As I watched wave after wave of America’s airpower pass over our nation’s capital during our 250th birthday, I felt a deep sense of pride in our military heroes who fly the aircraft and the skilled American workers who maintain and build them. God bless America, and may the sound of freedom be afterburners!
President Donald Trump loves a military parade, and not since Ronald Reagan has any president proposed such a large increase in military spending. In fact, his proposed Department of War budget is larger than the military budgets of China, Russia, India, and Germany combined. It is clear that Trump loves the military and is willing to use it. Just ask Ali Khamenei, Qasem Soleimani, and Nicolas Maduro if there is any doubt.
However, Trump does not love warfare.
I was with him during his first term when we flew to Dover to receive the body of Navy SEAL Senior Chief Ryan Owens, his first combat casualty as president. The president slowly walked past the families and the grieving mother of three onto the ramp of the aircraft holding the flag-draped casket. The president was unusually quiet and solemn as he observed the rows of gold SEAL Tridents affixed to the wooden top, an unmistakable marker of sacrifice.
I had known Trump as a candidate and had been with him while he took the Oath of Office, but this moment was defining. Trump had transitioned from president to commander in chief who understood the true cost of war. A hero’s death in Yemen made an impactful difference. “No more endless wars” was now the policy of the United States.
I can assure you, Trump is not a champion of war.
Which leads us to the present conflict in Iran that controls roughly 20% of the world’s energy supply and has killed thousands. As a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, I have met with nearly every foreign ambassador in the region, and all are united on four key points: (1) no nuclear weapons; (2) no nuclear materials; (3) no arsenal of destruction; and (4) the Strait of Hormuz must remain open.
Despite the rhetoric from the Left, this was not a war of choice for America, but for Iran. There can be no peace with a nuclear-armed Iran. Reagan’s “trust but verify” strategy does not apply when a regime has lied consistently for 47 years.
Iran is now weaker and further isolated from its Muslim neighbors. The regime has lost its senior leadership, air defense, navy, and ability to strike at scale. The state is in ruins, has little water, and its currency is worthless.
America has the power, but must have the will to finish the job.
As acting Commander of U.S. Special Forces in Iraq, my experience with the Iranians is that any show of weakness is fatal, and any verification must be accompanied by an unshakable will to act.
Our Independence Day airpower demonstration sent a message that America has the capability to “bomb Iran back to the Stone Age,” and there can be no doubt that Trump has the willpower to do just that.
Iran has a choice: Pursue peace and comply, or bet it can break Trump’s will to fight.
THEY WENT AFTER TRUMP UNDER AN OBSCURE CLAUSE. WHAT ABOUT LAWMAKERS WITH ACTUAL TERRORIST TIES?
This is an American president whose adversaries have lied to and spied on him, impeached him twice, indicted him four times, shot at him, and attempted to use lawfare to send him and his family to prison forever. Against all odds, he fought back and won by sheer willpower.
My money is on Trump, he who desires peace but is prepared for war.
Congressman Ryan Zinke represents Montana’s First Congressional District. A retired U.S. Navy SEAL commander, he served 23 years in uniform, including as Commander of Joint Special Operations in Iraq, and was awarded the Bronze Star for his service. He also served under President Donald Trump as the 52nd Secretary of the Interior.