OPINION:
For millions of Americans, the terrorist attacks that took the lives of 2,977 of our fellow countrymen 25 years ago this month still seem like they happened yesterday.
The sadness, anger and other emotions still run deep for all who lived through that horrible day, especially those who lost loved ones. A quarter of a century has flown by in the blink of an eye, and although we have made important improvements in our approach to national security, the world remains dangerous and ever-changing.
Thankfully, President Trump and congressional Republicans take the threats seriously.
On Sept. 10, 2001, the United States had in many ways become complacent in the post-Cold War world. We had taken our eye off the ball. Despite the ample warning signs, we chose — unwisely — to rely on the great oceans that separated us from what too many considered “far away” problems, including Islamic terrorism.
The next morning, as jetliners were hijacked and deliberately used as weapons to kill thousands, we saw that America still had determined enemies who needed to be confronted and defeated.
The lesson learned on that dark day was that we must stay on offense against the enemy, always remain vigilant and never forget what happened. In the wake of the attacks, there was nearly unanimous support for these sentiments.
Republicans and Democrats were united in the effort to enact the necessary reforms to better protect Americans from the scourge of radical Islamic terrorism. The Department of Homeland Security was created, defense and intelligence funding was increased and our national security strategy shifted dramatically to address the threat.
Our government took the fight to the enemy all over the world, wherever it was plotting. The overarching goal was to kill the terrorists overseas before they killed us on our own soil.
As it turns out, this policy has proved difficult to sustain. Sadly, as 9/11 recedes in the rearview mirror, for some politicians it has become easier to move on and hope for the best.
Although Republicans are still focused on making the necessary strong decisions to keep Americans safe, today’s weak elected Democrats hold little in common with their party’s position in the fall of 2001.
By contrast, Mr. Trump will never forget that terrible day or who was responsible. In fact, his mindset is still directly on point and his spine remains ironclad. When Mr. Trump says the Islamic fundamentalist regime in Iran can never have a nuclear weapon, he means it — and then he backs it up with decisive action.
This president understands that if Muslim terrorists fly planes into the World Trade Center and Pentagon, they are capable of detonating a nuclear weapon to kill as many Americans as possible.
Mr. Trump is exercising peace through strength by staying on offense against our enemies. His administration is laser-focused on fortifying our borders, protecting our national sovereignty, blocking entry to foreigners from countries with ties to terrorism, targeting drug smugglers and deporting criminals who are in our country illegally.
If Democrats win control of either the U.S. House or Senate in November, all these successes — and the overarching pivot back to a government that prioritizes national security — would be in jeopardy.
Look no further than the irresponsible decision by Democrats to shut down the Homeland Security Department for 76 long days, leaving Americans vulnerable at a time of war. With a Democratic majority in Congress, more government shutdowns and funding fights over important national security issues would take place almost immediately. Trump derangement syndrome would guide the left’s every reckless action, America’s safety be damned.
After all, if you are willing to pack the U.S. Supreme Court, defund police and reopen the border, there is literally no telling how low radicalized Democrats in Congress could sink.
The party of Presidents Truman and Kennedy is a thing of the past. It is not a stretch to say that today’s Democratic Party has never been weaker when it comes to protecting Americans at home and abroad than it is right now. Meanwhile, Mr. Trump is taking on all the big problems and tough challenges to make sure we are more secure for years to come — and taking the political heat that many before him were unwilling to take.
Mr. Trump will not be guided by polls or talking heads on cable news. In the coming days and weeks, as Americans refocus on their daily lives, he will continue working diligently to keep us all safe.
• David N. Bossie is the president of Citizens United. He served as a senior adviser to the Trump 2024 and 2020 campaigns. He served as deputy campaign manager for Donald J. Trump for President in 2016 and deputy executive director for the Trump transition team.
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