Rand Paul told Newsmax on September 16, 2026 that the United States cannot eliminate its $40 trillion national debt without deep spending cuts, and he criticized Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s optimistic outlook and President Donald Trump’s $5,000 dividend proposal.
The warning touches on a core Christian principle of faithful stewardship. When national borrowing reaches historic levels, families can feel the impact as their earnings lose value, a reality many believers see as contrary to caring for God‑given resources and caring for neighbors.
Paul emphasized that the nation is running about $2 trillion short each year, saying, “We’re running $2 trillion dollars short… I can’t imagine giving out money when you’re running a deficit.” He argued that Treasury Secretary Bessent’s hopeful forecasts ignore the stark reality of a debt that has surpassed $40 trillion and shows no sign of slowing.
To address the shortfall, Paul outlined a “six‑penny plan” that would cut federal spending roughly 6 percent annually for five years, a steeper version of his original 1 percent “one‑penny plan.” The proposal targets Medicare cuts, noting “waste and fraud” in the program, while leaving Social Security untouched. He suggested that means‑testing could help achieve the reductions without harming health benefits.
Paul warned that “both parties have failed us,” insisting that honest conversation about reducing government programs is essential. He called for a free‑market candidate who supports international trade and opposes big‑government solutions, hinting that he may weigh a presidential run in 2028 after the midterm elections.
The senator’s comments signal a push for serious fiscal reform in Congress. As the debate unfolds, Paul urges lawmakers to consider his spending‑cut blueprint as the only viable path to balance the budget and protect future generations from an unsustainable debt burden.