Defense Policies Quotes

I have fiercely criticized both the Bush administration's counterterrorism policies and the Obama administration's - and fiercely defended both as well.

When it comes to setting national priorities, determining threats, defining challenges, and fashioning and implementing foreign and defense policies, the United States and Europe have parted ways.

After more than 30 years of presidents from Bill Clinton through Joe Biden asking Europe nicely to assume more responsibility for the common defense, America has had it. Europe in general, and Germany especially, can no longer count on an eternal snuggle rug of American protection. … For many Europeans and their American allies, Mr. Trump’s presidency is an assault on democracy as well as on trans-Atlantic solidarity. For the president’s supporters, it is the Europeans who have betrayed the West. Foolish national-defense strategies, self-defeating economic policies, censorship, and suicidal cultural and immigration measures have eroded both the strategic and moral commonalities that once united the West. Europeans think Mr. Trump is betraying democracy by punching it in the face; Team Trump argues the Europeans have betrayed it with a kiss.

I support all efforts to protect the security of the state of Israel.

We as a country have something to learn from Israel, especially in the areas of security and defense, and we will of course be doing that.

Concrete steps are needed to reduce the role of nuclear weapons in military plans, doctrines, and policies.

There are so many elements of the Department of Defense that have to sign off to do anything, that any one of them was able to stop something. The only person who could make something happen was the Secretary of Defense.

I think it's only fair that Americans take into account who can keep them safe. Who has the best ideas for defeating ISIS. And protecting us here at home. I think I have laid out what I believe would work.

I think Barack Obama 'll talk about the actions that we've taken, not just since 9/11, but since Paris, to help keep the American people and American interests safe.

Many of Bush's defenders have praised him for keeping the country safe since Sept. 11, 2001. He deserves that praise, and I'm perfectly happy to defend most of his surveillance, interrogation and counterterrorism policies against his critics.