Why We Need Hegseth, Gabbard and Rubio to Strengthen America? | Opinion

Please answer one simple question: Which of the following does the United States currently possess?

(A) An adequate intelligence service.

(B) An adequate diplomatic corps.

(C) An adequate military.

(D) None of the above.

If you answered “none of the above,” you understand the problem. For the first time in a generation, the United States faces a serious great-power competitor. To put the preceding question more starkly: Are we adequately prepared to anticipate, deter, and, if necessary, win a war with China?

Intelligence Services

The United States has 18 intelligence agencies coordinated by the Director of National Intelligence (DNI). They collect a wide range of human, signals, open-source, and geospatial intelligence with combined annual budgets exceeding $75 billion. Yet, the intelligence community has often failed at critical moments. From being surprised by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine to the Taliban’s rapid takeover of Kabul and the Oct. 7 attacks on Israel, systemic issues persist.

A key issue is bureaucratic inefficiency. Intelligence managers often prioritize career safety over speaking truth to power, crafting reports that align with existing policies rather than delivering unwelcome news. Groupthink around the "Washington consensus" undermines objectivity, with historical consequences from Vietnam to Iraq.

The next DNI must embody experience, integrity, and a willingness to tolerate dissent. Tulsi Gabbard’s background makes her a strong candidate. A combat veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan, she has firsthand knowledge of the stakes involved in protecting America. In Congress, she served on key committees, including Armed Services, Foreign Affairs, and Homeland Security. Gabbard’s courage in leaving a political party she deemed unaligned with her principles underscores her independence—a quality essential for reforming U.S. intelligence.

Diplomatic Corps

The State Department remains a "crippled institution," as described by the Hart-Rudman Commission 25 years ago. While global dynamics have shifted to a balance of power among near-peer competitors, the State Department’s challenges remain unchanged. The next Secretary of State must combine strategic vision with proven negotiation skills.

Senator Marco Rubio exemplifies these qualities. With a clear understanding of the Chinese threat, he has been sanctioned by Beijing for criticizing its policies. Rubio has demonstrated flexibility, initially supporting military aid to Ukraine but later opposing additional funding when risks outweighed benefits. His bipartisan approach, as evidenced by his ranking as the 10th most bipartisan senator by Georgetown University, reflects his ability to collaborate across the aisle. Rubio’s extensive experience on Intelligence, Foreign Relations, and Appropriations subcommittees positions him to revitalize U.S. diplomacy.

Military Readiness

The U.S. military faces significant challenges. Spending has declined from nearly 10% of GDP during the Cold War to barely 3% today. Recruitment shortfalls persist, despite lowered standards, and procurement programs are notoriously slow. Political correctness has further eroded combat readiness.

Pete Hegseth, a combat veteran awarded the Bronze Star and Combat Infantry Badge, has firsthand experience with the consequences of inadequate preparedness. His critiques of political correctness and ineffective rules of engagement highlight his commitment to creating a military focused on merit and patriotism. Hegseth’s realism and willingness to challenge the status quo make him an ideal candidate for Secretary of Defense.

Conclusion

Americans often assume that physical security, economic prosperity, and political freedom are the natural state of humanity. History—and the reality for most of the world—tells a different story. These privileges require constant vigilance and capable leadership. As Winston Churchill observed, “The story of the human race is war. Except for brief and precarious interludes, there has never been peace in the world.”

To face future challenges, the United States needs an effective intelligence service, a dynamic diplomatic corps, and a capable military. Leaders like Tulsi Gabbard, Marco Rubio, and Pete Hegseth embody the ability, experience, and integrity necessary to safeguard America’s security in an increasingly volatile world.