Tony Johnson
@tjprime.bsky.social
National Security Executive, Veteran & Civic Strategist | Where Public Service & Tech Innovation Meet Public Trust
A wounded U.S. colonel. 30+ hours in Iran’s mountains. Iranian forces closing in.
Special Operations went in anyway.
Every American came out alive.
Argue about the war. Mean the gratitude.
#StrategicLiteracy
www.cnn.com/2026/04/05/m...
Special Operations went in anyway.
Every American came out alive.
Argue about the war. Mean the gratitude.
#StrategicLiteracy
www.cnn.com/2026/04/05/m...
What we do and don’t know about the operation to rescue the US airman | CNN
In a triumphant post on Truth Social this morning, US President Donald Trump announced the second US service member whose F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jet was downed over Iran had been rescued.
www.cnn.com
April 5, 2026 at 12:49 PM
A wounded U.S. colonel. 30+ hours in Iran’s mountains. Iranian forces closing in.
Special Operations went in anyway.
Every American came out alive.
Argue about the war. Mean the gratitude.
#StrategicLiteracy
www.cnn.com/2026/04/05/m...
Special Operations went in anyway.
Every American came out alive.
Argue about the war. Mean the gratitude.
#StrategicLiteracy
www.cnn.com/2026/04/05/m...
The Haggadah names the plagues ten times — as an obligation. Don't skip the hard part. My Passover piece at Reconnecting the Republic poses questions most tables won't.
#StrategicLiteracy #ReconnectingTheRepublic #Passover
What Passover Requires of Us Now
open.substack.com/pub/tjprime/...
#StrategicLiteracy #ReconnectingTheRepublic #Passover
What Passover Requires of Us Now
open.substack.com/pub/tjprime/...
What Passover Requires of Us Now
A Pesach Epistle — and Questions for Your Seder Table
open.substack.com
April 1, 2026 at 12:01 PM
The Haggadah names the plagues ten times — as an obligation. Don't skip the hard part. My Passover piece at Reconnecting the Republic poses questions most tables won't.
#StrategicLiteracy #ReconnectingTheRepublic #Passover
What Passover Requires of Us Now
open.substack.com/pub/tjprime/...
#StrategicLiteracy #ReconnectingTheRepublic #Passover
What Passover Requires of Us Now
open.substack.com/pub/tjprime/...
Three decades from the Navy and IC, to the Pentagon & State. I’m back at Georgetown as a Non-Resident Senior Scholar, @georgetown-sfs.bsky.social Center for Security Studies. The work: bridging the gap between national security expertise and democratic publics.
www.linkedin.com/posts/activi...
www.linkedin.com/posts/activi...
#georgetown #walshsfs #nationalsecurity #strategiccivicliteracy #democraticresilience #reconnectingtherepublic | Tony Johnson
I’ve come back to Georgetown.
This week, I joined the Center for Security Studies at the Walsh School of Foreign Service as a Non-Resident Senior Scholar — returning to the institution where I earned...
www.linkedin.com
March 20, 2026 at 4:42 PM
Three decades from the Navy and IC, to the Pentagon & State. I’m back at Georgetown as a Non-Resident Senior Scholar, @georgetown-sfs.bsky.social Center for Security Studies. The work: bridging the gap between national security expertise and democratic publics.
www.linkedin.com/posts/activi...
www.linkedin.com/posts/activi...
Military AI is being used in active combat. The rules are still being argued in court & Congress. Not a future problem — a live governance failure. Sen. Slotkin has drawn three lines. The republic needs a full architecture.
#AIGovernance #ReconnectingTheRepublic
open.substack.com/pub/tjprime/...
#AIGovernance #ReconnectingTheRepublic
open.substack.com/pub/tjprime/...
A War Without Rules, and a Bill with Three
Senator Slotkin’s AI Guardrails Act is the right move—and a first step. The governance gap it reveals runs deeper than three prohibitions can close.
open.substack.com
March 18, 2026 at 3:55 PM
Military AI is being used in active combat. The rules are still being argued in court & Congress. Not a future problem — a live governance failure. Sen. Slotkin has drawn three lines. The republic needs a full architecture.
#AIGovernance #ReconnectingTheRepublic
open.substack.com/pub/tjprime/...
#AIGovernance #ReconnectingTheRepublic
open.substack.com/pub/tjprime/...
"The rules governing how the most powerful technology of this century gets used in war are being set through ad hoc negotiation between an executive branch official and a startup CEO — with no durable statutory framework and no meaningful democratic input."
