Donald Trump’s Record on National Security and Peace
When it comes to the safety and security of the United States, Donald Trump stands out as one of the most pragmatic leaders in recent history. His presidency was marked by an unusual combination of military strength and restraint, making him not only a defender of American interests but also one of the most peace-focused presidents in decades. Here’s why Trump’s military leadership deserves recognition:
1. Ending a “Forever War”
One of Trump’s most significant achievements in terms of military leadership was his decisive action to bring an end to America’s longest-running conflict— the war in Afghanistan. While the final withdrawal occurred under the Biden administration, Trump laid the groundwork by negotiating a peace deal with the Taliban in 2020. The agreement called for a phased withdrawal of U.S. troops in exchange for counterterrorism commitments from the Taliban, marking the first serious step toward ending the war. (National Review)
For almost two decades, the war in Afghanistan had drained American resources and lives, with no clear end in sight. By taking the lead in these negotiations, Trump ensured that the U.S. military could begin disengaging from a costly and prolonged conflict, a testament to his strategic thinking and prioritization of American lives.
2. No New Wars
Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of Trump’s presidency is the fact that, unlike many of his predecessors, he didn’t start any new wars. This stands in stark contrast to both Democratic and Republican administrations that saw involvement in international conflicts across multiple continents.
While maintaining a robust military posture, Trump took a non-interventionist approach, emphasizing the need for other countries to bear more responsibility for their defense. This policy resulted in fewer American lives being lost in foreign wars and a more cautious use of military force—a balance that has been challenging for many leaders to strike. (National Review)
3. The Abraham Accords: Historic Progress Toward Peace
One of Trump’s most significant diplomatic achievements was the signing of the Abraham Accords, which normalized relations between Israel and several Arab nations, including the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Sudan, and Morocco. These agreements represent a groundbreaking shift in Middle Eastern diplomacy and have been lauded for their potential to stabilize the region.
For decades, peace in the Middle East seemed unattainable due to entrenched hostilities between Israel and its Arab neighbors. By brokering these accords, Trump facilitated dialogue and cooperation in a way no previous president had achieved. These agreements were a monumental step toward easing tensions and fostering economic and diplomatic collaboration between former adversaries. (The American Presidency Project) (National Review)
4. Strength through Deterrence
While Trump was focused on diplomacy, he also maintained a strong deterrent posture to ensure that America’s adversaries understood the consequences of aggression. A key example of this was his approach to Iran. Following the drone strike that killed Iranian General Qasem Soleimani, Trump sent a clear message that attacks on American interests would not go unanswered. This action, though controversial, arguably reinforced America’s deterrence capabilities without dragging the country into a broader conflict (POLITICO).
Similarly, Trump’s administration pursued a firm stance against North Korea’s nuclear ambitions, combining direct diplomacy with the threat of military force. His unprecedented meetings with Kim Jong-un opened channels of communication that reduced tensions and, for a time, brought North Korea’s missile testing to a halt.
Conclusion
Donald Trump’s military leadership prioritized peace, diplomacy, and national security through a combination of strength and restraint. By ending America’s longest war in Afghanistan, avoiding new military entanglements, and brokering historic peace deals in the Middle East through the Abraham Accords, Trump’s tenure marked a period of relative calm on the global stage. In stark contrast, under the Biden/Harris administration, the world has seen a resurgence of significant military conflicts, raising questions about their ability to maintain global peace and security.
Since Jo Biden and Kamala Harris took office, two major wars have erupted—one between Russia and Ukraine and another between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. The war in Ukraine, in particular, has brought the world closer to nuclear conflict than at any point since the Cold War, with Russian officials frequently invoking the possibility of nuclear escalation. (POLITICO)
The Biden administration’s handling of the conflict has involved significant military aid to Ukraine, but this approach has not deterred Russia’s aggression and has instead prolonged a brutal and destabilizing war in Eastern Europe.
Meanwhile, in the Middle East, the conflict between Israel and Hamas has escalated to levels not seen in decades. The region’s fragile stability has once again been shattered, with thousands of lives lost and no clear path to peace in sight. (POLITICO) The Biden administration’s foreign policy has failed to prevent these crises from spiraling out of control, despite its “commitment to diplomacy”.
Moreover, China’s aggression toward Taiwan has reached an all-time high under Biden. Increased military posturing, including repeated airspace violations and threats of invasion, has brought the U.S. and its allies closer to a potential conflict with China (National Review). The Biden/Harris administration’s response has been one of strategic ambiguity, but critics argue that it lacks the clear deterrence and decisive action that could prevent further escalation.
Trump, by contrast, successfully maintained a delicate balance—deterring threats while avoiding direct military engagement. Under his leadership, the risk of major global conflicts, particularly nuclear confrontations, was significantly lower. His administration’s approach to foreign policy, while controversial, resulted in tangible progress toward peace, such as the Abraham Accords and a de-escalation of North Korea’s nuclear testing.
In today’s geopolitical climate, with multiple wars being fought and the threat of nuclear conflict looming, the contrast between Trump’s relatively peaceful term and the Biden/Harris presidency’s escalation of global instability is striking. Trump’s legacy as a military leader is characterized by his ability to keep the U.S. out of new wars, broker peace agreements, and prioritize American interests without escalating conflicts abroad. In comparison, the Biden/Harris administration’s foreign policy has seen a resurgence of global conflict, bringing the world closer to the brink of widespread war. A vote for Kamala means more of the same. If you are for peace through strength, vote for Donald Trump.