By Skeeter Wesinger · July 11, 2025
In the long march of American political theater, few moments resonate like when a president invokes external vigilance to justify internal power. In early July’s Cabinet meeting, President Trump leaned forward and declared, “Our perceived enemies are watching.” To the uninitiated, a dramatic aside. To the informed, a subtle gambit in a broader strategy—what might accurately be called Brinkmanship as the Trump Doctrine.
1. What He Meant – A Moment in the Cabinet Room
Much of Washington heard a flourish. But beneath the surface lay purposeful moves:
Projection of Strength: “If they’re watching,” Trump implied, “it means we matter—and we’re winning.” In his framing, adversarial scrutiny validated his power, both domestically and abroad.
Justification for Secrecy and Control: By casting transparency and any dissent as treacherous, he transported Cabinet deliberations into the realm of national security—where loyalty trumps openness.
With Internal Cohesion: Seated aides and secretaries absorbed the message: Unity is survival.
2. The Larger Pattern – From History’s Playbook
Trump’s words echoed the playbooks of European strongmen, who cloaked centralization in urgency. Through spectacle, he positions himself not merely as executive, but sentinel of the nation—besieged.
The Justifying Narrative
“The exceptional nature of this presidency demands exceptional measures.” In this schema, courts, media, Congress—they’re not partners, but pitfalls to be circumvented if “they’re watching. The message is Don’t screw with the United States of America.”
Domestic Rallying Cry
For his base—a coalition rooted in skepticism of global elites and out-of-touch institutions—this language resonated deeply. Fear transforms into cohesion; loyalty becomes the test of citizenship.
The Trump Doctrine
Is “Don’t screw with the United States of America.” It’s a 21st century extension of Jefferson’s Foreign Policy of (1801) “Peace, commerce, and honest friendship with all nations—entangling alliances with none.” Said in the words on President Donald J Trump “And Don’t screw with the United States!”
3. Why It Matters
In a republic, presidential rhetoric shapes practice. This doctrine isn’t academic—it’s operational.
Don’t screw with the United States of America, isn’t deterrent: It’s a policy that some might call, brinkmanship.
4. My Takeaway
When Trump proclaimed, “they’re watching,” it wasn’t a throwaway line. It was the keystone of a doctrine defined by saying “Don’t Screw with the United States.”