Jake Sullivan: America Is Safer and More Prosperous Under Biden

January 14, 2025 TruthUSA

The departing national security adviser emphasized that U.S. alliances have become more robust as adversaries have diminished in power.

Outgoing National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan praised the Biden administration’s approach on Sunday, asserting that the United States is “safer” and “better off” compared to four years prior.

In remarks reflecting the administration’s track record just days before President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration, Sullivan noted that U.S. alliances have strengthened over the last four years, even as adversaries have weakened.

Sullivan stated that the alliances are “stronger than they’ve been in decades” during his appearance on CNN’s State of the Union program.

“NATO has become more formidable, purposeful, and larger, our partnerships in the Asia Pacific are at unprecedented heights, and our adversaries and rivals are weaker overall. Russia is weakened, Iran is weakened, China is weakened,” he remarked, emphasizing that the administration has “kept America out of war.”

Sullivan indicated that the incoming Trump administration will take charge of a safer and stronger America.

“The American public is safer, and the nation is in a better position than we were four years ago, and we’re handing all that off to the upcoming team, along with a robust American power structure: our economy, our technology, our defense industry, and our supply chains,” Sullivan stated.

“Thus, the United States is in a more secure and stronger position, while our competitors and adversaries face increasing pressure and weakness.”

The Biden administration has contended with several foreign policy challenges, including the tumultuous U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021, along with the ongoing conflicts of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and the Israel–Hamas war that erupted in October 2023 after Hamas terror attacks resulted in the deaths of 1,200 Israelis and over 200 hostages.

Sullivan defended the Afghanistan withdrawal, asserting that “Americans would be fighting and dying” had they stayed in the country now under Taliban dominion. “Russia would wield more influence over us; we would be less equipped to tackle the significant strategic challenges ahead,” he explained.

Regarding the potential for a cease-fire and hostage agreement between Israel and Hamas before Trump’s inauguration on Jan. 20, the outgoing national security adviser stated, “We are very, very close, yet being close still signifies we’re far because until we actually reach the finish line, we’re not there.”

Negotiations are underway for a phased cease-fire, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu indicating a commitment only to an initial phase, which involves a partial hostage release in exchange for a cessation of fighting lasting several weeks.

Hamas has called for a complete Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip. However, Netanyahu’s administration has insisted on securing the Philadelphi Corridor along the Gaza–Egypt border, as well as the Netzarim Corridor that bisects the Gaza Strip, to prevent arms smuggling and hinder Hamas’s movement within Gaza.

Sullivan remarked that White House Coordinator for the Middle East and North Africa, Brett McGurk, is finalizing “the last details” with mediators in Doha, expressing determination to utilize every day available in office to resolve this issue.

He noted the possibility of concluding a deal prior to Jan. 20, though acknowledged that “Hamas in particular” might once again jeopardize the agreement.

Trump’s appointed Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, recently met with Netanyahu and expressed hope that an accord could be reached before the inauguration.

The president-elect has cautioned that “all hell will break out” if Hamas fails to release the remaining hostages prior to his return to the White House.

Also on Sunday, Rep. Mike Waltz (R-Fla.), designated as Trump’s national security adviser, asserted that the administration is prepared to “address the evolving challenges of today’s world and remain resolute against those who threaten our way of life.”

“America will maintain close ties with its allies, confront adversaries without fear, and invest in technologies that fortify our nation,” Waltz stated in a statement shared on X.

“America’s greatest strengths lie in its thriving economy and energy dominance, and these assets will keep us away from conflicts and enable us to lead from a position of strength once again,” he emphasized, expressing belief that “America’s best days are yet to come.”

Dan M. Berger contributed to this report.

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