On the record · Updated October 18, 2026
R-La.
7 things John Kennedy said, verbatim, from August 9, 2026 to October 13, 2026, each linked to where it ran. Grouped by the questions at issue, with who supported, disputed, or qualified each one.
Also appeared as: Sen. John Kennedy
Qualifies
“I support the president's decision to import diesel. I don't support his decision to import it from Putin.”
USA Today Trump lifts Russian diesel sanctions; the Kremlin declines to confirm his energy ceasefire ›
Others on this question
Even Trump’s former vice president, Mike Pence, publicly urged the administration to “rescind” Trump’s new agreement.
Supports
“Iran made an offer recently to the president. It was not a serious offer.”
One America News Network Iran's Araghchi meets Qatari mediators as Trump denies offering sanctions relief ›
Others on this question
“Refuse to go back to the deal heading into the midterms.”
“They want to make a deal, but it's not the deal I want to make.”
More on the record
As printed
“The guy learned to lie before he learned to talk.”
on accusing Xi of deception amid claims China arms Iran and Hormuz
NBC News Trump rolls out red carpets for Xi, though he has portrayed China as a global menace ›
As printed
“I don’t think any public official, including President Trump or Kristi Noem or John Kennedy, should spend public money on private ads for themselves”
on a Republican senator objecting to taxpayer funds promoting Trump in ads
USA Today White House expands taxpayer-paid ad campaign boosting Trump ›
As printed
“Us having a budget done by December 11 — it takes on whiffs of frozen hell and donkeys flying”
on doubting Congress can pass a full budget by December 11
MSNBC ‘Whiffs of frozen hell and donkeys flying’: Senators sidestep one shutdown fight and set up another ›
As printed
“The people who have developed AI are very, very smart. But they’re high-IQ, stupid people,”
on senator arguing AI leaders' messaging, not the technology, drives public distrust
Washington Examiner John Kennedy knocks AI executives’ messaging failures: ‘High-IQ stupid people’ ›
As printed
“You might let them tutor you, but you wouldn’t want them to date your sister. They’re terrible marketers.”
on senator's view that AI executives fail to justify costs like bills and water use
Washington Examiner John Kennedy knocks AI executives’ messaging failures: ‘High-IQ stupid people’ ›
People, on the record
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