William Paul Apologizes After Confronting Rep. Mike Lawler at DC Bar

William Paul, the son of Sen. Rand Paul, approached Rep. Mike Lawler at the Tune Inn Restaurant & Bar on Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, DC, on May 12, 2026. Lawler was having dinner with a friend and a reporter from NOTUS. According to Lawler, Paul accused him of interfering in Kentucky’s Republican primary between Rep.

Thomas Massie and Ed Gallrein. Paul then accused Lawler of being Jewish. Lawler told him he is not Jewish.

Lawler told Forbes that Paul went on a roughly 10-minute tirade that included discussion of Jews, Israel, and Paul Singer. Paul claimed Paul Singer serves Israeli interests rather than American interests. He blamed Israel for the US war on Iran and said the US was trying to steal Iran’s land for the Jews and steal the West Bank.

Paul said he hates Jews and hates gays and doesn’t care if they die. He urged Lawler to watch more Tucker Carlson. Paul gave Lawler the middle finger before leaving and knocked over a barstool on his way out.

Paul acknowledged he had been drinking during the incident. On May 13, 2026, he posted an apology on social media under the handle TastyBrew1776 that read: “Last night, I had too much to drink and said some things that don’t represent who I really am. I’m sorry and today I am seeking help for my drinking problem.”

Lawler, a Catholic of Irish and Italian descent, told reporters he had never met Paul before the incident. Paul recently served as a congressional aide to two of Lawler’s Republican colleagues in the House. His LinkedIn profile showed he had spent part of the previous week in San Diego attending a conference with the Christian Employers Alliance. Lawler had not spoken to Sen. Rand Paul afterward.