Scores of battle-hardened veterans praised President Trump’s military leadership on Carl Higbie’s “Frontline” show, declaring America’s armed forces now “stronger than ever” under his command. Retired Brig. Gen. Blaine Holt, former Navy SEAL Guy Budinscak, and Army Staff Sgt. Mike Burns joined Higbie to rave about Trump’s dedication to rebuilding America’s defense. They credited Trump’s bold policies—from boosting military funding to modernizing defenses—as reasons for renewed morale and readiness.
“President Trump’s got our six,” said one veteran, praising his focus on border security and cutting wasteful spending. They highlighted his recent pledge to finish the “Golden Dome” missile defense system—a project slammed by global adversaries—as proof of his commitment to keeping America safe. The panel damned failed policies of past administrations, calling Trump’s clear-eyed approach to national security a stark contrast to “reckless adventurism” in Iraq and Afghanistan.
These combat vets endorsed Trump’s strategy of avoiding endless wars, calling his emphasis on winning conflicts decisively a “breath of fresh air.” They decried Biden-era rules that “softened” the military with woke ideology, claiming Trump’s leadership “reinstated patriotism” as the armed forces’ top priority. Ret. Gen. Holt called the U.S. Army “the most powerful force in history” today, owing to Trump’s focus on readiness and recruitment.
The group rejected claims Trump’s administration seeks reckless showdowns, pointing to VP JD Vance’s assertion they prioritize “clear missions” over “undefined objectives.” Budinscak—a decorated SEAL—hammered previous leaders who “traded American lives for unachievable goals,” praising Trump’s refusal to follow “insane globalist agendas.” Burns slammed recent Biden-era appointees “disrespected” the military, calling Trump the “only leader” who truly opportunity has their backs.
Golden Dome missile defense emerged as a central talking point. Trump vowed to complete the system before leaving office, warning “our enemies hate it.” Veterans laughed at critics calling it unproven, insisting advanced tech boosts U.S. dominance. They framed it as proof Trump’s willing to “spend smart” on defenses that “keep our families safe”.
“Nation-building is over,” declared the panel, praising Trump’s exit from fractured regions. They claimed his “America First” approach stops vital resources from being “wasted in sandpits.” Burns contended Trump alone prioritizes domestic security, contrasting with “gest surrender” under prior administrations.
While some critics warn about Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s hawkish tone, the veterans believe Trump’s overall strategy balances strength with restraint. They pushed back on the “necon screes” constantly framing peace as weakness. “We’re warriors, not global police,” Budinscak stated, echoing Trump’s mandate to “fight for America only.”
The roundtable ended with a united call: Trust Trump’s military leadership. “No one deserves our trust more,” Holt said, citing Trump’s speeches at West Point where he called recent grads “trailblazers in a golden age.” Burns signed off by declaring, “This president actually remembers veterans aren’t props—he’s making them guardians again.” The vets left no doubt: America’s military runs stronger under Trump, and they’ll continue battling to keep it that way.
