On Tuesday, Donald Trump played host to a gathering of Republican senators at the newly established ‘Rose Garden Club.’ The event, marked by an air of elegance, featured a lavish lunch where Diet Cokes were in abundance, laughter resonated, and the sun danced on the iconic yellow-and-white striped umbrellas.
However, amidst the cheerful atmosphere, President Trump couldn’t resist taking a jab at Kentucky Senator Rand Paul. Known for his frequent disagreements with Trump on issues like spending, military action, and tariffs, Paul was notably absent from the gathering.
“We have everybody but one person here. You’ll never guess who that is,” Trump quipped, eliciting chuckles from the attending senators. “Let me give you a hint—he automatically votes No on everything. He thinks it’s good politics; it’s not good politics,” he added with a playful tone.
The president went on to say, “If he wanted to come, I’d probably let him come, begrudgingly.”
Despite Trump’s remarks, Rand Paul’s office clarified to the Daily Mail that the senator had not received an invitation to the luncheon.
During the event, as the government shutdown dragged into its 21st day, camaraderie was evident. Secretary of State Marco Rubio engaged in light-hearted banter with Senators Lindsey Graham and Josh Hawley, while Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent chatted with Marsha Blackburn, underscoring the blend of politics and joviality that defined the gathering.
Many of the guests partook in supping the president’s favorite drink, a Diet Coke, to accompany the simple fare — a classic cheeseburger with lettuce, tomatoes and red onions, served with French fries and followed by chocolates for dessert.
On the other side of the Capitol, Democrats are fuming as Republicans refuse to bow to their demands on a temporary funding bill. The liberals want Obamacare extensions that would give more than a million illegals free healthcare.
Trump speaks at a ‘Rose Garden Club’ lunch in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington, DC, on Tuesday
From left. Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Missouri and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, right, are seen during a lunch hosted by President Donald Trump, on the Rose Garden patio
Sen. Katie Britt (R-AL) listens as U.S. President Donald Trump delivers remarks during a luncheon in the Rose Garden
Many of the guests partook in supping the president’s favorite drink, a Diet Coke, to accompany the simple fare — a classic cheeseburger with lettuce, tomatoes and red onions, served with French fries; and followed by chocolates for dessert
Trump sits as he hosts a Rose Garden Club lunch
Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and other officials attend a Rose Garden Club lunch
Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO) attend a Rose Garden Club lunch
Trump gave a nod to Russell Vought, who he jokingly called ‘Darth Vader,’ and praised his work during the shutdown. Vought, Director of the Office of Management and Budget, is responsible for which federal workers are furloughed and laid off and the Republicans have wielded the ‘hatchet man’ as a threat against Democrats.
Playing up to the crowd, Trump took a shot at Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez — the far-left Democratic congresswoman perceived by many as the driving force behind Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer’s intransigence.
‘Schumer is even losing to AOC Plus 3,’ Trump said, referring to Ocasio-Cortez and her far-left Squad, Ilhan Omar, Ayanna Pressley, and Rashida Tlaib.
‘What happened to the Plus 3? Are they still around? I met the president of Somalia and I said, “I have somebody I’d like to give back to you.” He said, “No thanks. We don’t want her.”‘
Trump was referring to Omar, a radical leftist representing Minnesota, originally from Mogadishu, Somalia.
The Rose Garden Club, a Mar-a-Lago style patio, replaced the historic grass lawn in September.
Dining tables can host around 50 guests, umbrellas provide shade from the sun, stone paving gives a Florida feel, and Trump frequently DJs on his iPad, playing his favorite hits from Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent (C) listens as U.S. President Donald Trump delivers remarks during a luncheon in the Rose Garden of the White House on Tuesday
Senators attend a Rose Garden Club lunch, hosted by U.S. President Donald Trump, at the White House on Tuesday
The Rose Garden Club, a Mar-a-Lago style marble patio with white dining tables and summery yellow umbrellas, replaced the historic grass lawn in September
Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Russell Vought listens as President Donald Trump speaks at a ‘Rose Garden Club’
U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) listen as U.S. President Donald Trump delivers remarks during a luncheon in the Rose Garden
It is not the first time Trump has snubbed Paul from his swanky events. In June, Paul claimed that he’d been uninvited from the annual Congressional Picnic amid his dispute with the president over the Big Beautiful Bill.
Paul is a budget hawk who warned the $4 trillion spending package ‘didn’t add up’ and was a ‘terrible idea.’
The Kentucky native has also recently criticized Trump for his strikes on Venezuelan drug smuggling boats, arguing that he needs congressional approval for the military action.
The senator has also ripped the president over the tariffs, arguing that they are inflationary and are essentially taxes on American consumers.
