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◆ Mixed look for GrahamForeign PolicyCongress / Members

Paul says Trump 'under the thrall' of Graham after Maduro arrest

Graham praised Trump’s actions in Venezuela and warned that Cuba could face U.S. action.

Paul says Trump 'under the thrall' of Graham after Maduro arrest
Image · Washington Examiner

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Outlet credibilityWashington Examiner70/100 HIGH
This article1 analysis · Oct 12, 2026
tl;dr

Rand Paul criticized Donald Trump’s military action in Venezuela and warned that Trump’s alliance with Lindsey Graham could lead to further interventions. Graham defended the operation and warned Cuba, while Paul argued Congress should have approved the action.

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13 VOTES
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Lindsey Graham Former U.S. Senator (R-SC)

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People in this story

SWIPE →
Lindsey Graham
Former U.S. Senator (R-SC)

Senator who defended Trump’s Venezuela operation and warned Cuba

PRIMARY SUBJECT
Donald Trump
R · President of the United States

President who ordered the Venezuela operation and discussed possible action against other countries

Trump's version of this story ↗
Rand Paul
R · KY · SEN

Senator criticizing Trump’s military action and Graham’s influence

Paul's version of this story ↗
Marco Rubio
Secretary of State

Secretary of State tasked with leading the overhaul of Venezuela’s government

ALSO MENTIONED  Delcy Rodriguez, Venezuela’s acting president; Gustavo Petro, President of Colombia; Mette Frederiksen, Prime Minister of Denmark; Nicolas Maduro, Former Venezuelan leader captured by U.S. forces

Part of a bigger story

5 OUTLETS
Rand Paul Says Lindsey Graham Influenced Trump on Venezuela

Outlets agree that Rand Paul blamed Lindsey Graham for influencing President Donald Trump’s operation to capture Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela. Graham had advocated regime change or military action there. Center outlets place Paul’s accusation alongside Graham’s support for regime change; one notes that his influence over the decision is unclear. Right-leaning outlets foreground the claim that Graham helped steer Trump toward regime change and use a more critical, anti-intervention framing.

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