Opinion | 8 Pieces of Free Advice for Trump’s National Security Team

The new administration’s national security team could benefit from some advice, given the recent Signalgate incident. Here are some recommendations for Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, Tulsi Gabbard, the director of the Office of National Intelligence, and Michael Waltz, the national security adviser.

1. Trust Your People.

Your military and civilian professionals are competent and knowledgeable. Trust them to guide you and prevent missteps like using commercial apps for sensitive communications.

2. Maintain Professionalism.

Remember that your actions reflect on the office you hold. Conduct yourselves professionally in all matters, especially when dealing with sensitive issues like military operations.

3. Trust and Use Secure Systems.

Utilize the secure communication systems available to you for all official matters. Avoid using unauthorized platforms for confidential discussions.

4. Own Your Mistakes.

Acknowledge and take responsibility for any errors. Denying wrongdoing only damages your credibility and trust with those you lead.

5. Include Senior Military Personnel.

Involve relevant senior military leaders in key discussions and decisions to ensure proper protocol and security measures are followed.

6. Be Mindful of Espionage Threats.

As high-profile targets for espionage, remain vigilant and cautious of potential security breaches from adversaries seeking to exploit vulnerabilities.

7. Avoid Embarrassing the President.

Maintain a level of professionalism that upholds the dignity of the office and avoids any actions that could reflect poorly on the president or the country.

8. Assess Your Capabilities.

Reflect on whether your experiences and skills align with the immense responsibilities of your roles. Consider stepping aside if you feel inadequately prepared for the job.