GOP Senator Calls Rand Paul a 'Freaking Snake'

Markwayne Mullin criticizes Rand Paul for frequently bucking the Republican Party on key votes.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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GOP Sen. Markwayne Mullin (Okla.) recently told a group of voters that Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) is a 'freaking snake.' Mullin railed against Paul as someone who frequently bucks the Republican Party on crucial votes, accusing him of trying to kill an appropriations bill and the farm bill for his own political interests.

Why it matters

The rift between Mullin and Paul highlights the ongoing tensions within the Republican Party, where some senators are willing to break ranks and vote against their party's priorities. This could impact the GOP's ability to pass legislation and maintain party unity.

The details

Mullin was speaking to the McGrath Breakfast Group in Tulsa, Okla., when he was asked about voting against an amendment to a bill in the Senate. Mullin said he thwarted a government shutdown by voting against the amendment, which would have killed the bill and other appropriations opposing President Trump's push for a minibus. Mullin accused Paul of trying to kill the appropriations bill and the farm bill for his own political interests, such as legalizing hemp for drinks in Kentucky.

  • Mullin made the comments to the McGrath Breakfast Group in Tulsa, Okla. on Saturday, February 15, 2026.
  • Earlier this year, Paul bucked the party on the summer spending package, earning harsh criticism from Trump and his GOP colleagues.
  • Last week, Paul joined six other Republicans in voting against advancing a six-bill funding package.

The players

Markwayne Mullin

GOP Senator from Oklahoma who criticized Rand Paul as a 'freaking snake' for frequently bucking the Republican Party on crucial votes.

Rand Paul

GOP Senator from Kentucky who has frequently voted against his party's priorities, earning criticism from fellow Republicans like Mullin.

Donald Trump

Former President who criticized Rand Paul for bucking the party on the summer spending package.

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What they’re saying

“Rand Paul's a freaking snake”

— Markwayne Mullin, GOP Senator from Oklahoma (Substack)

“What Rand was trying to do was trying to kill the farm bill because he's trying to legalize hemp for drinks in Kentucky because of tobacco industry shifts. There is always a backstory.”

— Markwayne Mullin, GOP Senator from Oklahoma (Substack)

What’s next

The rift between Mullin and Paul could lead to further intraparty tensions within the Republican Party as they navigate key legislative priorities.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing divisions within the GOP, where some senators are willing to break from party unity to pursue their own political interests, even if it means criticizing and undermining their fellow Republicans.