The DSA’s DOD: Defunding Our Defenses

Authors: Julia Jensen, Communications Assistant; A.J. Dieterle, Policy Assistant

TOPLINE: The DSA platform calls to “defund the Department of War" and fundamentally alter the U.S. military. While the idea of ending foreign wars may poll well, unilaterally disarming the U.S. military is the worst way to do it.

BACKGROUND: Defunding the Department of War would be the end to America’s superpower status as it would forfeit our role as leader of the free world while fanning the flames of tyranny across the globe. A toothless U.S. military would embolden our adversaries and encourage new conflicts and more wars, not less.

Helping Hamas

• DSA foreign policy is rooted in hatred of Israel, calling for an end to “all military and economic aid” to our only true ally in the Middle East.
• The DSA supports the “rights” of Palestinian leadership – including the “right to resist military occupation.” This would hand Hamas, a terrorist organization, a major win, allowing them to establish a radical Islamic regime on Israel’s doorstep.
  • The DSA ignores the horrors of October 7th by siding with Hamas.

Unleashing our Enemies' Economies while Burdening Our Own

• The DSA wants to end sanctions on tyrannical regimes such as Cuba and Iran that pose a major threat to America's national security.
  • Economic sanctions can be effective – As seen in Trump 1’s maximum pressure campaign on Iran: AAF MEMO: Biden Bends to Iran

Demonizing our Allies

• The DSA wants to prosecute U.S. and Israeli leaders over fraudulent claims of “genocide in Gaza,” including Prime Minister Netanyahu.
  • DSA member and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has already called for Netanyahu’s arrest – despite not having any power to do so.
    • Dig Deeper: AAF’s Eugene Kontorovich explains Why in City Journal.

BOTTOMLINE: DSA’s foreign policy would create a nightmare for the free world while emboldening the enemies of freedom. To abdicate the defense of the American people would allow China, Russia, Iran and others to threaten our safety and prosperity, and that of the free world. Peace can only be maintained through strength.