Rand Paul warns that massive deficit spending makes $5,000 payouts reckless

Senator Rand Paul warned that the national debt, now above $40 trillion, is “out of control” and that the federal budget is running a $2 trillion deficit. He rejected President Donald Trump's idea of a $5,000 payment to every adult, calling it a dividend that cannot be afforded amid the shortfall. Paul said both parties avoid telling voters that some government programs must be reduced to balance the books.

He presented a five-year budget plan that would cut overall spending, initially proposing a 1% annual reduction but now requiring about a 6% cut to achieve balance. The plan would leave Social Security untouched but would trim Medicare, which he believes contains waste and fraud, and could be reduced through means testing. Paul also hinted at a possible presidential run, emphasizing the need for a free-market candidate within the GOP.