Rand Paul blasted over ‘damaging’ anti-Covid rant telling Americans to ‘resist’ the CDC and stop wearing masks

Controversial US senator Rand Paul has been blasted after insisting Americans should reject government-mandated regulations, including wearing masks, in a “dangerous” anti-Covid rant.

In a 3 minute and 37-second long clip posted on his Twitter, the Republican senator, who represents the state of Kentucky, delivered a long and rambling speech encouraging people to ignore rules brought in to restrict the spread of the coronavirus.

Paul posted the video on 8 August with the caption: “We are at a moment of truth and a crossroads. Will we allow these people to use fear and propaganda to do further harm to our society, economy, and children? Or will we stand together and say, absolutely not. Not this time. I choose freedom.”

Standing alone in front of a dark blue background, Paul addressed the camera giving a pre-prepared speech.

The Republican says: “It’s time for us to resist. They can’t arrest all of us. They can’t keep all of your kids home from school. They can’t keep every government building closed.”

Without presenting any evidence, Paul then described the CDC’s mask mandate as “anti-science” and said no one should follow it. He also called those bringing in the rules “petty tyrants and bureaucrats”.

In a section of speech directed at the speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, Paul said: “We will not show you a passport. We will not wear a mask. We will not be forced into random screenings and testings so you can continue your drunk with power reign over the Capitol.”

His speech has been slammed as “damaging”.

Someone on Twitter responded: “In other words, you choose your own selfish ambition ahead of loving and serving your neighbor. Get your vaccine and wear your mask.”

Another said that Paul should face legal action if people die after listening to his rhetoric.

Some also called on him to be censured – a formal statement of disapproval from Congress – for the comments.

Here are some of the other reactions:

It comes days after the senator was slammed for blatant disinformation after claiming the Democrats were “plucking” children from the border with Covid to “seed the country with a new variant”.

The comments were made during an interview on Fox News during which he also told Americans who support mandatory vaccinations to mind their own business.