The Trump administration just rolled out a series of blockbuster deals: a new government-run site called TrumpRx, a drug pricing pact with Pfizer, and an agreement giving Washington a 10% equity stake in Intel.
But not everyone supports the moves. The policy changes have drawn quiet resistance from some conservatives.
Never one to bite his tongue, Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) isn’t holding back. On MSNBC, he told host Stephanie Ruhle that Trump’s economic plans look more like the playbook of Zohran Mamdani — the democratic socialist frontrunner in New York City’s mayoral race known for advocating public ownership of utilities and housing.
As Mediaite reports:
Paul shared his interview on X and wrote, “If you’re going to criticize the socialist Mamdani for wanting to own grocery stores, you better criticize Republicans who want a share of Intel, of Nvidia, or U.S. Steel. Owning even part of the means of production is a step toward socialism. It’s a bad idea and a dangerous precedent.”
In the clip from earlier in the week, Ruhle asked Paul, “The president wants a stake in big business. At a New York Economic Club event today, the president’s top trade negotiator said that Trump would, quote, ‘Love a stake in every company that’s doing well.’ What do you think about that? I mean, you are a free markets, true capitalism kind of guy. That doesn’t sound like any free markets I know.”
“Yeah, if you’re going to criticize Mamdani for wanting to own the grocery stores, you have to be equal parts critic to any Republican who wants a share of Nvidia, a share of Intel, or a share of U.S. Steel. It’s a bad idea. It’s a slippery slope. And really, it is heading in the direction of what socialism is, which would be owning all of the means of production. If you only own a percentage of the means of production, it still is a step in the wrong direction,” Paul replied.
“Then what do you think about this new partnership that we just heard about today with Pfizer? It’s going to be known as TrumpRx. Our U.S. government is going to sell Pfizer drugs on a website named after Donald John Trump,” Ruhle followed up.
Paul admitted he didn’t yet have the full picture. “I haven’t seen all the details so far, but what I will tell you is part of the news report said that it’s driven Pfizer to a negotiated price, a lower negotiated price on Medicaid. I do think the government should negotiate with the full leverage that they have in size for both Medicaid and Medicare,” he replied.
But is Paul’s broader comparison a fair one?
That depends on how one defines socialism. Traditionally, the term refers to government ownership of the means of production, central planning, or the elimination of private enterprise — none of which apply here directly. Instead, Trump’s moves resemble what some might call a hybrid or interventionist model: using public money to take equity positions in private firms for strategic purposes.
Still, it’s a sharp break from decades of GOP free-market orthodoxy. Government taking ownership stakes — even partial — in private companies was once the kind of move Republicans would blast Democrats for attempting. That’s partly why it’s drawing heat now.
Framing Trump’s policy in contrast to Mamdani’s left-wing agenda helps critics highlight the irony: Republicans condemning socialism while embracing state intervention — at least when it’s their guy doing it.
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Comparing President Trump to Mandani is absurd. One is a true communist-socialist without question – just look at his policy ideas. As for the President
it the details that matter. For instance, the Intel arrangement has to do with Tiawan, at risk of being overtaken by China.
I liked your reply. And you are right the article on the intel share was short on specifics. Taiwan is at risk because of China and now I will do more research. Politics are such a messy affair but Trump swims in it like a shark on the hunt. I have voted for him in every election. He is a talker but he knows what he wants and how to get it. I am waiting for him to educate Hamas and that dictator in Venezuela. Gonna be interesting reading and listening but right now I need to look into this sharing thing that Rand Paul has his undies in a knot over it. Thank you Judy for reminding me these articles are sometime short on facts. Gracias from Susan in AZ!
I like Rand Paul and think he is an important voice in our government even if he does tend to go overboard.