The proven “peace through strength” strategy is on the minds of military experts and the American public as the 2024 Reagan National Defense Forum kicks off this weekend, according to the director of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation & Institute. .
“President Trump and the Republicans who won the House and the Senate with majorities in the House and the Senate are clearly in a position of power,” David Truglio, the group's president and CEO, told “America's Newsroom” on Friday. “We have a mission for peace,” he said.
“The good news is…whether you're a Trump supporter or a Harris supporter, Americans generally believe in peace through strength. Our survey data clearly shows that,” he continued. “But this is a headwind for those who want to have a strong military in the world.”
At the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California, leaders from across the political spectrum gather to discuss and evaluate policies aimed at strengthening America's military.
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Ahead of the annual meeting, the Ronald Reagan Institute released new survey data that collected Americans' voices on a variety of topics, ultimately finding that an overwhelming majority like foreign policy and national defense “somewhat” for them. Or it turns out that you think it's “very” important.
David Truglio, CEO and President of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation & Institute, joined America's Newsroom to preview this weekend's National Defense Forum.
“The U.S. military is a valuable institution, and it's very important that the American people feel that way. Obviously, the most fundamental purpose of government is to protect the nation and its people,” Truglio said.
“Americans want America to be involved in the world,” he further expanded. “And one of the ways we do that is by having a strong military that not only stops the bad guys, but also, God forbid, comes to our aid.”
The opinion marks a departure from the position frequently advocated by President-elect Donald Trump, who has long championed an “America First” policy. Fear could isolate the United States At a geopolitically turbulent time when Russian aggression continues to escalate in Europe, Iran remains a major threat in the Middle East, and China continues to pose a political, military, and economic threat.
More than half (59%) of male survey participants said they believed the United States could win a war with China, but female participants were more skeptical, with only 45 expressing similar confidence. 23% said they were not sure, and 18% said they were not sure. The opinions of male participants are similar.
“The world is very chaotic. China is definitely on the rise militarily and obviously economically. The Chinese Navy is now bigger than the U.S. Navy,” Truglio said. “So it's right for people to stop and think: Do we have a military that's fit for purpose? Our own long-term survey data shows that Americans are fighting not just one war, but two at the same time. It shows that we want an army that can win two wars.”
America's greatest enemy is “those who do not share our values and worldview, and none of us Americans who love freedom and democracy want to live in a world dominated by those people.” the President and CEO added.
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Truglio said that “no one should get a free lunch,” but he also pointed to “a bright spot” in the foreign policy arena with countries that live up to America's responsibility, engagement and ethics.
“Our collective security is everyone's responsibility,” he said. “Poland, Lithuania, for example, are countries that are more than delivering on their promises. And we need to see more of that.”
FOX News' Caitlin McFall contributed to this report.
