Few elected Republicans have figured out how to occasionally push back against this White House without completely devolving into the throes of Trump Derangement Syndrome.
But Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) seems to be an exception. He’s remained generally supportive of the MAGA agenda, with a few notable exceptions, and is now among the leading voices on Capitol Hill encouraging other Republicans to give the president a chance to let his negotiations in Iran play out.
The Hill reported on Paul’s recent remarks:
“War virtually always ends with negotiations,” Paul wrote in a post on the social platform X. “Critics of President Trump’s peace negotiations should give President Trump the space to find an American First solution.”
ADVERTISEMENTTrump on Saturday said the U.S. was getting close to a deal with Iran that would end the war and open the Strait of Hormuz.
“Final aspects and details of the Deal are currently being discussed, and will be announced shortly,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “In addition to many other elements of the Agreement, the Strait of Hormuz will be opened.”
The ongoing dispute among Republican lawmakers has spilled over onto social media in recent days:
It would distress Cruz if Trump gets out of this entanglement with Iran in time to win the mid-terms. Ted Cruz is NOT a friend of conservatives and Trumps America first plan.
— Lu Duxbury (@Ludux68) May 25, 2026
The best strategy is to let them continue to criticize Trump. He has 99% popularity with Israel, and he could care less what they think at this point. Won't end well for those who are pushing back. Let's hope people like Mark Levin and Ted Cruz enjoy to the fullest. 😏
— Harper_Flynn (@Harper__Flynn) May 24, 2026
List of American politicians that flipped out today at the possibility of ending the Iran war
-Ted Cruz (TX): $1,872,592
-Lindsey Graham (SC): $999,580
-Roger Wicker (MS): $737,000
-Cory Booker (NJ): $1MThose $ amounts are how much each of them received from the Israel lobby
— Clint Russell (@LibertyLockPod) May 25, 2026
Fox News reported on the White House’s reaction to the intraparty backlash:
Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, a Fox News contributor, and Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, received X criticism from some of Trump’s top inner circle advisors, including White House communications director Steven Cheung, deputy assistant on counterterror Sebastian Gorka and outside political advisor Alex Bruesewitz.
ADVERTISEMENT“Mike Pompeo has no idea what the f— he’s talking about,” Cheung wrote in a scathing X post Saturday night. “He should shut his stupid mouth and leave the real work to the professionals. He’s not read into anything that’s happening, so how would he know.”
Trump himself finally weighed in on the latest peace talks Sunday morning, rebuking his predecessors along with his current critics.
“One of the worst deals ever made by our Country was the Iran Nuclear Deal, put forth and signed into existence by Barack Hussein Obama and the rank amateurs of the Obama Administration. It was a direct path to Iran developing a Nuclear Weapon,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “Not so with the transaction currently being negotiated with Iran by the Trump Administration – THE EXACT OPPOSITE, in fact!
“The negotiations are proceeding in an orderly and constructive manner, and I have informed my representatives not to rush into a deal in that time is on our side. The Blockade will remain in full force and effect until an agreement is reached, certified, and signed. Both sides must take their time and get it right. There can be no mistakes!
“Our relationship with Iran is becoming a much more professional and productive one. They must understand, however, that they cannot develop or procure a Nuclear Weapon or Bomb.”
Meanwhile, here’s where Secretary of State Marco Rubio says things currently stand:
Marco Rubio reveals ‘good news’ over Trump’s deal to finally end the Iran War. pic.twitter.com/00184qMzxM
— Daily Mail (@DailyMail) May 25, 2026
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