On the third night of the Republican National Convention (RNC), which was themed “Make America Strong Once Again,” Medal of Honor recipient David Bellavia addressed how the US military can regain trust from the American public after perceived failures in the past four years. Bellavia, who was awarded the prestigious medal by President Donald Trump in 2019 for his service during the Iraq war, spoke about his vision for a new military and emphasized the importance of winning back public trust amidst the current administration’s disastrous exit from Afghanistan.
The Army veteran criticized the State Department for overreach, which he believes led to the disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan that cost American lives and handed control of the country to the Taliban. Bellavia argued that military leaders should be responsible for making decisions about warfare and not be saddled with political choices made by other governmental branches.
To restore trust in the US military, Bellavia called for a more accountable Department of Defense (DoD) and a shift away from investing in social experiments that don’t contribute to national security or military strength. He also stressed the importance of sticking to commitments with allies such as Israel and Ukraine, presenting a more stable foreign policy than what has been offered by the current administration.
Bellavia promoted the idea of “peace through strength,” which he believes only the Republican Party can deliver. Under the Trump administration, America was seen as more decisive and less reactive to global challenges, resulting in increased safety for its citizens. He also highlighted how President Trump’s targeted drone strike on Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani demonstrated a strong and sound foreign policy approach that promoted peace through strength.
In conclusion, Bellavia emphasized the need for the US military to win back public trust by focusing on making responsible decisions, investing in effective programs, and presenting a stable and decisive foreign policy stance.
