US: Will Donald Trump really stop World War III?
US: I first met President Donald J. Trump in November 2019 while still a tier 1 Special Operations Unit member of the British Army.
President Trump approached me and me a firm handshake as I entered his private study in the West Wing of the Whitehouse. His first words out his mouth were, “Thank you for saving American lives.”
We spoke for many minutes on a variety of topics until it was time to go out. We stood together and struck for the official White House photographer before I left his office.
Trump thumbs up and shone next to me. Grasping hands in front of me, I stood with a grin wrinkling my face. I recall looking back to my first days as a 13-year-old impoverished, underweight Army Cadet student.
I never in my wildest thoughts could see my army career leading me to the inner sanctuary of the White House.
The conference turned out entirely unplanned. I was visiting the White House to speak with Secret Service personnel and to impart some of the operational knowledge I gained while serving in Africa.
Neither the British government nor any press or media were present for this meeting with the president. For Trump, this had no benefits whatsoever. Still, the most powerful man on Earth took time out of his very hectic schedule to thank me, someone of little significance or influence, for saving American lives.
I have always found great impact in this kind of character portrayal.
Long before I met Donald Trump in 2019, I supported him. Whether active or former U.S. military, members of three letter agencies or law enforcement officers, almost all of the folks I have dealt with since retiring in 2020—also support Trump.
Why is so?
Trump appeals to the military class, in my opinion, because of his will and grit. Trump’s no-nonsense attitude to tough problems and how he handles events distinguishes him as the sort of guy who has the courage to do and say the correct or essential thing; he is not scared to defy the establishment or hurt people.
America’s enemies become more confident when they see incompetence or bad leadership. They are cautious and search for diplomacy when they sense American might. The United States had among the most steady and calm moments in global history under President Trump. Instead of dragging the United States into fresh conflicts, Trump negotiated trade deals and peace agreements bolstering the American economy and guaranteeing employment.
Right now, all you can see while looking about the globe is war. Trump is alerting us of the catastrophic path the United States and the globe are headed and understands the consequences of this.
Many, like myself, feel that right now a reinforced and funded U.S. military under Trump’s direction is sorely required to prevent World War III.
Trump paid a memorial ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery in August 2024. Gold Star families who had lost loved ones during the terrible Afghanistan drawdown orchestrated by Vice President Kamala Harris and President Joe Biden had invited him.
Trump showed the highest respect as he understood the need of recognizing the loss of the family.
Still, his moral behavior provoked condemnation from segments of the media, the government, and political rivals. His detractors said he violated Arlington’s political campaigning policies.
While in office, however, both Presidents Barack Obama and Biden have visited Arlington Cemetery and had pictures taken there (including Section 60 for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan).
Therefore, I would contend that the major reason for the criticism of Trump was because his backing of the Gold Star families reflected adversely on Harris and Biden and their seeming lack of respect for the dead.
In all spheres of American society, almost everyone I interact with has only compliments for Trump and his support and respect for the Gold Star families. The actual complaints I come across usually point to Harris and Biden.
Though you would believe I live in an echo chamber of like-minded individuals, I often hear similar points of view also articulated by folks I come across in daily life. For the record, my social circle consists of colleagues, friends, and acquaintances that reflect a varied mix of American culture.
Far more popular than most people would admit is Trump. The last time I had the honor to spend time with Trump is a tale of humility, tenacity, and leadership.
I had the privilege of speaking at the Trump event held in Wildwood, New Jersey, in May 2024 Although it was an incredible experience for me to be the speaker before Donald Trump and to tens of thousands of people, I would like to share with you what occurred on route to New Jersey on board Trump Force 1.
Feeling rather nervous about speaking to so many people at the event, I was seated across from the president. Not for the first time in my life was I functioning beyond my comfort zone and wondering how the heck I landed myself in this situation.
Trump told everyone in hearing, a few minutes after leaving LaGuardia airport in New York City, “Christian ran into a hotel by himself to take on a load of terrorists.” Can you picture that? I wouldn’t have been much of assistance, hence I would not do it. Thank God we have someone like him.
Though I felt somewhat uncomfortable about this compliments from the president, he did fulfill what I believe to be his goal. Sensing my anxiety, he helped me to feel much more at ease and comfortable in my surroundings—which were somewhat unfamiliar to me. More so, he showed humility and kindness by downplaying what he would have done in the middle of the terrorist assault I had found myself in January 2019.
Two months later, Trump himself came under live fire when an assassin attempted and failed to take his life. Trump was shot in the ear, almost avoiding death, and soon under protection by Secret Service personnel.
Over 28 years of active military duty, I have witnessed a few really skilled people crumble under duress. Nobody knows how you would behave in your situation of great strain. Some fold and some people concentrate. Though most of the time it’s an issue of character, sometimes it’s a matter of training.
That terrible July day, Trump concentrated rather than caving down under duress. He demonstrated to the world—and dare I say it, greatly to the dismay of the mainstream media and the DNC—that he could remain calm under most severe of strain.
He raised a fist yelling “fight!” to all those who would hear it while being guided off the stage.
This show of bravery and fortitude is why I, along with most of the warrior class, like Trump and want he could be the 47th president defending American lives.