Trump mocks senator at White House event

At a friendly picnic on the White House lawn, President Donald Trump took a playful jab at Senator Rand Paul, hinting he “slipped in” uninvited. The Daily Beast reported that the comment came after a public spat between the two Republicans. Trump, speaking to a mixed crowd of lawmakers, seemed to poke fun at Paul’s recent criticism of the GOP’s budget plans and a pricey $45 million military parade set for the Army’s 250th anniversary, which also marks Trump’s 79th birthday.

Despite the teasing, sources confirmed Paul was officially invited to the event. The senator has been vocal about his concerns, arguing that the parade’s cost and the budget’s debt increase are wasteful. His stance has stirred tension within the party, as Trump pushes for unity on his big spending bill. Paul’s opposition highlights a divide among Republicans, with some uneasy about the parade’s expense and others backing Trump’s vision.

The picnic, meant to bring lawmakers together, turned into a stage for Trump to address the feud lightly. Yet, Paul’s team insists he’s focused on fiscal responsibility, not personal clashes. As the budget debate heats up, this moment shows the challenges Trump faces in rallying his party. The senator’s push for smaller government spending could sway other Republicans, making the bill’s passage trickier. For now, the playful jab at Paul keeps their disagreement in the spotlight.