Nobody saw this coming.
In a stunning twist that few in Washington saw coming, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is now echoing warnings from one of President Donald Trump’s closest allies — former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. Their unexpected alignment has sparked major attention across political circles, especially as America faces growing threats from China, Russia, and unstable regions abroad.
Clinton told the crowd at Columbia University that she believes some Pentagon insiders are exploring a “spheres of influence” strategy — one that would concentrate U.S. strength in the Western Hemisphere while giving Russia and China more room to grow abroad.
According to Clinton, such an approach would “weaken America” at a time when the Chinese Communist Party remains the greatest strategic threat to the United States.
She warned that some Pentagon officials appear to be advocating this approach, calling it “a dangerous idea that strengthens the Chinese Communist Party while weakening America.”
Trump’s America-First Strategy Puts Focus Back on the Western Hemisphere
Clinton’s comments come as President Trump increases U.S. counter-narcotics and maritime security operations in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific. The Southern Command region is now experiencing its largest American military presence in decades, reflecting Trump’s renewed commitment to protecting the homeland and defending America’s interests close to home.
At the same time, the Pentagon has confirmed it will withdraw a rotational infantry brigade stationed largely in Romania, with additional forces in Slovakia, Hungary, and Bulgaria.
When asked about Clinton’s warnings, Pentagon press secretary Kingsley Wilson delivered a sharp, unmistakably America-First response.
“Crooked Hillary is a globalist puppet who weakened America’s credibility. No one who’s serious about putting America First should listen to her yapping. The Department is focused on defending the homeland, deterring China, and restoring Peace Through Strength.”
Pompeo Shockingly Agrees with Clinton — But With a Pro-America Twist
Despite their long history of political hostility, Mike Pompeo agreed with much of Clinton’s assessment regarding China’s growing power.
“I agree with almost everything she said,” Pompeo admitted. “American values should dominate the world for the next 250 years. We must never surrender American leadership.”
Pompeo also issued an unfiltered warning about the Chinese Communist Party:
“The CCP wants to cut our heads off. They killed millions with a virus and never lost a moment’s sleep.”
He went further, claiming that China had approved North Korea’s deployment of thousands of troops to assist Russia in its war on Ukraine.
“There are 13,000 North Koreans in that conflict,” Pompeo stated. “They didn’t go without Xi Jinping telling Kim to send them.”
Hegseth: The Indo-Pacific Will Still Be Defended
Even as the War Department — led by Secretary Pete Hegseth — prioritizes securing the Western Hemisphere, Hegseth reassured Americans that the U.S. will continue to “stoutly defend” its interests across the Indo-Pacific region.
This renewed emphasis echoes Trump’s long-standing commitment to Peace Through Strength, ensuring that America refuses to bend to foreign adversaries.
Clinton Attacks Republicans Over TikTok as CCP Influence Grows
Clinton also criticized congressional Republicans for not pushing back on Trump’s aggressive executive actions against TikTok, saying they were “silent” as deadlines for a forced sale were repeatedly extended.
She warned that social media apps like TikTok — already determined by Congress to be influenced by the CCP — pose a “huge danger to democracy” by shaping and distorting public opinion.
Pompeo backed that warning.
“I’m worried that TikTok influencers, many controlled by the CCP, are shaping Americans’ thoughts,” he said.
A Rare Moment of Unity: Hillary Clinton and Mike Pompeo Against China
For two political figures with such a bitter past, their unexpected alignment on the threat from China is a rare moment in modern politics.
Pompeo once vowed to release more of Clinton’s emails before the 2020 election, while Clinton called his efforts “pathetic.” Pompeo has repeatedly criticized her Benghazi failures and what he called her “rampant corruption.”
But today, both appear united on one point: China is America’s greatest adversary, and the United States must project strength — not retreat.
