Trump needs even more security!
Following the recent terror attack in New Orleans and the potential bombing in Las Vegas on New Year’s Day, Republican leaders are calling for the swift confirmation of President-elect Donald Trump’s national security team. They argue that these incidents underscore the urgent need for leadership to address the growing threat of terrorism, particularly from ISIS.
“Americans expect clear answers and strong action in the face of these threats,” said incoming Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) on social media. He emphasized the importance of having Trump’s national security team in place as soon as possible. “The threat from ISIS will persist beyond this administration, and these attacks are a vivid reminder that national security cannot wait.”
Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) echoed Thune’s call, stressing that lives are at stake. “The U.S. Senate must act quickly to confirm President Trump’s national security nominees. The security of the American people depends on it,” Barrasso wrote following the attacks. Newly elected Senators, including Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio) and Jim Banks (R-Ind.), also voiced support for accelerating the confirmation process. Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) noted that Republican leaders have already organized meetings between Trump’s national security nominees and the Senate GOP to ensure swift action.
With Republicans poised to hold a 53-47 majority in the Senate come January 3, there is little room for error in confirming Trump’s picks. While some GOP members have expressed reservations about certain nominees, such as Tulsi Gabbard for Director of National Intelligence, there are no objections so far to FBI Director-nominee Kash Patel, whose agency will oversee investigations into the recent attacks.
The two suspects identified in the attacks were both U.S. military veterans. Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a 42-year-old Army veteran, drove a vehicle through crowds on Bourbon Street in New Orleans, killing at least 14 people before being shot by police. In Las Vegas, Matthew Livelsberger, a 37-year-old former Army special forces drone operator, detonated an explosive device outside the Trump International Hotel. Authorities discovered an ISIS flag in his truck, and Jabbar had reportedly posted videos on social media pledging allegiance to the terror group.
With Trump’s second term beginning on January 20, the clock is ticking for the Senate to confirm key national security positions. Former Rep. Mike Waltz (R-Fla.), who will serve as Trump’s National Security Advisor, emphasized that national security leaders need to be in place from Day One. “We need trusted, experienced leaders like Kristi Noem at Homeland Security, Kash Patel at the FBI, Pete Hegseth at Defense, Marco Rubio at State, and Tulsi Gabbard at the Director of National Intelligence office,” Waltz said. “We can’t afford delays.”
President Trump has also voiced concerns about possible delays in the confirmation process, warning that Senate Democrats may attempt to block or delay the confirmation of his nominees. On Truth Social, Trump urged Republicans to remain firm and prevent any obstruction. “We just won a historic mandate from the American people, but Senate Democrats are already trying to delay the confirmation of our outstanding nominees,” he said. “Republicans need to stay strong and get this done. We’ve got big problems to solve.”
In light of these recent terror attacks, Republicans are united in calling for quick action to secure the leadership needed to protect the nation. Ensuring that Trump’s national security team is confirmed and ready to lead will be critical in facing the ongoing threat of terrorism and other national security challenges.