Letters to the Editor | March 27, 2025

Republican senators who confirmed Pete Hegseth, Tulsi Gabbard, and Kash Patel for their roles in the Trump administration were warned these individuals are atrociously unqualified for the roles they were given. The information known to the public many months ago about these people made it shockingly clear they should never have been considered for those roles. The egregious and inexcusable breach of military security revealed in the last two days is more evidence we have massive problems in the leadership of our nation. In place of knowledge, experience, and proven ability, loyalty to Donald Trump is the only requirement to join his administration. Sycophantic GOP senators willingly violate their oaths and abandon their responsibility to check the executive branch to please Trump. Our nation is at very great risk now, and Republicans in Congress have allowed that to be so. Every senator who voted to confirm these unqualified, incompetent, and dangerous members of the Trump administration is to blame for this national security debacle, and the next ones that are certain to follow.

Mark DeWitte, Lyndell

The intelligence breach that occurred recently, leaking info to the editor-in-chief of the Atlantic, was outrageous, reckless, and makes all Americans less safe. In this case, a manned mission was planned and executed, putting those involved in danger. An off-with-their-heads moment! And yet, there has been a muted response from the Republican Party so far. This lack of outcry is blatant hypocrisy given how the 2016 Trump campaign was consumed with misleading reports and lies about Hillary Clinton’s breach of national security on her personal server and private emails. I recall chants at Trump rallies of “Lock her up.” The administration is obfuscating this breach, denying there were war plans and classified info on the thread. This is indefensible, as it was shown that two hours after the info was released, the plan discussed was executed in Yemen. All the details were discussed on a vulnerable commercial application. Resignations should follow.

Maria Duca, Philadelphia

Having installed a criminal in the White House, I imagine we should have expected unconventional activity. Donald Trump began his term by choosing the worst group of individuals to staff his cabinet in the history of the country. Pam Bondi, Pete Hegseth, Robert Kennedy Jr., and Tulsi Gabbard would never be confirmed for their positions under any other administration. This Republican Congress is, however, just a rubber stamp for anything Trump requests. They are so afraid of his vengeance that they have lost all independence. Next, Trump began a purge of federal agencies and employees. He attempted to close agencies created by Congress. He has indiscriminately fired employees by the tens of thousands without exercising proper procedure. Lawsuits are pending.

Trump has incarcerated and deported individuals without allowing proper hearings to determine if deportation is appropriate. Some of these individuals were sent to third-party countries where they may be incarcerated for life without due process. Trump also fired prosecutors and investigators who did their lawful jobs pursuing justice for his crimes. Finally, Trump has shown his disdain for our judicial system by criticizing judges who rule against him and ignoring court rulings. Without an independent Congress, courts, and justice system, our government is nothing like what our founders envisioned. As America anticipates the 250th anniversary of our democracy, we’re left wondering whether it will be a birthday celebration or a wake.

William J. Owens, Hammonton

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