America must protect our national security – that must be the first priority. But beyond our borders, America needs a strong, prepared, and focused military to keep us secure at home and protect our allies from the threat of invasion from communist, dictatorial regimes like China and Russia.
America is safer and more secure when we have an engaged and strong presence in global affairs. In the face of international conflict, America has a choice – to lead or retreat. In stark contrast to our former president, President Trump has chosen to lead.
This decision affects the whole world as countries look to how America responds to threats of war, invasions, and attacks on our allies. They look to America’s leadership.
In the past few years, we’ve witnessed conflicts that may be the result of weak foreign policy. Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, Hamas’ attack on Israel, China’s looming threat to invade Taiwan, and a nuclear Iran. America can’t sit back and watch. When disaster strikes, America must enforce strong, decisive repercussions on the perpetrator. We must remember that these perpetrators are terrorists, communists, and dictators who oppress others, even their own citizens, for economic and political gain.
America is safer and more secure when we have an engaged and strong presence in global affairs.
We have seen the highest number of violent conflicts since World War II. The lack of leadership abroad under the previous administration created a power vacuum that has been filled by our adversaries, whose goals and interests are antithetical to peace and freedom.
Under President Biden’s leadership, the U.S. made little effort to end the war in Ukraine. Meanwhile, President Trump has spent months in conversations with Putin and Zelenskyy to negotiate an end to the deadly war. Let me be clear, Putin is a thug. His invasion of Ukraine was an attack on innocent lives. These actions should never be tolerated, and this war must end.
Another prime example of American leadership abroad is President Trump’s attack on Houthi ships blocking the Suez Canal. For more than a year under Joe Biden’s leadership, terrorist ships blocked passage through the Suez Canal, firing at U.S. ships that utilize this shortcut in the Red Sea, disrupting global trade and supply chains. Less than two months into President Trump’s second term, he took decisive and powerful action by attacking the Iran-backed Houthi ships. This response made it clear to the world – there will be a price to pay for terrorist acts.
When America retreats from fighting violence and terrorism, our enemies are all too eager to take our place. This doesn’t mean we need boots on the ground in every country, but we must remain a beacon of freedom and demonstrate peace through strength.
When America retreats from fighting violence and terrorism, our enemies are all too eager to take our place.
Harry Truman pivoted America away from isolationism toward engagement in global affairs to stop the spread of communism. Ronald Reagan’s famous quote, “Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall,” turned the tides of history as President Gorbachev bowed to Reagan’s direction. Teddy Roosevelt spurred American influence abroad by building the Panama Canal and intervening in countries with unstable economic and political conditions. Each of these leaders rejected isolationism. Under their administrations, authoritarian, communist, and tyrannical rule could not stand. Their leadership ended world wars, Nazi Germany, and caused the ultimate collapse of the Soviet Union’s communist policies.
In America, we are once again faced with the decision to lead or retreat in the fight against authoritarians, communists, and terrorists. Under President Trump’s leadership, America will stand for freedom in Israel, Ukraine, Taiwan, and across the globe, and stand in strong opposition to those who disagree. Each country does not have to look like America, but we must be clear in our mission, ready to act, and steadfast in keeping our word. We cannot retreat, because the world is a safer place when America leads.
Dusty Johnson represents South Dakota in the U.S. House of Representatives. He is a Member of the Select Committee on China, and serves as Chairman of the Republican Main Street Caucus.