Rand Paul Warns 'Traitor' Rhetoric Fuels Violence, Criticizes Cartel Terror Designation and Calls for Demand-Focused Drug Policy

Overview: Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky spoke with Margaret Brennan on Nov. 23, 2025, about incendiary political rhetoric, threats against public figures, factional tensions within the Republican Party, and the administration’s decision to designate the Cartel de los Soles as a foreign terrorist organization. Paul expressed concerns about escalating language, maritime interdiction practices, and a lack of transparency from the administration.

On Dangerous Political Rhetoric

Margaret Brennan: You raised concerns previously about threats to the President and noted the killing of Charlie Kirk earlier this year. Do you think the President is holding himself to the same standard he asks of others when it comes to dialing back dangerous rhetoric?

Sen. Rand Paul: The President is known for his unfiltered social media. Calling opponents "traitors" and suggesting extreme punishments — even implying the death penalty — is reckless and irresponsible. That kind of language doesn’t help the country heal; it stokes anger rather than calming it. We should all aim to do better, and independent voices within parties are crucial to that effort.

On Swatting and Domestic Threats

Margaret Brennan: As chair of the Homeland Security committee, you’ve seen domestic threats up close. Are we moving from heated posts to genuinely violent rhetoric and action?

Sen. Rand Paul: Swatting is real and dangerous. My retired father was targeted: callers reported fake emergencies so police would arrive expecting violence. The tactic can create life‑threatening situations. Both political sides have experienced similar threats, and labeling people as traitors contributes to that dangerous atmosphere.

On Dissent in the GOP

Margaret Brennan: Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene has announced she will step back from the spotlight. Is there room in your party to disagree with the President?

Sen. Rand Paul: Independent voices are important. I’m concerned to see any conservative voice leave the conversation. For example, Greene recently raised questions about the Republican approach to health care — a debate I’ve engaged in with the White House. I’ve proposed a plan allowing people to buy insurance through membership collectives (think Costco, Sam’s Club, Amazon) to drive down costs. That kind of out‑of‑the‑box thinking is exactly what internal debate should produce.

On the Cartel de los Soles Designation

Margaret Brennan: The administration will formally designate the Cartel de los Soles as a foreign terrorist organization. Officials say the move gives new tools and that nothing is off the table militarily. Legally, what changes?

Sen. Rand Paul: Designating a narco‑group as a terrorist organization creates the appearance of wartime authorities and can broaden rules of engagement. Normally, the Coast Guard and other agencies operate under peacetime rules: they board and inspect vessels rather than use lethal force based on suspicion. Treating interdictions as acts in a war zone risks loosening legal restraints and blurring accountability.

On Operational Transparency and Rule of Law

Paul criticized operational practices after maritime interdictions: when people are retrieved from vessels, they are reportedly repatriated without consistent prosecution, thorough interviews, or clear evidence collection that could identify higher‑level traffickers. He said he has received no briefings related to these operations despite his Homeland Security role, leaving him skeptical about objectives and legal justification.

On Drug Policy: Supply vs. Demand

While the Department of Defense’s strikes may raise seizure rates or change trafficking routes, Paul argued the strategy ignores demand. He urged treating addiction as a public‑health issue and investing in demand‑reduction efforts. He noted many people intercepted at sea appear to be low‑paid couriers rather than kingpins, and that raising prices can attract more participants into the trade.

On Hawks in the Administration

Paul identified some officials who have historically favored a more interventionist approach to Venezuela. He warned that a shift toward open military involvement or renewed large‑scale foreign aid could fracture the coalition that supports the President, because many of his backers were attracted by a less interventionist posture.

Conclusion

Senator Paul stressed the need for calmer rhetoric, clearer legal frameworks around maritime interdictions, greater transparency and briefings for relevant lawmakers, and a shift toward demand‑side solutions for the drug crisis. He cautioned that designating narco‑groups as terrorist organizations carries significant legal and diplomatic implications that merit full congressional debate and oversight.