Foreign Policy, Israel, and the Influence Cycle: A Kentuckians First Approach
I believe in a simple principle: American foreign policy should serve the American people and reflect our values — human rights, accountability, and the responsible use of taxpayer dollars.
For decades, the United States has provided Israel with substantial military assistance. Under the current agreement, American taxpayers send $3.8 billion every year in military aid. Since the October 7, 2023 attacks and the war that followed, Congress has approved tens of billions of additional dollars in security assistance.
At the same time, the United States is the source of roughly two-thirds of Israel’s major weapons imports.
These facts matter because American taxpayers deserve to know how their money is being used — and whether our support is advancing peace, stability, and human rights, or contributing to cycles of violence, mass displacement, and humanitarian crisis.
Let me be clear:
I believe Israelis and Palestinians both have the right to live safely, with dignity, and with self-determination.
But no government — anywhere — should receive blank-check support if its actions violate human rights or international law. Our foreign aid should reflect American values and American oversight, not automatic political loyalty.
The Influence Problem
There is also a deeper issue that many Americans are increasingly concerned about: the political influence cyclesurrounding foreign policy.
Organizations such as American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) and affiliated political networks spend heavily in U.S. elections, often rewarding candidates who support unconditional military aid and opposing those who call for oversight or restraint.
This creates a troubling dynamic:
- Taxpayer dollars flow overseas in the form of military aid
- Political pressure groups advocate for continued or expanded aid
- Candidates who question the policy face well-funded opposition
- The cycle repeats, with little public debate or accountability
Whether the issue is Israel or any other country, this kind of influence loop undermines democratic decision-making. Foreign policy should not be shaped by political pressure from any foreign-aligned interest network. It should be shaped by the will and interests of the American people.
My Position
If elected, I will support a Kentuckians First foreign policy:
- No blank checks for any foreign government
- Condition military aid on compliance with human rights and international law
- Full transparency and congressional oversight of how aid is used
- Protect the right of Americans to debate foreign policy without intimidation or political retaliation
- Ensure that U.S. resources prioritize domestic needs and national security first
I oppose extremism, collective punishment, and civilian targeting — no matter who commits it. Lasting peace will never come from unchecked military escalation. It will come from accountability, diplomacy, and equal respect for human life.
Breaking the Cycle
The United States sends hundreds of billions of dollars overseas while many communities here at home struggle with healthcare costs, infrastructure needs, farm instability, and economic uncertainty.
Kentuckians are generous, but we are not a blank check.
It’s time to break the cycle of automatic foreign commitments and political pressure — and restore a foreign policy that is transparent, accountable, and guided by the people it is supposed to serve.
Kentuckians First. Americans First. Human rights always.