<a href="https://reason.com/2025/07/11/bill-kristol-is-alarmed-that-a-president-would-ship-accused-foreign-enemies-to-an-overseas-prison/" target="_blank">View original image source</a>.
In a surprising about-face, Bill Kristol, a former hawkish champion of national security, is suddenly raising eyebrows with his new stance on immigration policy. He’s gone from advocating aggressive measures that often skated on the edge of legality to calling for the defunding of the Department of Homeland Security. This shift means Kristol now opposes the very tactics he once cheered for, like sending alleged foreign enemies to overseas prisons. Guess he finally figured out that ignoring civil liberties can lead down a treacherous path!
Kristol’s journey from hardline conservative to a more liberal critique comes amidst increasing concerns about executive power in the immigration crackdown era. His arguments offer a refreshingly self-aware perspective, questioning the effectiveness of a sprawling national security bureaucracy that was formed after 9/11. It’s almost like he’s saying, “Hey, remember when we were all about defending rights? Maybe it’s time we take a stroll back to that idea.” Who knew he could be such a historical revisionist?
The important conversation Kristol is now contributing to revolves around the balance between security and civil rights. Is it really worth sacrificing liberties for a sense of security? This continual tug-of-war is a reminder that today’s threats can lead to tomorrow’s regrets. It seems like Kristol may have had his own wake-up call, and it certainly raises an eyebrow or two. What other surprising shifts in political attitudes will we see as the new landscape unfolds?
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