End Reckless Military Adventurism and Invest in Real Security

J. Gordon Mitchell’s perspective on national security is shaped by decades of military service, including his time as a drill sergeant in the United States Air Force. Mitchell has seen firsthand the sacrifices made by America’s service members and the consequences of impulsive, poorly planned military actions. That’s why Mitchell is committed to ending reckless, unilateral military interventions that put lives at risk, destabilize regions, and drain resources needed at home. For Mitchell, war is a last resort, undertaken only when all diplomatic and peaceful avenues have been exhausted, and always in full accordance with international law and the U.S. Constitution.

Instead of endless entanglements and impulsive displays of force, Mitchell’s approach is to prevent conflict through robust diplomacy, invest in peace-building efforts, and strengthen America’s alliances. He believes that real security comes from addressing root causes of instability — like poverty, corruption, and injustice — not from military occupations or regime change operations. Mitchell will ensure that American troops are never used as pawns for political gain or personal enrichment by those in power.

Unfortunately, Pete Sessions and Donald Trump have repeatedly betrayed their promises to the American people. While both have campaigned on ending “forever wars” and limiting foreign intervention, their actions in office have been the opposite. The Trump administration, with Sessions’ unwavering support, has engaged in a series of reckless military actions that violate international law and diplomatic norms. Examples include:

• The unauthorized military operation in Venezuela, which bypassed Congressional approval and international consensus, setting a dangerous precedent for unilateral intervention.
• The assassination of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani in Iraq — an act widely condemned by allies and seen as a violation of Iraqi sovereignty, which escalated tensions and endangered American personnel across the Middle East.
• Unilateral withdrawal from the Iran Nuclear Deal, a diplomatic agreement that was keeping nuclear proliferation in check, which has since led to increased instability and risk of conflict in the region.
• The use of tariffs and economic sanctions as substitutes for real diplomacy, damaging relationships with traditional allies and hurting American farmers, manufacturers, and consumers.

These actions have made America less safe and less respected. They have also had direct consequences for families in TX-17 and across the country. Endless wars and reckless foreign policy decisions drive up the national debt, diverting funds from priorities like affordable healthcare, education, and infrastructure. Economic instability abroad leads to higher costs at home — rising grocery bills, increased fuel prices, and uncertainty for small businesses. Instead of benefiting everyday Texans, these policies have enriched Trump, Sessions, and their allies, who have profited from exploiting foreign resources and cozying up to dictators, while working families struggle to make ends meet.

J. Gordon Mitchell believes Texans deserve better. By ending reckless military adventurism and investing in real security through diplomacy, strong alliances, and smart, lawful use of American power, Mitchell will put people — not special interests — first. That means a safer, more stable world, and more resources for the kitchen table issues that matter most to Texas families: lowering the cost of living, expanding access to quality healthcare, and creating economic opportunity for all.