The Terrace Room at Bucknell University’s Elaine Langone Center buzzed with anticipation Tuesday afternoon as students lined up early, eager to secure seats for what many called a historic campus visit. Senator Rand Paul (R-Kentucky) became the first sitting U.S. Senator to speak at Bucknell in two decades, with the last senators to visit being Frank Lautenberg and Arlen Specter in 1946.
Organized by the Bucknell Program for American Leadership and the Open Discourse Coalition, the event centered on the constitutional implications of American foreign policy, a signature issue for the Kentucky senator and ophthalmologist who currently chairs the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
“Culture and the Constitution: U.S. Foreign Policy Today in Light of the Constitution” drew a capacity crowd of students, faculty, and community members. The event featured a free lunch buffet, but attendees made it clear that they were in attendance to hear Paul speak, not the chicken parm.
Father Paul Siewers, associate professor of English at Bucknell and one of the event organizers, introduced the senator by highlighting the importance of examining “how issues culturally are related to foreign relations and national security,” particularly focusing on our global military responses. Paul’s address focused on constitutional limitations on war powers, a perspective he has championed throughout his time in the Senate.
“The most important thing is the vote,” Paul emphasized during his remarks, explaining that the authority to declare war falls on the Congress, according to the Constitution. He traced how presidential war powers have expanded dramatically since 1950, with what he described as a broken system that has moved away from the founders’ intent of a separation of powers.
The senator spoke of a specific example, the Vietnam war, of which he noted that “the president decided on that war, no vote.” People were not happy with this decision and had no say. He argued that it is situations like these that make checks and balances in government essential.
Students nodded along as Paul addressed recent military actions, including what he characterized as unconstitutional bombings in Yemen. “We’re not at war with Yemen,” he pointed out, questioning the presidential authority to conduct such operations without congressional approval. The senator urged students to think critically about how the U.S. should interact with other countries according to constitutional guidelines.
Beyond foreign policy, Paul covered domestic issues including poverty reduction, education, healthcare, and economic policy. He advocated for free market capitalism as a solution to poverty, arguing that “when competition happens, prices go down,” and noting that “lower income is going up,” contrary to some narratives about income inequality.
The senator didn’t shy away from controversial topics, including COVID-19 policies. Paul, who has been critical of certain pandemic responses, emphasized personal freedoms and questioned emergency powers. He outlines his argument against the COVID response in his book, “Deception: The Great Covid Cover Up” which all attendees received for free.
After his formal remarks, Paul engaged in a lively Q&A session, where students pressed him on issues ranging from government budget cuts to tariffs. Bucknell student Jack Lieblein asked the senator how he would reduce the national debt without harming the lower class. “You have to cut everything,” Paul responded, including programs like Medicare.
I was able to speak to Lieblein following the event, and he told me “I am glad that we can have civil open discourse in a time of political polarization. Senator Paul provided the audience a glimpse into his mind and the opportunity to hear his core beliefs. Regarding my question to the Senator, which was how to reduce government spending without harming the middle class, I was met with a descriptive response as to how said mission can be accomplished.”
A more private session followed the event, giving more students and community members the chance to ask the senator questions about topics that were important to them. The talk mainly focused on Paul’s criticisms of COVID policies, which seemed to be a strong topic of interest for many in the audience. Student Massimo Fuduli asked about the Covid MRNA vaccines, worried that they had the power to actually change one’s DNA. Despite Paul’s reservations about the vaccine, he explained that it does not actually reshape DNA in any way, though it still poses harm in other ways for people of certain age groups.
Senior student Vienne Warfel, an intern with the Open Discourse Coalition, offered the following remarks, “I enjoyed hearing Rand Paul speak particularly about the Constitution and its role in maintaining checks and balances. I appreciated his perspective on how it hasn’t been properly applied in the context of current tariffs.” Continuing she stated, “What stood out to me was his ability to support the president while still openly disagreeing with certain policies. I think this is a valuable lesson for students—to understand that it’s okay to agree with someone on some issues while respectfully disagreeing on others.”
Overall, Paul offered a positive outlook on the future of this country. “It’s the best time ever to be alive,” Paul said. “We have antibiotics. Women don’t die in childbirth like they used to. There’s a lot less anger, bigotry, racism, all those things that we had. I think there’s a lot less than there’s ever been.” He further emphasized our role in shaping our own futures, stating “There’s so much out there waiting for you, and nothing’s stopping you other than people beating you down saying you can’t do it. Don’t be a victim. Go out there and conquer the world.”
As the private session came to a close, Senator Paul graciously signed his book for all in attendance. As students filed out after the event, many continued discussions about the senator’s remarks, debating against each other about America’s proper role in global affairs. For many attendees, the lasting impact wasn’t about partisan politics but rather the senator’s emphasis on constitutional principles and thoughtful policy deliberation.
Jack Lieblein: jgl015@bucknell.edu
Vienne Warfel: vew003@bucknell.edu | 717-847-4052
Image: https://www.standard-journal.com/news/local/article_eeded55e-d3a1-4583-a6ab-56a8c59ada1a.html