The Charlie Kirk Show: Can I Change Rand Paul's Mind on the BBB? Release Date: June 11, 2025

In this compelling episode of The Charlie Kirk Show, host Charlie Kirk engages in a critical conversation with Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky, delving into the intricacies of the much-debated "big beautiful bill" (BBB). The discussion navigates through fiscal responsibility, national debt, border security, and defense spending, offering listeners an in-depth analysis from two prominent conservative voices.

1. The Big Beautiful Bill: Support and Concerns

Charlie Kirk initiates the conversation by seeking Senator Rand Paul's perspective on the BBB, highlighting the importance of obtaining his support for the bill. Senator Rand Paul expresses a nuanced stance:

• Support for Tax Cuts: Paul underscores his endorsement of the bill’s tax cuts, referencing his 2017 vote and advocating for their permanence. He states, “I support the tax cuts as is. I support adding to the tax cuts as President Trump wishes” (02:42).

• Spending Cuts and Deficit Concerns: While acknowledging some spending cuts as beneficial, Paul raises concerns about the bill’s impact on the national deficit. He critiques the inclusion of $5 trillion in debt ceiling increases, emphasizing the long-term fiscal implications. “I can’t vote to raise the debt ceiling 5 trillion,” he asserts (02:42).

2. The Debt Ceiling Debate

A significant portion of the dialogue centers around the controversial issue of the debt ceiling. Senator Paul articulates his opposition to a substantial increase, arguing that it undermines the GOP’s moral standing:

• Opposition to $5 Trillion Increase: Paul explains that such a massive raise would erode the Republican narrative against Democratic spending, stating, “It’s not Republicans if the deficit now is completely owned by Republicans” (06:15).

• Proposed Amendment: To mitigate this, Paul proposes an amendment limiting the debt ceiling increase to three months’ worth of borrowing (approximately $500 billion), aiming to prompt immediate fiscal responsibility (07:12).

• Political Strategy: He warns that accepting a large debt ceiling increase would strip Republicans of leverage, allowing Democrats to dominate fiscal policy. “We lose the power of the argument in our moral standing,” Paul warns (09:35).

3. Balancing Fiscal Conservatism with National Security

The discussion transitions to balancing fiscal conservatism with pressing national security issues, particularly immigration and border security.

• Immigration Crisis: Paul acknowledges the severity of the immigration situation under President Biden, advocating for stronger border security measures. He critiques the proposed $46.5 billion for border fencing, questioning its efficiency: “They want to build a wall between us and Canada, too?” (11:24).

• Defense Spending: Highlighting concerns over escalating military budgets, Paul criticizes the bill’s allocation for defense, suggesting it caters to the military-industrial complex without sufficient justification (13:49).

4. On-the-Ground Reporting: Unveiling the Truth in Los Angeles

Transitioning from legislative discussions, Charlie introduces two insightful guests, reporters Kaylin Delameda and Anthony Cabasa, who provide firsthand accounts of recent protests in Los Angeles.

• Maxine Waters’ Claims vs. Ground Reality: Waters claims minimal violence during the protests, but Delameda and Cabasa present a contrasting narrative of widespread, intentional chaos. Delameda states, “These are not a few incidents. It's widespread and it's completely intentional” (21:03).

• Organized Violence: Cabasa reveals evidence of organized aggression, including strategically placed bricks and support from local unions and activist groups. He details, “There's a pallet of bricks conveniently located… protesters were able to make their way into it” (22:48).

• Role of National Guard: Both reporters clarify the National Guard's limited role, countering claims that their presence incites violence. They emphasize that their deployment is strictly for protecting federal buildings, not engaging with protesters (26:32).

5. The Importance of Independent Journalism

Charlie underscores the significance of independent journalists like Delameda and Cabasa in uncovering truths that mainstream media might overlook or distort. He remarks, “If we do not have Frontlines, we don't have Anthony. We would not have the stories here” (35:43).

• Personal Risks: The reporters highlight the dangers they face, from tear gas to physical confrontations, portraying their commitment to documenting events accurately. Cabasa shares his experiences of being tear-gassed and emphasizes the critical role of independent media in upholding truth and accountability.

Conclusion

This episode of The Charlie Kirk Show offers a robust exploration of the BBB, fiscal policies, and national security challenges, complemented by on-the-ground reporting that challenges mainstream narratives. Through incisive dialogue and firsthand accounts, Charlie Kirk and his guests provide listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the pressing issues facing America today.

Notable Quotes:

• Rand Paul on Tax Cuts: “I support the tax cuts as is. I support adding to the tax cuts as President Trump wishes.” (02:42)

• Rand Paul on Debt Ceiling: “I can’t vote to raise the debt ceiling 5 trillion.” (02:42)

• Rand Paul on Fiscal Responsibility: “It’s not Republicans if the deficit now is completely owned by Republicans.” (09:35)

• Kaylin Delameda on Protest Violence: “These are not a few incidents. It's widespread and it's completely intentional.” (21:03)

• Anthony Cabasa on Organized Aggression: “There's a pallet of bricks conveniently located… protesters were able to make their way into it.” (22:48)

This detailed summary captures the essence of the episode, highlighting key discussions and insights while providing context for listeners unfamiliar with the full conversation.