America Unsecured: Chaos at Home, Weakness abroad

And we’re only one month in…

Donald Trump has just completed his first month back in the Oval Office, and the fears many of us who worked in Trump 1.0 had about his approach to national security have become reality. In these first 30 days, we've witnessed nothing short of a full-scale dismantling of the security structures that have kept America safe for decades. From abandoning our allies to purging career professionals in favor of sycophants, Trump's actions once again confirmed that his loyalty lies not with America's security but with himself. 

The Betrayal of Reagan's Legacy:Ukraine and NATO on the Brink  

Trump's refusal to support Ukraine marks a complete betrayal of Ronald Reagan's doctrine of standing against Russian aggression, a cornerstone of Republican foreign policy for decades. He's recently gone out of his way to make several false claims regarding the ongoing conflict and Russia's aggression on Ukraine. He accused Ukraine of initiating the war with Russia despite the well-documented fact that Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. The fabrication prompted his former Vice President and my former boss, Mike Pence, to set the record straight on social media: "Mr. President, Ukraine did not "start" this war. Russia launched an unprovoked and brutal invasion claiming hundreds of thousands of lives. The Road to Peace must be built on the Truth.🇺🇸🇺🇦" 

Additionally, Trump labeled Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as a "dictator without elections," overlooking that Ukraine suspended elections due to martial law amid the ongoing conflict. Calling the President of Ukraine, Zelensky, a "dictator," was rich, coming from King Trump. Trump also falsely claimed that Zelenskyy's approval rating was as low as 4%, whereas recent polls indicate it is around 50%. So what if Trump is up to his usual disinformation and lies? It's alarming because this is the President of the United States parroting Russian disinformation narratives. What is the result of all this insanity coming out of the current leader of the free world? Now fearful of a Russian advance, Eastern European NATO allies have begun scrambling to fortify their defenses.

European Reaction and Strained Alliances

In the first month of President Donald Trump's second term, significant shifts in U.S. foreign policy have prompted a range of reactions from European leaders, particularly concerning the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the stability of transatlantic alliances.

European leaders have expressed alarm over the U.S. administration's decision to engage in direct negotiations with Russia regarding the Ukraine conflict, excluding both Ukraine and European nations from the discussions. This move has been perceived as sidelining European interests and potentially undermining regional security. In response, European officials have called for increased defense spending and reevaluating their security strategies to reduce reliance on the United States.

The perceived shift in U.S. commitment to European security has reignited discussions about the need for a unified European defense force. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has advocated for establishing a "European armed forces," emphasizing the need for Europe to take greater responsibility for its defense in light of uncertain U.S. support. Various European leaders have echoed this sentiment, who stress the importance of military unity and increased defense investments.

The current U.S. administration's approach has led to tensions within the transatlantic alliance. Statements from U.S. officials criticizing European policies, combined with unilateral actions in foreign policy, have caused frustration among European leaders. These developments have prompted Europe to consider a more independent path in international affairs, reassessing its alliances and strategic priorities.

In summary, the initial phase of President Trump's second term has introduced uncertainties in U.S.-Europe relations, notably regarding collective security and foreign policy coordination. European nations are actively seeking ways to adapt to this evolving geopolitical landscape, emphasizing the need for greater autonomy and cohesive defense strategies.

Trump's Loyalty Tests for the Intelligence Community and Military: A Dangerous Precedent

The intelligence community and military are meant to serve the country, not any one leader. However, under Trump's new mandates, loyalty tests are being imposed, ensuring that only those who align with his political and ideological agenda hold power. Moreover, recent developments raise an even darker question: Are these loyalty tests just a purge to stack our national security apparatus with individuals who will act as Russian assets? The implications are dire, with figures like Tulsi Gabbard, a known Russia sympathizer who leads the intelligence community, and Kash Patel undergoing confirmation to become FBI Director despite his foreign conflicts, including his direct ties to Russia. Suppose key Republican senators do not stand against him during the impending vote this week. In that case, Patel may soon be in charge of the nation's premier law enforcement agency, further cementing Russia's influence within Trump's administration. Capeesh?!

The National Nuclear Security Administration Fiasco  

One of the most bizarre and troubling episodes of this past month has been Trump's erratic handling of the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), which oversees America's nuclear stockpile. The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, initiated the mass layoffs. 350 NNSA employees responsible for overseeing the nation's nuclear arsenal were abruptly terminated. This action raised significant concerns about national security and operational stability. Quite stunning, given the critical national security gaps this leaves at a time when global threats are rising. Thanks DOGE!

A Homeland Security at War with Itself 

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has also been in turmoil. Trump's return brought immediate executive orders aimed at mass deportations, reigniting internal conflicts between career professionals and his handpicked enforcers. While everyone focused on immigration, guess what else was going on? Kristi Noem was busy curtailing counter-extremism programs, effectively ending efforts to combat domestic terrorism threats—particularly those linked to white nationalist movements. Intelligence reports have long identified such groups as one of the nation's top security threats. Still, Trump's political priorities have once again taken precedence over national security. To be clear, this also happened during Trump 1.0. It was one of the biggest concerns I continuously faced in my role as former Vice President Mike Pence's homeland security advisor, especially in the aftermath of several incidents perpetuating the great replacement and nativism theories. There were also whistleblowers who called attention to what we were facing at the Department of Homeland Security not just on this topic, but--wait for it, Russia!

Why Every American Should Care

You don't have to live in Washington, D.C., or work in national security to be affected by Trump's reckless policies. His actions destabilize global markets, weaken our alliances, and make America more vulnerable to foreign adversaries. The safety of every community, from small towns to major cities, depends on a stable national security framework that prevents threats before they reach our shores. Whether it's cyberattacks on our infrastructure, weakened disaster response capabilities, or emboldened domestic extremists, the consequences of Trump's decisions will be felt in everyday American life. Ignoring these dangers only allows them to grow, threatening not just democracy abroad but security at home.

The first month of Trump's return to power has already placed America on a dangerous trajectory. By gutting institutions, empowering adversaries, and prioritizing personal loyalty over national interests, he has weakened the very foundations of our security.  The question now is: how much worse will it get? The damage to the United States on the world stage is certainly well on its way to becoming irreversible.

Food for thought: If Trump’s intelligence and law enforcement leadership are filled with Russian assets, who is really running our national security? And what does that mean for America’s future?

Talk to me. What’s keeping you up at night?

-Olivia