Watch Rand Paul as President Trump enters the room. pic.twitter.com/yTzTc0Sy73
— Jeremy Art (@cspanJeremy) October 12, 2017
After Republicans in Congress spent months trying to “repeal and replace” Obamacare, President Trump circumvented them by signing an executive order aimed at the health insurance market. While the order’s efficacy is unknown so far, it may actually increase premiums without providing much relief to certain groups like small business owners.
One of the curious aspects of the order is that Trump apparently worked on it with Republican Senator Rand Paul. However, Paul’s assistance appears to be a reversal of sorts. Throughout previous Obamacare repeal efforts, Paul has been adamant about Republican legislation not going far enough and maintained that the rules about joining group plans need to be loosened.
Senator Paul was present Thursday when Trump signed his executive order, leading the president to brag, “I can say, when you get Rand Paul on your side, it has to be positive.”
Of course, cameras were present and rolled during the ceremony, which saw Paul looking uncomfortable. Needless to say, the Kentucky senator’s reaction did not escape the notice of Twitter users.
i made a gif i call Rand Paul Mustering The Courage To Get Through The Day pic.twitter.com/4J3Jdv83vx
— David Mack (@davidmackau) October 12, 2017
https://twitter.com/BecketAdams/status/918518658292506624
Like much involving the Trump administration, the moment was perfectly suited to be scored to the theme song from Curb Your Enthusiasm.
https://twitter.com/ClifsTweets/status/918518296550498305
There’s “a tweet” for everything….
2. Thinks an executive order is legislation and how you make law
— Rand Paul (@RandPaul) December 9, 2015
Rand Paul today: Praises "boldness" of Trump's executive order.
Rand Paul 2 years ago: An executive order is not how you make law. https://t.co/IjgpZTjpSq
— Keith Boykin (@keithboykin) October 12, 2017