The Brief:

• Sen. Rand Paul opposed President-elect Trump’s proposals on tariffs and military involvement in deportations, citing legal and ethical concerns.
• Paul criticized the use of the military for deportations, labeling it “illegal” and harmful to America’s image, advocating for adherence to constitutional rights and due process.
• He argued against tariffs, viewing them as consumer taxes that raise prices and reduce purchasing power, and highlighted the benefits of international trade.

In a striking deviation from the expected party loyalty, Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky expressed strong opposition to two key proposals by President-elect Donald Trump during an appearance on CBS’ Face the Nation. Contrary to Trump’s plans for implementing tariffs and involving the military in mass deportations, Paul articulated clear concerns over both strategies, emphasizing legal and ethical implications.

Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) says he will "lean toward being supportive" of President-elect Donald Trump's pick for treasury secretary, Scott Bessent, though he says "I don't like tariffs" and how Trump has promoted them, calling them "a tax on the consumer." pic.twitter.com/Y35Jqjs0CS

— Face The Nation (@FaceTheNation) November 24, 2024

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Starting with his unequivocal stance against the use of the military for rounding up undocumented immigrants, Paul described such actions as “illegal” and damaging to America’s image. He underscored the importance of adhering to constitutional rights and due process, advocating for law enforcement to handle criminal activities within legal boundaries rather than deploying military forces domestically.

Furthermore, Paul voiced a critical perspective on tariffs, directly challenging Trump’s protectionist trade policies. He argued that tariffs essentially function as taxes on consumers, inflating prices and reducing purchasing power. By highlighting the economic benefits of international trade, Paul made a case for globalization as a force for prosperity, citing significant savings for consumers due to open markets.

Paul’s candid remarks signal a noteworthy dissent within Republican ranks, showcasing his willingness to prioritize principles over party alignment. This divergence points to potential intra-party debates on key issues as Trump prepares for his term in office.

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