Fox News Host Confronts Rand Paul Over Leaked Intel

Senator Rand Paul at GOP education reform rally

Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) has criticized President Donald Trump’s airstrikes on Iran, warning they could accelerate Iran’s nuclear weapons program. Citing a leaked intelligence assessment, Paul said the strikes may only delay Iran’s ambitions by months and could either deter or provoke further nuclear development. He added that approval from some Republicans does not reflect broader public sentiment and cautioned against increased military involvement.

President Trump acknowledges crowd after speech

Fox Business host Stuart Varney asked, “The president… dismisses this leak completely and he’s really pounding on CNN for leaking it and he is saying, ‘look, we got it all, totally destroyed it.’ That’s what he’s saying. And he’s got a team working on that right now. You don’t accept the president on this?”

Senator Rand Paul at Dog Hill event

Paul has found much of the expert analysis on military leaks to be speculative. He expressed concern about analysts providing accurate assessments without firsthand information. While some critics hinted at a desire for more military engagement, he opposes that stance.

President Trump speaks at the rally in Ohio

Paul said, “I don’t know what to accept. I have heard the leaks. I’ve also heard the press secretary say that top secret things shouldn’t be released, implying that there was actually a report saying this. But the analysts are guests as well."

Senator Rand Paul campaign stop in Jeffersontown

Paul added, "So, they’re intelligent people, but they’re making guesses on satellite photos, I would think, primarily. Maybe they also have informants. I don’t know. But, really, probably no one’s been down there yet.”

Senator Rand Paul meets with business leaders

Varney asked, “Do you think, now the president’s at the NATO meeting in Europe, he’s got a very warm reception. Can you call this a win for the president?”

Senator Rand Paul talks with mayors at town hall

Paul noted that former President Joe Biden’s foreign policy instincts differ from those of hawkish party members. He believes the president aims to avoid deeper military entanglements, despite pressures for increased intervention.

Senator Rand Paul speaks to media in Iowa

Paul said, “Well, you know, the Bushes are happy. Mike Pence is happy, Bill Kristol is happy. All of his critics that think he’s not bellicose enough are just loving it and clapping.”

Senator Rand Paul speaking at Iowa event

Paul added, “Many of them, I think, secretly hope that we will send troops into the Middle East and be more mired in another prolonged war.” He concluded, “I do think, though, that the president’s instincts are counter to people like Bill Kristol and Levin. So, I think that the president actually will try to keep us out of war.”

Roger Anderson covers U.S. politics & news for content partner Modern Newsstand LLC.