Rand Paul Calls Trump Wrong

Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) raised eyebrows Sunday when he criticized President Donald Trump’s recent military strikes against suspected drug-trafficking boats in the Caribbean Sea — calling the actions a break from America’s long-standing traditions of justice and restraint.

Appearing on NBC’s Meet the Press, Paul was asked about the growing number of operations targeting cartel-linked boats. Reports indicate more than 20 suspected traffickers have been killed in six strikes ordered by the administration.

“No, they go against all of our tradition,” Paul said. “If you’re not in a declared war, you should at least know someone’s name before you kill them. You have to accuse them of something and present evidence.”

Paul argued that none of the individuals targeted were identified or formally charged, saying, “All of these people were blown up without us knowing who they were or what crimes they committed.”


Trump’s War on the Cartels: A Bold Stand for America’s Safety

President Trump has made no apologies for his aggressive stance against the cartels flooding America’s streets with fentanyl and heroin. Declaring an “armed conflict” with the cartels — officially recognized as terrorist groups — the president said the United States would take “decisive action” to dismantle the criminal networks threatening American families.

Supporters say the policy marks a new era of toughness, proving Trump’s commitment to ending the border crisis and protecting U.S. sovereignty. The strikes, they argue, send a clear message: America will no longer tolerate foreign drug lords operating with impunity.

Critics like Sen. Paul, however, caution against bypassing due process, warning that military action outside of declared war zones could set a dangerous precedent.


JD Vance and Rand Paul Spar Over Use of Force

Vice President JD Vance strongly defended the strikes, praising Trump’s decision to take the fight to the cartels.

“Killing cartel members who poison our fellow citizens is the highest and best use of our military,” Vance wrote on X in September, referencing a U.S. strike that eliminated 11 Venezuelan drug traffickers in the Caribbean.

Paul immediately fired back online, accusing Vance of disregarding the rule of law. “Did he ever read To Kill a Mockingbird?” Paul asked. “What a despicable and thoughtless sentiment — to glorify killing someone without a trial.”


Conservatives Divided — But United on Protecting America

The exchange highlights an emerging debate within the conservative movement. Many Republicans praise Trump and Vance for finally using America’s power to defend its citizens and borders. Others, like Paul, urge caution to avoid losing sight of America’s constitutional values.

Still, for millions of Americans — especially those frustrated by years of failed border policies — President Trump’s no-nonsense approach is exactly what the nation has needed: strong leadership willing to confront the cartels head-on and defend the homeland.