Gingrich: DHS Shutdown Aids Iran, Poses Nuclear Threat

Gingrich Slams DHS Funding Blockade Amid Rising Terror Threats

Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich has strongly criticized Senate Democrats for blocking legislation to fund the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), arguing that their partisan actions are unpatriotic and actively endanger the United States amidst escalating global threats, particularly from Iran.

The DHS funding has been stalled for 28 days, marking the fourth time Democrats have voted against funding bills since February. Their primary demand remains significant reforms to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and border protection policies. This legislative gridlock occurs as the threat of Iranian terrorist cells operating within the U.S. is reportedly increasing in retaliation for what is described as “Operation Epic Fury.”

President Trump has stated that his administration is monitoring these potential threats. “I have been briefed about how many Iran sleeper cells there could be inside the U.S. right now,” Trump reportedly said, adding, “A lot of people came in through Biden with his stupid open border… We’ve got our eye on all of them.”

Homeland Security Under Siege: A Partisan Gamble

Gingrich characterized the Democrats’ stance as “Democrat partisanship overwhelming patriotism.” He asserted that blocking the DHS funding, especially during a period of active conflict and clear threats, is fundamentally unpatriotic. “The leading supporter of terrorism since 1984, every year, the State Department has designated Iran as the leading supporter of state terrorism in the world,” Gingrich stated.

He continued, “For us to be in the middle of this fight and have the Democrats be literally unpatriotic from the standpoint of the country… to behave like this, as partisans. They’re holding the country hostage.” Gingrich urged Americans, particularly air travelers facing delays due to the shutdown, to contact their Democratic representatives and senators to voice their opposition.

“Every air traveler is being held hostage. Domestic airlines are being held hostage. They’re going to suffer both because of higher oil prices and aviation fuel prices and they’re going to suffer because of the chaos at the airports,” Gingrich observed.

The former Speaker expressed concern that this level of partisan obstruction during a national crisis is unprecedented in his historical view. “As a historian, I don’t remember either party being this methodically unpatriotic in the way in which they’re dealing with what is a national crisis and one which could become much worse very fast,” he added.

Iran’s Escalating Threat: Oil, Terror, and Nuclear Ambitions

The geopolitical tensions are having tangible economic consequences. Reports indicate a new threat from Iran to target U.S. banks, alongside a significant spike in oil prices. Brent crude has hovered around $100 a barrel, with Iran’s Supreme Leader reportedly asserting that the Strait of Hormuz must remain effectively closed to impact adversaries.

Gingrich outlined Iran’s strategic objectives: “It is not about defeating the United States militarily. It’s about disrupting global oil and pressure for a truce.” He believes the ultimate goal of the religious dictatorship, which has openly declared enmity towards the U.S. since 1979, is to acquire nuclear weapons.

“The Iranians had their way, the threat right now would be nuclear weapons taking out an American city. That’s what’s at stake,” Gingrich warned. He expressed disbelief at calls for a truce, stating, “Every time you see somebody on TV who talks about a truce, they’re talking about the Iranians winning.”

Securing the Strait of Hormuz: A Reagan-Era Strategy?

Addressing the critical chokepoint of the Strait of Hormuz, Gingrich suggested a strategy reminiscent of the Reagan administration’s actions in the 1980s. “If the Navy and the Air Force can intervene… and can stop the effort to close the Straits… If we can reopen the Straits, the price of oil will collapse,” he explained.

He proposed a novel approach: repurposing 30 to 40 derelict oil tankers to create a defensive shield off the Iranian coast. These vessels, appearing as ordinary merchant ships, would be heavily armed and positioned to lure out and neutralize Iranian submarines and naval threats, allowing legitimate tankers to pass safely.

Gingrich recalled a past incident: “I remember in the 1980s when I was a Congressman and Ronald Reagan was President at one point they hid an American warship — hit an American warship with an Iranian mine and a couple days later Reagan took out half the Iranian Navy in 48 hours to send a signal and we were very tough about this.” He emphasized that the Navy and Coast Guard must be prepared to actively clear mines in the region.

Midterm Elections: Communicating the Stakes

The ongoing conflict and its economic repercussions are expected to significantly impact the upcoming November midterm elections. Strategists suggest that Republicans must effectively communicate the necessity of the current military actions and the temporary nature of economic fallout, particularly concerning oil prices, by July to mitigate negative perceptions.

Gingrich pushed back against framing defensive actions as “military adventurism,” particularly when the alternative could involve nuclear attacks on American cities. He stressed the importance of Republican communication, drawing a parallel to George H.W. Bush’s 1988 campaign comeback.

“We have to convince the American people that their lives personally will be better off, their families will be better off, and their country will be better off with our policies,” Gingrich advised. “One of the challenges for the Trump team is they have so many good policies but… the problem is, our communications is about 10% as effective right now.”

He urged Republicans to clearly articulate the choice facing voters: “Down one road with the Democrats is enormous danger to the country and the terrible long-term future, down the other road you have people who will protect America and people who will in fact provide greater prosperity, greater take-home pay, lower cost health insurance.”

Looking Ahead: The Urgency of Homeland Security Funding

The immediate future hinges on the resolution of the DHS funding deadlock. As threats from Iran and other hostile actors continue to evolve, the operational capacity of the Department of Homeland Security remains critically compromised. The effectiveness of U.S. responses, both militarily and diplomatically, will likely be judged by the public and scrutinized by adversaries. The upcoming months will reveal whether legislative gridlock can be overcome to adequately address the complex security challenges facing the nation, and how effectively the administration can communicate its strategy and its necessity to the American people ahead of crucial midterm elections.

Source: Newt Gingrich highlights HIGH-STAKES nuclear threat to America (YouTube)