August 4, 2026
Col. Robert L. Maness: If we want peace and not forever wars, we must be ready to fight
Former Air Force colonel says recent diplomacy reflects President Trump’s America First approach rather than interventionist policies
GULFPORT, Miss. — Recent diplomatic meetings surrounding the funeral of Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., including discussions involving President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, have renewed debate over the future of U.S. foreign policy. According to a New York Post report, the gathering helped advance discussions on Ukraine and other international issues.
Col. Robert L. Maness, USAF-ret., author of “What You Can Do About It — Taking Real Action Against Corruption, Radicalism, and Moral Decay to Save America,” said the administration should remain focused on negotiations backed by American strength rather than prolonged military commitments.
“As a 32-year combat veteran who has long prioritized American interests over the permanent foreign policy consensus, I note that Senator Lindsey Graham’s sudden death and funeral have been spun as the catalyst for renewed diplomacy, yet the productive Trump-Zelensky meeting and shift of envoys toward Kyiv reflect the President’s America First approach far more than any lingering interventionist will,” Col. Maness said. “Sen. Graham was a genuine public servant who never enriched himself in office and brought real energy to national security debates, but his militant championing of endless Ukrainian aid and sanctions packages too often prolonged a grinding conflict rather than forcing a realistic end-state.”
Col. Maness added, “On Israel and Iran, Sen. Graham was a steadfast ally where interests aligned against the mullahs who declared war on us in 1979, yet ‘great endeavor’ rhetoric of the sort he employed carries the historical weight of major combat operations that Americans should refuse. True forward progress under this administration prioritizes leverage, negotiation from strength, and ending wars forever—not clinging to the echoes of a neoconservative playbook even in death.”
Col. Rob Maness, USAF-ret., is a decorated combat veteran and dynamic leader with over 40 years of experience steering complex organizations through high-stakes challenges. Maness has an unmatched track record of turning around failing systems, building high-performing teams, and delivering results under pressure — whether in war zones, corporate boardrooms or political arenas. During his military service, Maness received eighteen major awards and decorations, including the Legion of Merit twice and a Bronze Star for combat leadership.
Maness’ 2013-2014 U.S. Senate run on “America First” principles rallied 210,000 votes, while his GatorPAC has brought millions of donor dollars into like-minded candidates such as JD Vance and Donald J. Trump. Through Iron Liberty Group (2013-present), he consults, hosts “The Rob Maness Show” on the WorldViewTube Network, and drives digital initiatives, showcasing entrepreneurial adaptability. His leadership — forged in combat, proven in turnarounds and fueled by a knack for inspiring teams — marks him as a force for action and impact in any arena and is showcased in his book: “What You Can Do About It — Taking Real Action Against Corruption, Radicalism, and Moral Decay to Save America.”
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To interview Rob Maness, contact Hamilton Strategies, Media@HamiltonStrategies.com, Beth Bogucki, 610.584.1096 ext. 105, or Richard Jefferson, rjefferson@hamiltonstrategies.com.
