NW Kentucky News

The Subcommittee on Military and Foreign Affairs recently held a hearing titled "Emerging Global Threats: Putting America’s National Security First." During the session, members discussed efforts by the Trump Administration to restore America's global standing following what they described as four years of ineffective foreign policy under the Biden Administration. The discussion emphasized the importance of combining soft and hard power to achieve global peace and deter adversaries.

Dr. Meaghan Mobbs, Director of the Center for American Safety and Security, stressed the need for the U.S. to effectively deploy both types of power against authoritarian regimes like China and Russia. She stated, “The world is rapidly changing, and the United States finds itself in a global competition against near-peer adversaries... If we are to prevail in this competition, the United States must effectively deploy both hard power and soft power.”

Brent Sadler, Senior Research Fellow and Retired U.S. Navy Captain, noted a shift in approach from the Biden Administration to Trump's regarding China: "...deterrence of China will rest on a credible military, backed by a resilient wartime economy."

Dr. Jacob Olidort from the America First Policy Institute highlighted Trump's "America First" leadership style: “An America First foreign policy agenda does not mean America alone... This is the way to protect Americans and advance our interests abroad.”

Subcommittee Chairman William Timmons (R-S.C.) discussed differences between administrations concerning U.S. hostages held by Hamas. Dr. Olidort criticized previous negotiations: “We never should have been a neutral broker... I think the more important issue is withholding assistance to Israel.”

Rep. Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.) questioned how Trump could prepare for future threats from Russia and China. Mr. Sadler responded that comprehensive use of available tools is necessary: “We need to bring that together and bring all those forces to bear.”

Rep. Eli Crane (R-Ariz.) remarked on past geopolitical events involving Russia under different presidents but not during Trump's tenure: “I do think that peace through strength works.”

Rep. John McGuire (R-Va.) addressed perceived shortcomings in Biden's foreign policy approach with Dr. Mobbs concluding that there was an over-reliance on soft power which weakened American influence.