It was a whirlwind of a 2025 for President Trump, as he gets his agenda off the ground. So far, things have gone relatively to plan, with President Trumps securing new trade deals, closing down illegal border crossings, and reversing economic damage done by the Biden Administration. That is not the only places Trump has made gains. The year of 2025 was littered with huge national security wins for America.
As mentioned, President Turmp has secured the border, which itself is a security win. But in addition, the President has secured a peace deal in Gaza, bombed Iran's nuclear capabilities into dust, and has brokered peace deals in Asia and Africa. In addition to all of that, his trade deals have also helped ramp up our national security.
Vice President of the Lexington Institute Rebecca Grant says these deals have put America first when it comes to economics, as well as security.
"A thing that stands out...bringing artificial intelligence as both trade deals, and involving our major tech titans, roping them into being part of our national security," she says.
In the advancing world of technology, especially AI, having those guarantees and networking is essential. But in the other interests, Operation Midnight Hammer might have been the most significant.
The operation involved seven B-2 bombers dropping precise strikes on Iran's nuclear weapons fabrication sites, crippling their ability to produce a nuclear weapon. Coming at a time, back in June, when Iran was threatening to ramp up their presence in the Middle East.
"The world is so much safer, and it was an incredibly bold decision...it took over 125 aircraft to go into that airspace," says Grant. "I think Midnight Hammer also led in its way to the Gaza ceasefire.
It led to the ceasefire mostly because Iran, who is a backer of Hamas, was effectively taken out. So, the two go hand-in-hand. In addition, Trump has cracked down hard on ISIS and their abilities to perform any terrorist duties they so desire.
All of it though has culminated into the most recent move by the Trump administration, which was the capture of Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro. All of it done with no U.S. troops on the ground, accomplished in the middle of the night while people slept.
That showcased America's true power to the world, and it has put the rest of the Western Hemisphere on notice.
"What it was designed to do was show that American dominance in the Western Hemisphere needs to go unchallenged," Grant says.
As for what this could mean in 2026, Grant adds this has just been the beginning, and expect the administration to take further steps as securing peace.
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