President Donald Trump holds up a chart of tariff rates while speaking in April 2025 at the White House. Chip Somodevilla Getty Images
Does might make right, or does right make might? Are we a better country when we impose our will on other countries, including our allies — especially our allies — even to the point of potentially using military force? Or are we a better country when we embrace our longstanding principles and encourage other countries to embrace them as well?
The U.S. has long been able to boast both principles and power. But since the beginning of the 20th century, and especially after World War II, we have tried to lead with our principles — mostly around the idea of adherence to the Constitution, free enterprise, fiscal responsibility and peace through strength. We had power — and still have it — but have generally used it to restrain other powerful actors.
That’s why when, in 2003, the archbishop of Canterbury asked Secretary of State Colin Powell if U.S. involvement in Iraq was an effort at “empire building,” Powell replied: “The only amount of land we have ever asked for in return is enough to bury those who did not return.”
But that approach appears to be changing. Long-held principles are being pushed aside as many of our elected leaders stress power politics. We’re a better country and a better people when we stress our principles.
Start with the Constitution. It lays out the structure of our government based on high-minded and yet practical principles. Elected officials even take an oath to protect and defend that Constitution. But for both major political parties, the Constitution has become less of a road map to guide us than a roadblock to get around.
For example, the Constitution vests Congress with the “power of the purse.” It’s Congress’ job to appropriate funds. Yet when President Joe Biden decided he wanted to spend more than $400 billion on student loan forgiveness, Republicans in Congress complained, while the Democrats who controlled both chambers said nothing — indeed, many actively supported the proposal. The U.S. Supreme Court had to stop Biden’s plan.
Read the full article on the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.