A week of a Trump presidency has more news and actions than the four years of Biden. Every moment of every day it seems like something else is occurring.  Between the military, the border, California fires, ICE deportations, pardons, and a dozen other things that Donald Trump directly addressed and indirectly affected, this difference between the country now and what it was a few weeks ago is astounding.  Trump is not only projecting strength on the world stage, he is actually using the absolute power America wields to further American interests.

Over the weekend, while President Trump was golfing, he was informed of a diplomatic issue with Colombia. The Colombian government, led by President Gustavo Petro, had decided not to accept two U.S. repatriation flights carrying Colombian nationals who were being deported for criminal activities. Petro, known for his socialist leanings and admiration for Venezuelan leaders Nicolás Maduro and Hugo Chávez, framed this refusal as an assertion of sovereignty against U.S. overreach. 

Reacting quickly, Trump announced a series of retaliatory measures against Colombia. These included imposing 25% tariffs on all Colombian goods entering the U.S., with a potential increase to 50% within a week if compliance wasn’t achieved, travel bans, and visa revocations for Colombian government officials and their allies, further visa sanctions on government members and supporters, enhanced customs and border protection inspections, and financial sanctions under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). 

The pressure from these measures led to a swift capitulation by Colombia. The government agreed to accept all deportees, including those on U.S. military aircraft, without further delay. This agreement prevented the full implementation of the U.S. sanctions, although some measures like visa sanctions and enhanced inspections remained until the first deportation flights were completed.

This is a strong move.  What could have been an international diplomatic incident started by Petro turned into a quick footnote.  Instead of meetings and committees and UN resolutions, and talks between the Secretary of State and the Foreign Minister which takes weeks and weeks and end up going nowhere, Trump basically said, “we’re bigger and stronger and you’re going to do what we say.”  This is a good thing.

In response, Petro issued a lengthy statement on social media, defending his stance with references to history and ideology, but it was largely seen as a concession after his initial refusal crumbled under U.S. economic pressure. In the U.S., Trump’s decisive actions were supported by figures like Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who highlighted the administration’s commitment to immigration enforcement and border security. Trump himself celebrated the outcome with a social media post featuring an image of him styled as Al Capone, captioned with “FAFO,” symbolizing his administration’s readiness to use significant leverage to enforce U.S. policies.

America should not allow themselves to be dictated to and bullied by countries like Colombia, who refused to take back their own citizens just to see if Trump was like Biden.  Likewise, American leaders should not allow themselves to be dictated and bullied by the media who want to control U.S. policy, not report on it.

During an interview on CBS’s “Face The Nation,” Vice President J.D. Vance criticized host Margaret Brennan for asserting that Afghan refugees admitted under former President Joe Biden were thoroughly vetted. Vance argued that there have been instances where individuals, purportedly vetted, were later found planning terrorist attacks within the U.S., referencing a specific case from the campaign period. Brennan maintained that the refugees were vetted, but Vance countered with an example of a terrorist in Oklahoma who had supposedly been vetted, asserting his unwillingness to risk his children’s safety or that of other American families by allowing such individuals into the country.

Brennan is indicative of the mentality that all cultures are the same, all people are the same regardless of national origin or philosophy, and therefore everyone should be allowed to reside in the United States.  This is simply untrue.  There are enough problems within American culture without importing everyone else’s problems as well.  Not falling for the emotional blackmail is necessary going forward.

That emotional blackmail also comes from the celebrity class.  Selena Gomez made a video crying about the deportation of criminals out of the country.  This type of video would have garnered millions of views and sympathy during the first Trump term, but not it has been so universally mocked that Gomez was forced to delete it after a few hours.  

Deporting illegal criminals back to their home countries is a good thing.  Not taking refugees from the other side of the world who can easily become a detriment to our country is a good thing.  These are signs of a strong and resilient country with a national identity.  Allowing unfettered access to our nation without thought to the consequences is weak and suicidal.  American greatness can be measured by knowing who we are, and not allowing ourselves to be scolded into acting against our own interests.  

By Moshe Hill