Tony Johnson | Reconnecting the Republic
Tony Johnson | Reconnecting the Republic
February 24, 2026 at 2:12 PM
"The rules governing how the most powerful technology of this century gets used in war are being set through ad hoc negotiation between an executive branch official and a startup CEO — with no durable statutory framework and no meaningful democratic input."
Tony Johnson | Reconnecting the Republic
Tony Johnson | Reconnecting the Republic
🧵 The Pentagon vs. Anthropic dispute isn't about a contract.
It's about who gets to set the rules when AI moves from drafting memos to supporting operations in which people die.
Right now? That answer is being worked out through back-channel calls — not legislation.
It's about who gets to set the rules when AI moves from drafting memos to supporting operations in which people die.
Right now? That answer is being worked out through back-channel calls — not legislation.
February 24, 2026 at 2:08 PM
🧵 The Pentagon vs. Anthropic dispute isn't about a contract.
It's about who gets to set the rules when AI moves from drafting memos to supporting operations in which people die.
Right now? That answer is being worked out through back-channel calls — not legislation.
It's about who gets to set the rules when AI moves from drafting memos to supporting operations in which people die.
Right now? That answer is being worked out through back-channel calls — not legislation.
“You cannot reconnect what you refuse to see clearly. Strategic citizenship begins with honesty about where we are.”
open.substack.com/pub/tjprime/...
open.substack.com/pub/tjprime/...
When A Republic Fights Itself
The Domestic Security Crisis America Must Confront – Part 1
open.substack.com
February 10, 2026 at 10:17 AM
“You cannot reconnect what you refuse to see clearly. Strategic citizenship begins with honesty about where we are.”
open.substack.com/pub/tjprime/...
open.substack.com/pub/tjprime/...
Living Dr. King's Example in Dangerous Times
substack.com/@tjprime/not...
I'm launching my Substack today with some thoughts about what Dr. King's example demands of us right now—not as history, but as an assignment for today.
This is new territory for me, and I'm glad you're here for it.
substack.com/@tjprime/not...
I'm launching my Substack today with some thoughts about what Dr. King's example demands of us right now—not as history, but as an assignment for today.
This is new territory for me, and I'm glad you're here for it.
Living Dr. King's Example in Dangerous Times
Why Civic Engagement Is Our Only Way Through
substack.com
January 19, 2026 at 4:00 PM
Living Dr. King's Example in Dangerous Times
substack.com/@tjprime/not...
I'm launching my Substack today with some thoughts about what Dr. King's example demands of us right now—not as history, but as an assignment for today.
This is new territory for me, and I'm glad you're here for it.
substack.com/@tjprime/not...
I'm launching my Substack today with some thoughts about what Dr. King's example demands of us right now—not as history, but as an assignment for today.
This is new territory for me, and I'm glad you're here for it.
The Supreme Court Decision on ICE and Racial Profiling, is an outrageous afftont to ALL Americans! 4th Amendment anyone? This is insane — deeply disturbing! www.nytimes.com/2025/09/08/u...
The Supreme Court Decision on ICE and Racial Profiling, Explained
www.nytimes.com
September 9, 2025 at 10:28 AM
The Supreme Court Decision on ICE and Racial Profiling, is an outrageous afftont to ALL Americans! 4th Amendment anyone? This is insane — deeply disturbing! www.nytimes.com/2025/09/08/u...
🔥 This extraordinary leader—a sailor, soldier, brother, and true champion—is running for Congress—and I’m thrilled to support him! @trippadams1 is exactly the bold, service-driven voice Michigan’s 10th District needs 🇺🇸
June 18, 2025 at 11:46 AM
🔥 This extraordinary leader—a sailor, soldier, brother, and true champion—is running for Congress—and I’m thrilled to support him! @trippadams1 is exactly the bold, service-driven voice Michigan’s 10th District needs 🇺🇸
Today’s assassination of Rep. Hortman and attack on Sen. Hoffman strikes at democracy’s heart. Political violence has no place in America. We honor those who serve and defend dialogue over violence. #Minnesota #DefendDemocracy
A man impersonating a police officer assassinated a Democratic state legislator in Minnesota, Gov. Tim Walz said on Saturday, and killed the lawmaker’s husband. The assailant also shot and injured another Democratic lawmaker and his wife, officials said. nyti.ms/4jRTrvw
June 14, 2025 at 4:59 PM
Today’s assassination of Rep. Hortman and attack on Sen. Hoffman strikes at democracy’s heart. Political violence has no place in America. We honor those who serve and defend dialogue over violence. #Minnesota #DefendDemocracy
Iran talks hitting a wall. Iran won’t budge on enrichment, U.S. won’t budge on red lines. Embassy evacuations say it all - diplomacy’s last window is closing. Who seriously thinks SecDef Hegseth is ready for the biggest ME showdown in decades?🧵
www.nytimes.com/2025/06/11/u...
www.nytimes.com/2025/06/11/u...
