Rand Paul Gets Confronted by Jesse Watters for Being a ‘Panican’ on Tariffs [WATCH]

Fox News host Jesse Watters pressed Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) during a segment on Monday night, challenging the senator over his opposition to President Donald Trump’s sweeping second-term tariff policies, which the administration says are already delivering major results on the global trade front.

President Trump implemented a blanket 10% tariff on all imports on April 5, 2025, followed by a second wave of targeted reciprocal tariffs on April 9.

The administration framed the move as central to the President’s “America First” strategy, aimed at reducing trade deficits and restoring American manufacturing.

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Taking to Truth Social, President Trump defended the policy in direct terms, calling on Americans to “be strong” and resist media-driven “panic.” In one post, Trump wrote, “Don’t be Weak! Don’t be Stupid! Don’t be a PANICAN (A new party based on Weak and Stupid people!) Be Strong, Courageous, and Patient, and GREATNESS will be the result!”

In another message, Trump said, “The only way this problem can be cured is with TARIFFS, which are now bringing Tens of Billions of Dollars into the U.S.A. They are already in effect, and a beautiful thing to behold.”

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Despite the administration’s assertive stance, Senator Rand Paul introduced a Senate resolution seeking to overturn the tariffs, citing free market principles and concerns about increased consumer costs.

The resolution, backed by Sens. Susan Collins (R-ME) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), failed in a 49-49 tie, with absences from Sens. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Mitch McConnell (R-KY) preventing it from advancing.

Watters confronted Paul on the program, accusing the senator of being a “panican” and opposing a policy that has already generated tangible international concessions.

“Senator, you were a panican. You were against the tariff. You were anti-tariff. Now, what do you have to say?” Watters asked.

Paul responded, “Jesse, I’m a free market guy. I think international trade creates great wealth… But I’m also a friend of Donald Trump’s. I’m a supporter of Donald Trump’s. When he has successes with trade, I’ve said I will compliment him.”

The senator acknowledged progress with China, noting tariff reductions from 145% to 30%, but expressed concern over domestic costs.

“That’s 30% more than we have on currently. So this will be a 30% rise in any goods that are coming from China, and somebody will pay that—it will be the consumer,” Paul said.

Watters pressed further, asking, “You think our defense industry should rely on the Chinese? You think we should rely on Chinese steel? You trust China?”

Paul replied, “No, I think there are exceptions to trade and exceptions to free international trade. One of them would be defense industries… Our defense industry is completely independent and needs to be.”

He also agreed with Watters that critical sectors, such as pharmaceuticals and American flags, should be domestically produced.

“You don’t want pharmaceuticals coming from China,” Watters stated.

Paul answered, “No, I don’t.”

Paul proposed an alternative approach: offering domestic producers tax incentives instead of raising import costs.

“What we should do is lower the taxes to zero for 10 years for anybody who will compete with them in our country. It’s just a matter of perspective. I would rather lower taxes,” Paul said.

Is @SenRandPaul still a panican? pic.twitter.com/Dk5cUc0ax8

— Jesse Watters (@JesseBWatters) May 13, 2025

Despite Paul’s concerns, recent trade developments suggest Trump’s approach is yielding results. The United Kingdom removed tariffs on U.S. ethanol, beef, and machinery, a move estimated to boost American exports by $5 billion.

Other countries—including Israel, Vietnam, Taiwan, and Zimbabwe—have pledged to eliminate tariffs on U.S. goods. China, under pressure, reduced its import duties from 34% to 10% on May 12.

According to Politico, the U.S. has collected approximately $46.9 billion in tariff revenue in 2025 so far, a 46.9% increase compared to the same period last year.

As negotiations continue with countries including South Korea, Argentina, and India, the White House maintains that tariffs will remain a core part of President Trump’s trade policy.

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