forces in Caracas. Venezuelan officials responded by ordering a nationwide manhunt for supporters of the ousted leader, according to reports from state media. The move drew immediate backlash from some quarters in Washington, with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., warning that the arrest could spiral into an "endless war." Schumer had previously blasted Trump for failing to oust Maduro during his first term, highlighting the shifting dynamics in congressional reactions.
Paul, a longtime advocate for non-interventionist policies, harkened back to Trump's 2016 presidential campaign as a point of contrast. In audio shared on X, Paul recounted a conversation with the Trump family following the first presidential debate that year. "It was something I liked about Donald Trump," Paul said. "It was one of the things, whenever I had misgivings about something else, I would always come back and say, 'Well, he's the best we ever had.' Much better than the Bush's, who were war mad and wanted to be involved in all these crazy wars overseas... 'We're gonna make the world safe for democracy.' I never liked any of that. And I thought Trump was different, and so, it disappoints me, but he's under the... thrall of Lindsey Graham."
Graham, known for his hawkish stance on foreign affairs, has been a vocal supporter of the Venezuela intervention. In a recent appearance on Fox News' Sunday Night in America, Graham discussed the global ramifications of Maduro's capture, framing it as a necessary step to counter threats from socialism in the Western Hemisphere. "This action sends a clear message to dictators everywhere," Graham said, emphasizing the operation's role in promoting stability near U.S. borders. Graham's influence on Trump has been evident in recent months; the senator accompanied the president aboard Air Force One on January 4, 2026, en route to Washington, D.C., where they spoke to the media together.
The personal rapport between the two Republicans was on display in a photo Graham posted on X last week, showing him giving a thumbs-up next to Trump, who held a cap emblazoned with "MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN." Graham himself wore a similar cap during a Fox News appearance, a playful nod to Trump's branding style amid discussions of broader Middle East policy. Trump endorsed Graham's re-election bid last year, further solidifying their alliance within the GOP.
Paul's frustration boiled over into pointed humor during his remarks to reporters. In the audio posted by Torabi, Paul quipped, "There should be a law" limiting Graham's White House access. "Every other week," Paul suggested, adding that Graham should meet only with "mid-level people, not the president. And no more golf outings." The comment underscored the growing rift between libertarian-leaning Republicans like Paul and the more interventionist wing represented by Graham.
The Venezuela operation has reignited debates over executive power in foreign policy. Paul has previously ripped into assertions by Vice President JD Vance that executing cartel members would be the "best use of our military," calling such ideas misguided. On November 5, 2025, Paul spoke with reporters at the Capitol, reiterating his commitment to constitutional checks on presidential authority. The senator's critique of the Maduro capture aligns with his broader philosophy, which prioritizes congressional involvement in military decisions.
Background on the Venezuela crisis provides context for the U.S. action. Maduro's regime has faced international isolation since disputed elections in 2018, with the U.S. recognizing opposition leader Juan Guaidó as interim president in 2019. Hyperinflation, food shortages, and mass emigration have plagued the country, prompting sanctions from the Trump administration during its first term. Despite Trump's earlier rhetoric against regime change — including statements that such efforts in Iraq and Libya had "gone wrong" — the recent operation suggests a pivot, possibly influenced by hemispheric security concerns like drug trafficking and migration.
Graham's advocacy for intervention dates back years. As a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, he has pushed for stronger measures against Maduro, including military options if diplomatic efforts failed. In contrast, Paul has consistently opposed U.S. entanglements abroad, voting against interventions in Syria and Yemen. The two senators' disagreement highlights divisions within the Republican Party as it navigates Trump's second term.
Reactions from Democrats have been mixed. Schumer's warning about an "endless war" echoes concerns from anti-intervention voices on the left, though some progressive lawmakers have criticized Maduro's human rights record. Internationally, allies like Colombia and Brazil have expressed cautious support for the U.S. move, while Russia and China — key Maduro backers — condemned it as a violation of sovereignty.
As the dust settles from the operation, questions linger about next steps. U.S. officials have not detailed plans for a post-Maduro government, but Graham indicated on Fox News that stabilizing Venezuela would require ongoing American involvement. Paul, meanwhile, called for immediate congressional oversight to prevent further unilateral actions.
The episode underscores the complexities of Trump's foreign policy in his return to the White House. What began as a campaign promise of restraint has evolved amid pressures from allies like Graham, leaving figures like Paul to lament a perceived loss of the president's original instincts. With midterm elections approaching in 2026, these internal GOP tensions could shape the party's direction on national security.
For now, the capture of Maduro remains a flashpoint, drawing both praise for confronting authoritarianism and criticism for risking broader conflict. As lawmakers return to Washington this week, expect heated debates on the Senate floor over the operation's legality and implications.
Alex Nitzberg, writing for Fox News Digital, first reported on Paul's remarks, drawing from audio and video clips circulating online. The Appleton Times has reached out to the offices of Paul and Graham for additional comment but has not received responses as of publication.