Hillary Clinton Warns U.S. Has Lowered Guard on Terrorism 25 Years After 9/11

On the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton expressed deep concern that the United States has lowered its defenses against terrorism. Speaking at the VOICES 25th Anniversary Symposium on Thursday, Clinton criticized the current administration under President Donald Trump for weakening critical counterterrorism capabilities and allowing threats to resurge.

Clinton Highlights Persisting Terrorism Threats

Reflecting on the quarter-century since the attacks, Clinton emphasized that terrorism remains an ongoing danger. Despite periods where the threat decreased, she noted that extremist groups and individuals continue to harbor intentions to harm the U.S. “The threat did not go away — it receded — but it is still there,” Clinton said. She recalled multiple close calls with terror plots in recent years, some of which succeeded, underscoring the persistent risk.

Clinton urged the country to overcome political and social divisions in order to confront threats not only from terrorist networks but also from hostile nation-states such as Russia, China, and Iran. She argued that a unified, focused approach is essential to national security in today’s complex geopolitical environment.

Criticism of Trump Administration’s Counterterrorism Policies

Clinton directly criticized President Trump’s priorities, accusing him of neglecting national security in favor of personal projects. She singled out the president’s focus on building a White House ballroom rather than paying attention to intelligence reports, including those from Afghanistan. “When you’re more interested in building your ballroom than figuring out what the intelligence is coming out of Afghanistan — that is absolutely contrary to any kind of sensible decision-making,” she said.

She also pointed to significant federal workforce reductions under the Elon Musk-led Department of Government Efficiency, which resulted in thousands of job cuts across agencies critical to intelligence and counterterrorism efforts, including the CIA and State Department. Clinton argued that these cuts have diminished the U.S.’s ability to maintain “eyes and ears” in key regions like western Africa, where extremist groups have been gaining ground.

Concerns Over Federal Resources and Mission Focus

While acknowledging the dedication of personnel within the FBI and intelligence agencies, Clinton warned that these professionals lack sufficient resources and a clear mission focus from the current administration to effectively carry out their duties. She stressed that the government needs to reinvest in and prioritize counterterrorism to prevent future attacks.

“I am increasingly concerned because I don’t think we are focused,” Clinton said. She urged a renewed commitment to intelligence gathering and threat evaluation as essential components of U.S. security strategy.

White House Response and Broader Implications

The White House declined to comment directly on Clinton’s remarks, instead referring inquiries to the Department of Homeland Security. The administration has maintained that it is committed to protecting the homeland, but critics argue that structural changes and resource cuts have hampered these efforts.

As the nation marks 25 years since the 9/11 attacks, Clinton’s warnings serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges in counterterrorism and the need for vigilance. The anniversary comes amid a shifting global landscape where terrorist threats continue to evolve and geopolitical tensions remain high.

Maintaining a strong, coordinated approach to counterterrorism will be crucial as the U.S. navigates these complex security challenges in the years ahead.