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

Paul argued that Congress should have approved the Venezuela operation and criticized Trump’s alignment with Graham.

Paul says Trump 'under the thrall' of Graham after Maduro arrest
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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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Rand Paul R · KY · SEN

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SWIPE →
Rand Paul
R · KY · SEN

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

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

Senator who defended Trump’s Venezuela operation and warned Cuba

Graham'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

6 OUTLETS
Rand Paul Says Lindsey Graham Influenced Trump on Venezuela

Outlets on both sides report that Rand Paul criticized Trump’s Venezuela operation and said Lindsey Graham influenced the president’s decision. Center outlets focus on Paul’s claim while also including Graham’s defense and, in one report, uncertainty about the extent of his influence. Right-leaning outlets likewise foreground Paul’s claim but stress its connection to Trump’s move toward regime change.

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