Trump promises to ‘find and kill’ US enemies
RTJAN 29
US Strikes Alleged IS Targets in Somalia
Above: Security forces are dispatched to the scene after a bomb and armed attack on a hotel that is close to the Presidential Palace, Somalia, on March 15, 2024. Image copyright: Abukar Mohamed Muhudin/Contributor/Anadolu via Getty Images
The Spin
Republican narrative
This operation illustrates Trump's decisive leadership in protecting American interests and sends a clear message to terrorists threatening US security. A high-ranking IS leader that the US military targeted for years has finally been neutralized — something that Biden and his allies would have never been able to achieve.
Democratic narrative
These strikes were more symbolic than substantive, designed primarily to promote Trump as a commander-in-chief who has protected the country from the very start of his term rather than to address a serious threat. The Biden administration neutralized a high-ranking IS leader not too long ago — the public should wait and see if the Trump administration confirms its initial assessment.