Sen. Rand Paul Discusses Key Issues on “Face the Nation,” Sept. 28, 2025
In a recent interview on El-Balad, Senator Rand Paul (R-Ky.), chairman of the Homeland Security Committee, addressed significant topics regarding federal spending and national security. The discussion took place on September 28, 2025, during the show “Face the Nation” with host Margaret Brennan.
Concerns Over Federal Spending
Senator Paul expressed his concerns about the current proposals from both Republicans and Democrats regarding federal spending. He highlighted that the Republican plan could lead to an additional $2 trillion in debt, while the Democratic plan could increase this by $3 trillion.
- Republican plan: adds $2 trillion in debt
- Democratic plan: adds $3 trillion in debt
He advocates for a “penny plan,” which aims to reduce expenditures gradually and achieve a balanced budget within five years. Although the vote on his proposal faced opposition, he received support from 36 Republican senators.
Federal Authority in Crisis Situations
Discussing the potential deployment of troops to Portland, Oregon, Senator Paul stated that the President has the legal authority to protect federal facilities. He noted that past federal interventions in cities, such as during the Civil Rights Era, have been upheld by the Supreme Court.
Senator Paul has not received specific briefs regarding troop movements to Portland but acknowledged that the situation in the city deteriorated significantly in the past.
Local Government Cooperation
In his remarks, Paul emphasized the importance of local government cooperation regarding federal intervention. He expressed concern about the chaos and anarchy that persisted in Portland, which he believes necessitated federal action due to inadequate local responses.
Labeling of Domestic Groups and Risks to Civil Liberties
During the interview, a discussion arose regarding the President’s recent executive order to label the group Antifa as a domestic terrorist organization. Senator Paul expressed caution about such labels, emphasizing the need for due process for all individuals, regardless of the accusations against them.
- Concerns about potential Fourth Amendment violations
- Importance of due process for all accused individuals
He argued that while some individuals aligned with Antifa engage in violent acts, the group lacks a centralized leadership structure. This complex reality, he cautions, complicates the application of traditional law enforcement measures.
Conclusion
Senator Rand Paul’s statements reflect a critical stance on Pentagon-like interventions within U.S. cities. His focus remains on advocating for reduced spending, enhanced local governance, and careful consideration of civil liberties in national security discussions.
