Sen. Rand Paul (R–Ky.) told NBC’s Meet the Press he isn’t opposed to President Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” if the debt‑ceiling increase is removed from the package. Paul said he favors the tax‑cut components and would consider support, but refuses to back a $5 trillion debt‑ceiling hike without separate approval.
The bill passed the House and includes extensive tax relief along with a large debt‑ceiling adjustment. Paul stressed that while tax cuts may spur revenue, the Senate must negotiate tougher spending cuts before he’ll back the debt increase. He suggested raising the ceiling in short, three‑month increments to maintain fiscal discipline.
President Trump criticized Paul on social media, calling him “the toughest vote in the U.S. Senate” and accusing him of siding with Democrats. Paul responded by emphasizing conservative principles, stating he wants permanent tax cuts without ballooning the national debt.
Other Senate conservatives, including Sens. Ron Johnson and Mike Lee, share Paul’s opposition to the debt‑ceiling raise but support the bill’s tax and spending cuts. Senate leaders now face a strategic choice: separate the debt‑ceiling vote or risk losing support from libertarian‑leaning Republicans.
Paul’s stance highlights a dividing line within the GOP over fiscal priorities. Supporters argue that isolating the debt‑ceiling vote respects conservative convictions without derailing tax reforms. Critics warn such a move could further fracture party unity and make passage by the July 4 deadline more difficult.