‘They Are Afraid To Challenge Him’: GOP Senator Paints Stark Picture of His Party’s Growing Dependence on Trump

Senator Rand Paul discussed his party for the first time in years. He said many fear crossing ex-President Donald Trump. Paul, a prominent independent Republican, said many coworkers are afraid to criticize Trump.

Senator said the government’s military action near Venezuela was wrong on Chris Cuomo’s podcast. Paul said Congress didn’t care about illegal Venezuelan drug dealer attacks. He said the operation showed the president is overstepping and Republicans are afraid to respond.

Paul says GOP fear is obvious. Going against Trump in primaries could backfire. Paul said this has kept Trump-disliked lawmakers quiet.

Congress hasn’t authorized the president to use military force in the Caribbean, and U.S. law requires an immediate threat. The administration hasn’t talked much about the strikes.

Trump has always said his campaign opposes drug dealers. Some lawmakers won’t say the government informed them.

Paul was one of few Republicans against the strike. Since no one opposes it, people are loyal out of fear, he said. He said Trump’s party campaigning and support of Republican challengers has calmed his critics. Many Republican lawmakers who disagreed with Trump on key issues have faced Trump-backed opponents since January. This illustrates the danger of voting against the majority.

Paul expects 2026 primaries to have fewer voters. He also said that many Republicans who disagree with Trump don’t speak out to avoid being picked on or losing base support.

Fear has changed the GOP, says Paul. Bad policy is less likely to divide lawmakers. This may affect Republican national security, foreign policy, and presidential power, he said.

Paul often opposes both sides. But his recent comments are part of a national debate over Trump’s GOP power. Republicans struggle to accept that a former president is gaining power and remains popular with the party’s base as the next election approaches.

Sources

CNN news
Statements referenced from recent political interviews and congressional commentar