When President Trump took office in 2016, he promised to prioritize America’s national security. By the end of his first term, President Trump handed over the reins of a nation that was more secure, stable, and resilient than it is today under the Biden administration. His leadership left us with fewer conflicts, safer borders, and a stronger position on the global stage.
Four years after President Trump left office, the United States has witnessed the outbreak of two major regional wars—in Ukraine and the Middle East—and an open and unsecured southern border where human trafficking and drug smuggling run rampant. Over the last eight years, one thing is clear: the world was far safer under President Trump. As a former Navy SEAL and U.S. Marine who served our country for twenty-one years, President Trump’s defense appointees are not only highly impressive but absolutely critical to his mission of restoring American dominance. I am proud to support them.
President Trump’s appointments of America First leaders--including Marco Rubio as Secretary of State, Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense, Mike Waltz as National Security Advisor, and Tulsi Gabbard as National Intelligence Director--signal a return to the strong, decisive leadership that America needs to regain its footing.
As Secretary of State, Senator Rubio has promised to put Americans first and enforce a ‘peace through strength’ agenda. In the U.S. Senate, Rubio has defended American interests and has been a leading voice combating China and Russia’s threats against the United States and supporting our allies like Israel.
Pete Hegseth’s nomination as Secretary of Defense signals a long-overdue course correction, putting warfighting at the center of the Pentagon’s mission. Hegseth is a 20-year veteran with two Bronze Stars tours in Iraq and Afghanistan and has deep ties to the Special Operations community. He has been a vocal advocate for refocusing the Department of Defense on its core mission: preparing to win wars and defend the nation. Under President Biden’s defense leadership, recruitment and retention rates have plummeted, morale has reached an all-time low, and readiness has been hampered by divisive Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
One of my favorite appointments in President Trump’s Cabinet is Congressman and retired Colonel Mike Waltz as National Security Advisor. Waltz brings a wealth of experience, combining legislative expertise with firsthand military knowledge. As a veteran of the Army Special Forces, he understands the multifaceted challenges of modern national security. He has consistently advocated for policies that strengthen America’s defense capabilities and prioritize strategic planning. His appointment reflects President Trump’s commitment to surrounding himself with leaders who know what it takes to protect America from adversaries.
One of the most impressive aspects of President Trump’s Cabinet selections is his willingness to cross partisan lines to assemble a team focused on delivering wins for America. Tulsi Gabbard, a former Democratic Congresswoman, and Iraq War veteran, is set to lead the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. Gabbard has consistently demonstrated a commitment to serving America’s interests.
The 2024 election was a clear mandate from the American people: They want a government that prioritizes national security and puts their interests first. President Trump’s Cabinet is a testament to his commitment to delivering on that mandate.
The chaos we see today—from the Ukraine-Russia war to the Israel-Hamas conflict—was largely absent during Trump’s first term. His administration’s policies focused on peace through strength, ensuring that America’s enemies thought twice before testing our resolve.
As we face the challenges of a volatile world, President Trump’s Cabinet picks are a crucial step toward rebuilding America’s strength and credibility. It’s time for America to reclaim its position as a global leader, not through endless wars or hollow rhetoric, but by standing firm, investing in defense capabilities, and leading with purpose. President Trump’s Cabinet selections set the stage for a new era of American security and prosperity, and I am confident they will deliver the results our nation deserves.
America is ready to be strong again.