In a scathing critique of the current administration, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has lambasted President Donald Trump and his team for a series of blunders that, she argues, are compromising America’s national security and diminishing its global standing.
Her recent op-ed in the The New York Times paints a picture of an administration that is not only reckless but also alarmingly inept.
A Dangerous Breach of Security
Clinton begins by expressing astonishment at the administration’s cavalier handling of classified information. The incident, now infamously dubbed “Signalgate,” saw top officials discussing sensitive military plans over the encrypted messaging app Signal.
In an egregious lapse, a journalist was inadvertently included in the chat, exposing critical military strategies to potential public disclosure. Such negligence, Clinton asserts, directly endangers American troops and underscores a profound lack of judgment within the administration.
Erosion of Diplomatic and Development Efforts
Beyond the mishandling of intelligence, Clinton highlights the administration’s systematic dismantling of diplomatic institutions. Plans to close embassies, reduce consulates, and gut the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) are, in her view, shortsighted moves that weaken America’s influence abroad.
Drawing from her extensive experience as America’s top diplomat, Clinton emphasizes that forward-deployed diplomacy is as crucial as military readiness. Embassies serve as vital hubs for intelligence gathering, fostering alliances, and promoting American interests.Their closure cedes ground to global competitors like China, which is rapidly expanding its diplomatic footprint worldwide.
The Perils of ‘Dumb Power’
Clinton introduces the concept of “dumb power” to describe the administration’s approach—a stark contrast to the “smart power” strategy she championed, which integrates military strength with diplomacy, development aid, and cultural influence. She criticizes President Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth for prioritizing performative battles over “wokeness” rather than addressing genuine threats from adversaries like China and Russia.
For instance, the removal of tributes to the Tuskegee Airmen and the purging of images like that of the Enola Gay from the Pentagon are symbolic acts that do nothing to enhance national security. Instead, they reflect a misguided focus that undermines military morale and cohesion.
Purging Expertise Amid Global Challenges
The administration’s dismissal of seasoned generals, diplomats, and intelligence officers is another point of contention for Clinton. At a time when global challenges are mounting, from pandemics to geopolitical tensions, the purge of experienced professionals leaves the nation vulnerable. Clinton underscores that such actions not only degrade institutional knowledge but also signal to allies and adversaries alike that the U.S. is in disarray. This internal turmoil, she warns, could embolden rivals and destabilize international alliances.
Undermining Alliances and Moral Authority
Clinton also takes aim at President Trump‘s penchant for aligning with autocrats and undermining traditional alliances. Cozying up to leaders like Russia’s Vladimir Putin while alienating democratic allies erodes the trust and cooperation that have been cornerstones of American foreign policy. Furthermore, actions that flout the rule of law and democratic norms diminish America’s moral authority on the world stage, making it harder to champion human rights and democratic values abroad.
A Call for Competent Leadership
In her concluding remarks, Clinton doesn’t mince words about the stakes involved. She portrays President Trump as a leader who, much like his bankrupt Atlantic City casinos, is gambling recklessly—this time with national security. The implication is clear: without a course correction, the U.S. risks not only its global leadership position but also the safety and well-being of its citizens.
Clinton’s critique serves as a clarion call for a return to competent, thoughtful governance that values expertise, upholds democratic principles, and strategically leverages all facets of national power. Whether her warnings will be heeded remains to be seen, but the urgency of her message is unmistakable.
is a former First Lady, Secretary of State and United States senator and was the Democratic nominee for president in 2016.
Main Image: By Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America – Hillary Clinton, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=47942582