Israel Appears Ready to Attack Iran, Officials in U.S. and Europe Say
www.nytimes.com
June 12, 2025 at 11:17 AM
Iran talks hitting a wall. Iran won’t budge on enrichment, U.S. won’t budge on red lines. Embassy evacuations say it all - diplomacy’s last window is closing. Who seriously thinks SecDef Hegseth is ready for the biggest ME showdown in decades?🧵
www.nytimes.com/2025/06/11/u...
www.nytimes.com/2025/06/11/u...
Reposted by Tony Johnson
The VA saved my life. Now whistleblowers are telling me how veterans are being cut off from care.
I wrote about it—and I’m heading to DC on June 6 to fight back. Join us.
🔗 onoffense.substack.com/p/veterans-c...
#Unite4Vets #Best4Vets
I wrote about it—and I’m heading to DC on June 6 to fight back. Join us.
🔗 onoffense.substack.com/p/veterans-c...
#Unite4Vets #Best4Vets
June 3, 2025 at 10:29 PM
The VA saved my life. Now whistleblowers are telling me how veterans are being cut off from care.
I wrote about it—and I’m heading to DC on June 6 to fight back. Join us.
🔗 onoffense.substack.com/p/veterans-c...
#Unite4Vets #Best4Vets
I wrote about it—and I’m heading to DC on June 6 to fight back. Join us.
🔗 onoffense.substack.com/p/veterans-c...
#Unite4Vets #Best4Vets
Reposted by Tony Johnson
48 hours until we rally.
The VA that once saved my life is now cutting veterans off from care.
I wrote about it—and I’ll be in D.C. on June 6 to fight for those still trying to survive the system.
🔗 onoffense.substack.com/p/veterans-c...
#Unite4Vets #Best4Vets
The VA that once saved my life is now cutting veterans off from care.
I wrote about it—and I’ll be in D.C. on June 6 to fight for those still trying to survive the system.
🔗 onoffense.substack.com/p/veterans-c...
#Unite4Vets #Best4Vets
June 4, 2025 at 12:26 PM
48 hours until we rally.
The VA that once saved my life is now cutting veterans off from care.
I wrote about it—and I’ll be in D.C. on June 6 to fight for those still trying to survive the system.
🔗 onoffense.substack.com/p/veterans-c...
#Unite4Vets #Best4Vets
The VA that once saved my life is now cutting veterans off from care.
I wrote about it—and I’ll be in D.C. on June 6 to fight for those still trying to survive the system.
🔗 onoffense.substack.com/p/veterans-c...
#Unite4Vets #Best4Vets
Truman joins @unite4vets.bsky.social to protest Administration cuts to vital services. Today we remember D-Day and nearly 250-year history of fighting for U.S. veterans benefits #ProudlyTruman | PBS News www.pbs.org/newshour/nat...
As U.S. veterans plan protest for D-Day, here's a look at their nearly 250-year history of fighting for their benefits
Veterans across the United States will gather on June 6, 2025, to protest the Trump administration’s cuts to the Department of Veterans Affairs, as well as the slashing of staff and programs throughou...
www.pbs.org
June 6, 2025 at 10:46 AM
Truman joins @unite4vets.bsky.social to protest Administration cuts to vital services. Today we remember D-Day and nearly 250-year history of fighting for U.S. veterans benefits #ProudlyTruman | PBS News www.pbs.org/newshour/nat...
Truman National Security Project joins @unite4vets.bsky.social on the 81st anniversary of D-Day
for a rally on the National Mall to defend the federal workforce and protect veterans’ benefits. #ProudlyTruman #Unite4Veterans #WhyIMarch #UniteForVeterans www.unite4veterans.org
for a rally on the National Mall to defend the federal workforce and protect veterans’ benefits. #ProudlyTruman #Unite4Veterans #WhyIMarch #UniteForVeterans www.unite4veterans.org
Rally With America’s Veterans | Unite for Veterans Coalition
Join veterans and allies in Washington, D.C. on June 6 to defend the VA, protect our benefits, and carry forward the legacy of the Bonus Army.
www.unite4veterans.org
June 4, 2025 at 12:45 PM
Truman National Security Project joins @unite4vets.bsky.social on the 81st anniversary of D-Day
for a rally on the National Mall to defend the federal workforce and protect veterans’ benefits. #ProudlyTruman #Unite4Veterans #WhyIMarch #UniteForVeterans www.unite4veterans.org
for a rally on the National Mall to defend the federal workforce and protect veterans’ benefits. #ProudlyTruman #Unite4Veterans #WhyIMarch #UniteForVeterans www.unite4veterans.org
🌍 Excited to share that I’ll be serving as a Table Lead at Globally’s “Shaping America’s Next 25” Summit this year!
