Douglas V. Gibbs ——Bio and Archives--January 4, 2026

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American History offers a number of moments when prolonged provocation, lawlessness, and international contempt forced a President of the United States to choose between endless negotiation, endless harm to America, or decisive action. Two centuries ago President Thomas Jefferson’s bold decision to confront the Barbary pirates after years of failed diplomacy and maritime predation has been echoed by President Donald Trump’s strike and capture of Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro.

When Thomas Jefferson entered office in 1801, he recognized that the United States had endured decades of harassment from the Barbary States. During the two previous administrations Muslim pirate regimes along the North African coast demanded tribute, seized American ships, and enslaved U.S. sailors. President Washington’s and Adams’ administrations attempted to buy peace through payments and negotiation, but the problem only grew. The young republic faced a stark choice: continue paying for temporary calm or assert its sovereignty through force.

Jefferson chose the latter, rejecting the cycle of tribute........

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