Democrats Criticized for Failing to Fund Homeland Security

Concerns raised over recent attacks by Islamic radicals amid lack of security funding

Mar. 13, 2026 at 10:21am

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In a recent opinion piece, conservative commentator Erick-Woods Erickson criticized Democrats for not funding the Department of Homeland Security, arguing that this has allowed a series of attacks by Islamic radicals to occur across the U.S. in recent weeks, including incidents in Texas, New York, California, Virginia, and Michigan. Erickson claims the mainstream media is giving Democrats a "pass" on this issue and not holding them accountable.

Why it matters

The debate over homeland security funding and the threat of domestic terrorism has become a highly partisan issue, with Erickson and other conservatives accusing Democrats of being soft on national security. This reflects the ongoing political tensions and disagreements over how to balance civil liberties, immigration policies, and national defense priorities.

The details

Erickson cites several recent incidents involving alleged Islamic radicals, including a deadly attack in Austin, an explosive device thrown in New York City, assaults on Hebrew speakers in California, the killing of a service member in Virginia, and a synagogue attack in Michigan. He argues these events underscore the need for robust homeland security funding that the Democrats have allegedly failed to provide.

  • The incidents Erickson cites have occurred over the past few weeks.

The players

Erick-Woods Erickson

A conservative commentator and political analyst.

Tucker Carlson

A Fox News host who Erickson says knows no one killed by Islamic terrorists in the U.S.

Ro Khanna

A Democratic Congressman from California whose district saw an attack on Hebrew speakers.

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What they’re saying

“On Twitter yesterday, someone tweeted that for those who say Muslims cannot assimilate into the United States, they committed two school shootings in one day. I admit I laughed. I have dark humor.”

— Erick-Woods Erickson (substack.com)

The takeaway

This opinion piece reflects the ongoing partisan divide over homeland security and the threat of domestic terrorism, with conservatives accusing Democrats of being soft on national security issues. The debate highlights the challenge of balancing civil liberties, immigration policies, and defense priorities in an era of heightened concerns about extremism.