For nine years, I’ve been speaking out—loudly and consistently—about the threat Donald Trump poses to American democracy and the free world.
But credit should be given where it’s due. Iran has never demonstrated the responsibility required to possess nuclear weapons, and firm action was needed. A significant portion of global instability stems from Iran-backed terrorism. So in this case—good job. Good decoy. Good on listening to your generals. And good on not making it all about yourself, Donnie.
We now find ourselves in a new world, much like the one after 9/11. If Trump plays this moment wisely, he’ll pull ICE agents off the streets, stop manufacturing domestic enemies, and begin preparing the homeland for real threats—such as potential attacks from Iranian-backed terrorist networks, possibly even on U.S. soil.
If he can pivot away from his anti-democratic, anti-immigrant, anti-classic-American rhetoric and adopt a “one nation, working together” message, Americans will notice. Only then can the political divide that’s been paralyzing our country begin to heal. And only then can the greatness he so often speaks of emerge organically—because true national greatness can’t be forced. It grows from unity and shared purpose.
Donald Trump has a chance—this very week—to evolve. But if he starts taking personal credit for this mission, as though he masterminded it himself, and keeps belittling Joe Biden (who likely would have listened to the same generals), it will be clear he’s still more interested in division than unity. That mindset only makes it easier for our enemies to succeed—and pushes America closer to a dangerous precipice.
So the question remains: Can Donald Trump evolve as a president, or even as an actor playing the role of a president—into a unifier? Maybe. Maybe he’s tired of being the Divider-in-Chief. Maybe he’s starting to think about his legacy, as any mature mortal should.
I sincerely hope so. We all want to get back to our lives and feel confident that our democracy—and our country—are in steady, caring hands.
THE ENGLISH CODE 