⏳ Registration closes today — don’t miss your chance to join us! 🎫 Register here: globally.org/next25
⏳ Registration closes today — don’t miss your chance to join us! 🎫 Register here: globally.org/next25
Shaping America's Next 25 Summit — Globally
globally.org
June 3, 2025 at 10:16 AM
🌍 Excited to share that I’ll be serving as a Table Lead at Globally’s “Shaping America’s Next 25” Summit this year!
⏳ Registration closes today — don’t miss your chance to join us! 🎫 Register here: globally.org/next25
⏳ Registration closes today — don’t miss your chance to join us! 🎫 Register here: globally.org/next25
Reposted by Tony Johnson
Stunning details now emerging: this was an operation planned a year and a half in advance, involved smuggling drones into Russia, placing them in containers on top of trucks, arranging for them all to open simultaneously and to strike.
More than 40 Russian warplanes are burning after a mass Ukrainian drone attack
kyivindependent.com/enemy-bomber...
kyivindependent.com/enemy-bomber...
'Russian bombers are burning en masse' — Ukraine's SBU drones hit 'more than 40' aircraft in mass attack, source claims
"Currently, more than 40 aircraft are known to have been hit, including the A-50, Tu-95 and Tu-22 M3," a source told the Kyiv Independent.
kyivindependent.com
June 1, 2025 at 2:16 PM
Stunning details now emerging: this was an operation planned a year and a half in advance, involved smuggling drones into Russia, placing them in containers on top of trucks, arranging for them all to open simultaneously and to strike.
Reposted by Tony Johnson
Behind the Curtain: The Great Fusing www.axios.com/2025/05/30/a...
U.S. bets on The Great Fusing to win the future of AI
The merging of Washington and Silicon Valley is driven by necessity — and fierce urgency.
www.axios.com
May 30, 2025 at 11:19 AM
Behind the Curtain: The Great Fusing www.axios.com/2025/05/30/a...
@anandwrites.bsky.social celebrates Beyoncé the patriot “she made an emphatic case for refusing to concede patriotism, a mistake progressive forces in American life have long and disastrously made. Do not let them be the arbiters of who belongs” 💯 #ProudlyTruman 🇺🇸
the.ink/p/essay-beyo...
the.ink/p/essay-beyo...
ESSAY: Beyoncé's "reclamation of America"
A dispatch from MetLife Stadium last night
the.ink
May 30, 2025 at 11:57 AM
@anandwrites.bsky.social celebrates Beyoncé the patriot “she made an emphatic case for refusing to concede patriotism, a mistake progressive forces in American life have long and disastrously made. Do not let them be the arbiters of who belongs” 💯 #ProudlyTruman 🇺🇸
the.ink/p/essay-beyo...
the.ink/p/essay-beyo...
Celebrating @camillestewartgloster.com must read guide the next generation through cybersecurity careers in the AI age on Substack #ProudlyTruman
substack.com/inbox/post/1...
substack.com/inbox/post/1...
Breaking In, Leveling Up: Navigating a Career in Cybersecurity in the Age of AI
If you're trying to break into cybersecurity right now, you're not alone—and you're not imagining things: it’s harder than ever.
substack.com
May 29, 2025 at 11:17 AM
Celebrating @camillestewartgloster.com must read guide the next generation through cybersecurity careers in the AI age on Substack #ProudlyTruman
substack.com/inbox/post/1...
substack.com/inbox/post/1...
@rachelrizzo.bsky.social delivers strategic clarity to BBC's global audience on U.S.-Ukraine policy & Germany's weapons decision. Principled, evidence-based analysis our complex world demands. 🇺🇸🇺🇦 #ProudlyTruman
www.linkedin.com/posts/rachel...
www.linkedin.com/posts/rachel...
It was a pleasure to join Geeta Guru-murthy on the BBC this evening to… | Rachel Rizzo
It was a pleasure to join Geeta Guru-murthy on the BBC this evening to discuss the U.S. approach to Russia’s war in Ukraine, how the U.S. administration might turn up the pressure on Putin, and what G...
www.linkedin.com
May 29, 2025 at 11:00 AM
@rachelrizzo.bsky.social delivers strategic clarity to BBC's global audience on U.S.-Ukraine policy & Germany's weapons decision. Principled, evidence-based analysis our complex world demands. 🇺🇸🇺🇦 #ProudlyTruman
www.linkedin.com/posts/rachel...
www.linkedin.com/posts/rachel...