Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) got his invite to Thursday’s White House picnic on the South Lawn restored — but another intraparty critic of the president also said he was not on the guest list.
Paul — who has been sharply critical of President Donald Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” — on Wednesday said he had been told by White House staff that he and his family would not be allowed to attend, which he called an “incredibly petty” move. The annual event, also called the congressional picnic, typically allows members of both parties and their families to spend time with the president and White House staff on the South Lawn.
But Trump on Thursday morning said the Kentucky senator and his family are “of course” invited to the annual event.
“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?” Trump posted to Truth Social. “Besides, it gives me more time to get his Vote on the Great, Big, Beautiful Bill, one of the greatest and most important pieces of legislation ever put before our Senators & Congressmen/women. It will help to, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! I look forward to seeing Rand. The Party will be Great!”
But just hours before Trump’s post, Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky, one of two Republicans to vote against the reconciliation package in the House, said the White House had uninvited him from its annual picnic as well.
“Incredibly petty & shortsighted of Trump’s staff to exclude Republicans from the annual White House picnic while inviting Pelosi and every Democrat,” Massie posted on X early Thursday morning. “I always give my few tickets to my staff and their kids, but apparently this year my tickets have been withheld as well. Low class.”
The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment regarding Massie’s invite.
Both Kentucky members have been critical of Trump in recent weeks.
Massie has long drawn the ire of the president, going back to his first term. He has repeatedly called for the Kentucky lawmaker to be primaried, but Massie has won continuously.
“I don’t think Thomas Massie understands government. I think he’s a grandstander,” Trump said last month.
Paul also has indicated he will not vote for the spending bill in its current form, and accused White House staff Wednesday of “running sort of a paid influencer campaign against me for two weeks on Twitter.”
