Hundreds of National Security Experts Endorse Trump for Re-election

In a significant boost to his 2024 presidential campaign, former President Donald Trump has been endorsed by hundreds of national security experts, foreign policy specialists, former military members, and Gold Star families. The endorsements come at a crucial time as the 2024 election approaches, and serve as a sharp contrast to the high-profile support Vice President Kamala Harris has received from figures such as Liz Cheney, Dick Cheney, and former Bush administration officials.

The endorsement of Trump was formalized in an open letter, organized by former National Security Adviser Robert O’Brien and former National Security Council Chief of Staff Alex Gray. The letter, signed by more than 400 individuals, expresses strong disapproval of the Biden-Harris administration’s foreign policy, accusing them of weakening U.S. national security and driving the world closer to war.

The letter opens with a striking condemnation of current U.S. leadership, stating, “From a world at peace under President Trump, we are closer to a third world war than ever before under the Biden-Harris Administration.” The signatories argue that under President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, the U.S. has seen a deterioration in global stability, citing multiple escalating conflicts, an increasingly porous border, and unchecked actions by countries like China as key failures of their foreign policy.

Among those who endorsed Trump are over 40 retired U.S. ambassadors, 75 retired senior military officers, and several hundred officials from previous Republican administrations. Their collective support highlights a deep dissatisfaction with the Biden-Harris administration’s handling of national security and foreign policy issues.

The letter also received backing from Gold Star families, including 11 family members of the 13 American service members who tragically lost their lives at Abbey Gate in Kabul during the chaotic U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021. Their endorsement signals a deep personal connection to the consequences of Biden’s foreign policy decisions, particularly the withdrawal, which has been widely criticized as poorly executed and has led to further instability in the region.

One of the key criticisms in the letter centers on the Biden administration’s handling of the Afghanistan withdrawal, which left the country in turmoil and resulted in a loss of American and Afghan lives. The letter contrasts this with Trump’s foreign policy approach, which the signatories argue led to greater peace and stability during his presidency. They point to Trump’s diplomatic achievements, including cease-fire agreements between Turkey and Kurdish forces in Syria, as well as the Abraham Accords, which normalized relations between Israel and several Arab nations.

The letter’s signatories refer to Trump as a “peacemaker,” emphasizing that his presidency was marked by a period of relative global peace. One of the most lauded achievements of the Trump administration, the Abraham Accords, is seen as a landmark diplomatic success, creating new partnerships in the Middle East that have had lasting impacts on regional stability.

The endorsement also points to Trump’s ability to avoid entangling the U.S. in new wars, contrasting his foreign policy with what they describe as the Biden-Harris administration’s failures to maintain peace and security. In particular, the letter claims that under Biden, the U.S. is closer to the brink of a third world war than it ever was under Trump. Escalating conflicts in regions like Eastern Europe, with Russia’s war in Ukraine, and increased tensions with China are cited as examples of the Biden-Harris administration’s inability to maintain global peace.

Furthermore, the letter expresses concern about the U.S. border security under Biden, arguing that the administration has allowed dangerous elements, including potential terrorists, to infiltrate the country. This, they argue, leaves the homeland vulnerable and further compromises national security. They credit Trump’s strict border policies as a necessary measure to protect American citizens, in stark contrast to what they view as the current administration’s leniency.

Perhaps the most emotional aspect of the endorsement comes from the Gold Star families, particularly those whose loved ones perished during the Kabul airport attack. For these families, Trump’s strong national security policies resonate deeply, especially when juxtaposed against the tragedy they associate with the Biden administration’s withdrawal from Afghanistan.

Their endorsement underscores the belief that Trump’s foreign policy approach prioritized the safety of American service members and the integrity of U.S. military operations abroad. The letter praises Trump for avoiding unnecessary military engagements and bringing American troops home without compromising global peace.

Meanwhile, Democrats and the Kamala Harris campaign have touted their own endorsements from figures like Liz Cheney, former Vice President Dick Cheney, and former members of the Bush administration. However, Trump’s latest endorsements are seen as far more substantial, particularly in the realm of national security.

Trump’s endorsements from military and national security officials carry significant weight, especially in contrast to Harris’s support from a relatively small number of former Republican figures. This endorsement of Trump, signed by over 400 key individuals, is a sharp reminder of his influence on U.S. security policy and the loyalty he continues to command from those who served under his administration.

The letter from hundreds of national security experts, retired military officers, and Gold Star families not only represents an important endorsement for Trump but also reflects deep dissatisfaction with the current administration’s handling of U.S. foreign policy. As the 2024 election draws closer, Trump’s supporters argue that his strong stance on national security and diplomatic achievements make him the candidate best suited to steer the nation through an increasingly uncertain global landscape.