Sen. Ashley Moody, R-Fla., said Tuesday that the United States is working to avoid armed conflict while making clear it will not retreat in the face of threats.
“The choice of words was very important there,” Moody stated, referring to recent statements from War Secretary Pete Hegseth.
“This administration — everything they have done since taking office — has been trying to do everything they can to avoid armed conflict,” she added.
Moody said President Donald Trump and his team are focused on protecting the country and American interests.
“They want to make sure they’re protecting our homeland, Americans, American interests, and Americans abroad,” she explained.
At the same time, Moody emphasized that avoiding conflict does not mean ignoring threats.
“You can’t put your head in the sand and avoid threats,” she said. “We are being precise. We are not holding back. We are being precise.”
She noted U.S. actions are aimed at eliminating direct dangers.
“They want to take out where they’re manufacturing and launching missiles, where they may be threatening Americans or American interests,” Moody said. “Progress in this effort should be heartening to every American.”
“We’re doing everything we can to ensure that we’re avoiding armed conflict where we can,” she said, “but not backing down from actual threats either to our homeland or Americans abroad.”
Addressing Iran’s warnings and rhetoric, Moody described the threats as consistent with the regime’s long history.
“This is par for the course with Iran,” she stated. “This is a regime that has, for decades, threatened our way of life, threatened our leaders, and actually planned attacks on our homeland.”
Moody said the administration is taking those threats seriously.
“One thing I’ve always said about this president is he’s listening,” Moody added. “This president said no more. I’m taking those threats seriously.”
“We can’t let you get so far into developing weapons where you can actually act on what you have stated clearly your intentions are,” she concluded.
Moody also criticized Senate Democrats over the ongoing Department of Homeland Security funding dispute, warning it is affecting airport security and spring break travel.
“At a time when our nation is involved in a military conflict, we have Democrats that have said we’re not going to fund the Coast Guard, TSA, or DHS,” she said. “That is insane. That is absolutely idiotic and a reckless disregard for their responsibility.”
She urged lawmakers to prioritize national security.
“We must be funded at the Department of Homeland Security at 100%, especially at this time,” Moody stated. “I hope they will put American people over politics.”
