Rand Paul Warns Incendiary Rhetoric Fuels Danger; Questions Terror Designation for Cartel de los Soles

Overview: Senator Rand Paul (R‑Ky.) spoke with Margaret Brennan on Nov. 23, 2025, about rising political violence, the role of heated rhetoric, and the administration’s plan to designate the Cartel de los Soles as a foreign terrorist organization. Paul criticized language that demonizes opponents, described the bipartisan threat of tactics like swatting, and raised constitutional and practical concerns about treating cartel operations like wartime actions.

Key points from the interview

On political rhetoric and violence: Paul said labeling political opponents as "traitors" and advocating extreme punishments is reckless, stokes tensions, and undermines national healing. He noted swatting and threats affect people across the political spectrum — including his own family — and called for cooler, more responsible discourse from leaders on all sides.

On independent voices in the GOP: Paul defended the value of dissent within his party, citing Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene’s announced step back as a loss for debate. He described his own health plan proposal that would allow consumers to buy insurance through collective platforms like wholesale retailers or large online sellers as an example of "outside‑the‑box" thinking that independent lawmakers can contribute.

On the Cartel de los Soles designation: Paul argued the administration’s plan to label the cartel a terrorist organization effectively treats the situation as a war, which could loosen rules of engagement at sea without a formal congressional debate or declaration. He warned that wartime postures can change how maritime interdictions are conducted and expressed concern that intercepted individuals are sometimes returned without prosecution or thorough interviews that could identify higher‑level traffickers.

On maritime strikes and drug policy: Paul suggested the administration should focus more on reducing domestic drug demand and treating addiction as a public health issue. He questioned the long‑term effectiveness of DoD strikes at sea, noting reports of higher wholesale cocaine prices and a shift to land routes, and argued that supply‑side actions alone risk empowering illicit markets while potentially undermining the rule of law.

On internal administration dynamics: Paul said some advisers and lawmakers have long favored regime change in Venezuela, citing Senator Marco Rubio’s hawkish stance as an example. He warned that a push toward military intervention could fracture the coalition that supports the President, particularly among those who favor restraint in foreign wars.

Takeaway

Paul’s interview combined calls for measured political language and procedural oversight with sharp questions about the legal and strategic implications of treating transnational drug cartels as terrorist organizations. He emphasized the need for congressional debate, transparency in maritime operations, and a greater focus on demand‑side solutions to the drug crisis.