Rand Paul Clashes With Roberts, Fellow Republicans Over Whistleblower

Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., faced a rebuke from Chief Justice John Roberts on Wednesday after seeking to pose a question during the impeachment trial, which would have included the name of the alleged whistleblower.

Paul’s question was ultimately blocked by Roberts, though Paul may still seek to present his question Thursday. Though Roberts did not censor Paul specifically, he made it clear that no questions will be permitted which include the alleged whistleblower’s name.

As it works now, any questions either side wishes to ask during the trial must first be screened by Roberts. However, given the increasing criticism Roberts has been facing, he may seek to relax these rules, according to Fox News.

Although Roberts is tasked with overseeing the impeachment trial, the extent of his authority is less than clear. He was recently threatened with a vote of condemnation from Republicans, which was averted after Roberts agreed to only censor questions that contained the alleged whistleblower’s name.

Paul has been steadfast in his desire to have the whistleblower give testimony before the Senate. On Wednesday, Paul indicated that he may seek to challenge Roberts over his censored question. However, other Senate Republicans, including Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., have urged Paul and others to refrain from voicing the alleged whistleblower’s name.

“It’s still an ongoing process, it may happen tomorrow,” Paul said Wednesday.

Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, has also reportedly submitted a question to Roberts which alludes to the whistleblower, but does not name him outright.

Several Republicans have been keen to identify and question the individual who allegedly blew the whistle on President Donald Trump’s controversial dealings with Ukraine. The whistleblower complaint claims that Trump sought to withhold military aid intended for Ukraine in exchange for opening an investigation into former Vice President Joe Biden’s son, Hunter Biden, and his time in Ukraine. Republicans have argued that the complaint was not warranted and may have been made as a political maneuver.

Republicans have also expressed concern that House Intelligence Chairman Adam Schiff, D-Calif., and his staff have been improperly in contact with the whistleblower.

This week, the Senate’s impeachment trial has moved into the question-and-answer phase, where senators can ask both sides questions.