Trump campaigned against the ‘enemy within.’ Now we’re seeing who that really is | Opinion
The true enemy within
In 2017, Steve Bannon stated that the Trump Administration would deconstruct the Administrative State (liberal deep state). Sensible guard rails prevented this.
In 2024, Donald Trump won the election while promising to lower prices, deport illegal immigrants and lower taxes. He claimed he would protect this nation from the “Enemy Within.” When asked about Project 2025 (increased power to the president), he denied knowing anything about it.
Them Trump selected his cabinet. Many of these nominees were involved in crafting Project 2025, funded by the Heritage Foundation. Others include accused sex offenders, TV reality stars, science deniers, a possible Russian asset and persons of wealth. These are being picked without normal FBI background checks and signed documents for the government to provide security clearances and briefs. Few have the experience and qualifications to head these departments. Their only requirement is total allegiance to Trump.
Will these individuals succeed in the plan to deconstruct the administrative state? This is a threat to our Constitution, national security, rule of law, civil rights, civil liberties, environment, and public health. Will Republican Senators and Congressmen put Trump before their oath to protect this nation from enemies foreign and domestic?
The true “Enemy Within” may reveal itself.
Steve Golubic, Puyallup
We need a real senior center
Eastside Community Center opened in 2018, combining the senior center and boys and girls club into one location. They now plan to assimilate Lighthouse. My experience dictates that it will cause hardships for your seniors.
When I joined, 20-25 seniors used the larger gym for SAIL class. They have moved us to various rooms, including a running track. We have been squeezed out of our space with no notice and no apology.
We have lost many frustrated class attendees. It’s discouraging to come to class with no place to hold it. We feel undervalued and minimized. We currently meet in the smallest activity room. With 10 people, we are extremely overcrowded. I travel to other centers, far from my neighborhood, to get additional exercise. Other people, who cannot drive, are not under-served; they aren’t served at all. People depend on Lighthouse for socialization, spending hours there playing cards, bingo, and sharing a nutritious meal. Their exercise classes are geared to diminished abilities.
Tacoma Parks does not support the needs of their most fragile citizens. It’s only a rec center, where people exercise, then go home. It’s certainly not a welcoming community center, and it cannot replicate services that seniors desperately need.
Claire Brown, Tacoma
Kilmer has an opportunity
In a New York Times interview, Representative Derek Kilmer described Congress with one word: potential. It’s a hopeful view of an often-criticized institution, but history supports it. Congress has delivered transformative achievements like Social Security, the Civil Rights Act, and the Interstate Highway System.
Now, Kilmer has an opportunity to show that potential. With two months left in office, he can make his mark by championing impactful legislation.
As a supporter of the Tacoma-based nonprofit The Borgen Project, I see the value of policies that aid the world’s most vulnerable while advancing U.S. security and economic interests. Kilmer shares this vision, and I urge him to co-sponsor key bills currently awaiting attention in Congress.
The MINDS Act would fund mental health services for emergency responders to prevent conflict. The READ Act would promote education in vulnerable regions, fostering stability and creating markets for American goods. These are just two examples of legislation that could make a global impact.
Sponsoring these bills won’t guarantee they become law, but doing nothing ensures they don’t. By taking action now, Kilmer can show what’s possible and leave a legacy of leadership. Congress has potential — this is his chance to prove it.
Isaiah LaCombe, Gig Harbor
