For decades, the United States has too often entered wars of choice that have produced destruction, loss of life, and long-term instability—without making our country safer. We must be clear-eyed about this history and committed to doing better. At the same time, the world is becoming an increasingly dangerous place. America must maintain the strongest defense in the world—backed by world-class intelligence and highly capable special operations forces. That strength is essential to deter adversaries, protect our interests, and keep Americans safe.
To achieve this, we must limit the role of those with financial interests in war to technical and advisory functions—not policy decisions. Their continued influence in broader decision-making has too often contributed to misleading narratives that go insufficiently challenged by politicians and, at times, the media. The result has been costly engagements that burden our military families, strain our resources, and erode public trust. We must set a higher standard: war must always be a last resort, grounded in clear evidence, defined objectives, and a realistic path to success. Congress must fully exercise its constitutional responsibility before authorizing the use of force, and the American people deserve transparency and accountability when such decisions are made.
My approach is straightforward: maintain unmatched defensive strength, avoid unnecessary conflicts, and hold all actors accountable—including our own defense contractors—when failures occur. I have long opposed wars that lack clear justification, and I will continue to do so. At the same time, I recognize and respect the critical role of those who serve and those who build the systems that protect them. We can support a strong national defense while ensuring that decisions are made responsibly, honestly, and in the true interest of the American people—not driven by inertia, misinformation, or special interests.