Interview with Sen. Rand Paul on 'Face the Nation'

MARGARET BRENNAN: Joining us now is Senator Rand Paul, a Republican from Kentucky. Soon, he'll be leading the Homeland Security Committee and continues to serve on the Health Committee. Welcome back, Senator.

SEN. RAND PAUL: Thank you for having me this morning.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Given your medical background, I’d like to discuss the recent health appointments. Notably, you've vaccinated your children, yet the country faces declining vaccination rates. Are you worried that appointing figures critical of specific vaccines, like RFK Jr. at HHS and Dave Weldon at the CDC, might undermine vaccination trust?

SEN. PAUL: There is definitely a growing skepticism towards vaccines. The root of this issue lies in public distrust towards government communication. For instance, despite committees recommending COVID boosters mainly for those over 65, political figures like Rochelle Walensky have suggested boosters for infants as young as six months. This misalignment between guidance and policy has bred distrust, with only about 20% receiving boosters.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Yet, the drop isn’t just with COVID vaccines; there's growing concern over others like measles.

SEN. PAUL: Absolutely, but trust is paramount. Lack of transparent communication fuels doubt. Vaccines such as those for smallpox and polio represent major medical achievements. I advocate choice over mandates. For instance, many challenge the need for newborn hepatitis B vaccines, favoring delayed options. Clarity on risks versus benefits is essential, particularly when there’s insufficient evidence that COVID vaccines benefit healthy children.

On Immigration and Military Involvement

MARGARET BRENNAN: Moving on, Trump’s proposed immigration policies, including military deployment for deportations, have gained approval. However, most citizens prefer civil agencies handling it over military forces. What's your stance on the legality of employing military forces this way?

SEN. PAUL: I fully support targeting high-risk criminals, yet deploying the military domestically is illegal. The police, understanding judicial processes, should handle these tasks. I oppose using the military, but removing criminals through legal channels is necessary. If federal law is challenged, like in Denver, it may reach the Supreme Court. Resisting federal law might have severe consequences.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Considering the reality of limited resources and personnel for enforcement, if using the military is a no-go for you, would you oppose DHS Secretary Kristi Noem if she supports it?

SEN. PAUL: I firmly stand against using the military for these purposes. I prefer leveraging agencies like the FBI, ICE, and Border Patrol to address the issue.

Fiscal Policies and Economic Leadership

MARGARET BRENNAN: Turning to economic matters, the appointment of Scott Bessent, who has ties to Soros' funds, as Treasury Secretary is controversial. Elon Musk even criticized him. What’s your view?

SEN. PAUL: I'm inclined to support Bessent despite reservations about tariffs. Tariffs affect consumers negatively; I'm a proponent of free trade. However, alignment with the President's broader policies sometimes necessitates compromise.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Given the immense national debt and prospects of exacerbating it with Trump's tax changes, do you anticipate these policies to be accepted by Republicans?

SEN. PAUL: Historically, I’ve backed tax cuts alongside spending cuts. Moving forward, I will champion similar principles, advocating for fiscal balance.

Leadership Appointments

MARGARET BRENNAN: Based on your principles, do you believe someone with no large-scale management experience can effectively run the Pentagon?

SEN. PAUL: Absolutely. I believe people should be chosen for leadership roles based on merit and ability, not identity-based factors.

MARGARET BRENNAN: Thank you, Senator Paul, for sharing your insights with us.