NSL4A condemns reporting that Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth ordered the killing of defenseless survivors during a September 2nd operation, calling the actions potential violations of U.S. and international law and urging Congress to swiftly investigate and ensure accountability.

Retired Brigadier General Loree Sutton and former DoD official Jason Forrester testify at New York City Council hearing on “Protecting New York City from Federal Overreach.”

NSL4A condemned the Trump Administration’s lethal strikes on boats in South American waters as ineffective, unlawful, and carried out on inadequate intelligence, warning they destroy evidence, undermine international cooperation, and risk implicating U.S. servicemembers in potential war crimes. NSL4A urges Congress to reassert its authority to ensure counternarcotics operations are effective, legal, and consistent with maritime law.

NSL4A unequivocally condemned President Trump’s remarks suggesting U.S. cities be used as military training grounds, warning they threaten public safety, civilian control of the military, and the foundational principles of constitutional governance. Such statements risk normalizing the use of armed forces against American communities and undermine trust in the military’s role in a democracy.”

NSL4A strongly condemns President Trump’s deployment of National Guard forces to Portland, Oregon, as legally unjustified and a threat to democracy. The action disrupts Guard members’ training and readiness, undermining the nation’s ability to defend against real threats.

NSL4A today condemned the Pentagon’s new rule that journalists covering the Pentagon beat must pledge not to report to the public any lawfully obtained news and information, regardless of classification status, that does not pass their new ‘pre-clearance’ standards. The organization called the rule a massive step away from the transparency and scrutiny that prevents groupthink.

NSL4A filed an amicus brief in the Ninth Circuit supporting California Governor Gavin Newsom’s challenge to the federalization of the state National Guard. The brief emphasizes the legal limits on presidential authority to seize state Guard units without a governor’s consent.

NSL4A announced its opposition to President Trump’s Executive Order granting the National Guard broad domestic law enforcement powers, calling it “ineffective, wasteful, and dangerous.” The action threatens U.S. democracy by eroding the longstanding separation between civilian policing and the military.

NSL4A urges restraint regarding the President’s plan to deploy up to 1,000 D.C. National Guard personnel, warning that using military forces in civilian policing risks blurring lines and eroding public trust. NSL4A also calls on Congress to exercise oversight to limit domestic military use.

NSL4A is alarmed by the federalization of National Guard troops in Los Angeles against the state’s wishes, warning it risks politicizing the military and undermining public confidence. NSL4A calls on Congress to exercise oversight and limit domestic military use in situations local authorities can manage.

Rear Admiral Mike Smith (Ret), NSL4A Founder and President, delivered remarks at the Unite for Veterans Rally in Washington, D.C., raising concerns about the treatment of veterans. The event, held on the 81st anniversary of D-Day, brought together leaders, advocates, and veterans to reaffirm the nation’s commitment to those who have served.

NSL4A is proud to partner with the Unite for Veterans Rally on June 6, 2025, at the National Mall in Washington, D.C. NSL4A Founder and President, Rear Admiral Mike Smith, U.S. Navy (Ret.), will be a keynote speaker alongside U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth and former Representatives Adam Kinzinger and Conor Lamb.

NSL4A issued a statement on the Trump Administration’s decision to accept a Boeing 747 jet from the Qatari royal family as the new Air Force One, calling on Congress to exercise oversight of national and operational security standards.

NSL4A is calling on the House and Senate Intelligence Committees to investigate Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s sharing of sensitive military plans and to establish stronger oversight of all classified communications from national security leaders.

NSL4A Founder and President, retired Rear Admiral Mike Smith, issued a statement on Politico’s report revealing improper use of the encrypted messaging app Signal, calling for a bipartisan investigation into what critical information may have fallen into adversaries’ hands.

National Security Leaders for America (NSL4A) Founder and President, retired Rear Admiral Mike Smith, issued the following statement regarding the announced firings of several senior military officers without cause, including the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, the Chief of Naval Operations, the Air Force Vice Chief of Staff, and the Judge Advocates General of the Army, Navy, and Air Force.