Congressman Greg Steube, representing Florida's 17th district, is known for his strong stance on national security, his advocacy for limited government, and his commitment to defending American values. Elected to Congress in 2018, Steube quickly became a notable figure within the House, known for his bold positions on issues ranging from immigration reform to foreign policy.
Steube’s motivation for serving in Congress stems from his dedication to protecting the American way of life. “I enter politics because I am concerned about the direction of our country,” he says. “We see too much overreach by the federal government, and too many of our freedoms are being eroded.” Steube sees his role in Congress as a way to push back against what he perceives as the rise of government control and to ensure that the Constitution is upheld.
When discussing the current state of U.S. foreign policy, Steube is particularly vocal about the threat posed by China. He stresses that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is not just an economic competitor but a strategic adversary to the United States. “China’s rise is one of the greatest threats we face, and we need to be more aggressive in countering their influence both at home and abroad,” Steube says. “They’re not just competing with us in the marketplace; they’re actively seeking to undermine our values and our global influence.”
Steube also points out the importance of strengthening America’s military and ensuring that the country’s defense capabilities remain second to none. “Our military is the backbone of our national security,” he says. “We need to ensure that our military is always ready and able to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world.”
His criticism of U.S. foreign policy elites, particularly regarding their approach to China, mirrors his frustrations with the political establishment. Steube believes that many leaders are too willing to overlook China’s aggressive behavior in favor of economic interests. “There are too many people in Washington who don’t want to rock the boat because of the financial ties they have with China,” he says. “But we can’t ignore the fact that China is taking actions that threaten our security and our way of life.”
Steube also calls attention to the importance of transparency when it comes to government decision-making. He is critical of those who, in his view, fail to disclose potential conflicts of interest. “We need politicians who are honest about their allegiances,” Steube says. “Too often, we see politicians who claim to represent the people, but their actions are shaped by their ties to foreign governments or corporate interests.”
A significant part of Steube's foreign policy outlook centers on the Middle East, especially the relationship between the U.S., Israel, and Iran. Steube is a staunch advocate for Israel, calling it “America’s greatest ally in the region.” He believes the U.S. should continue to provide unwavering support to Israel, particularly in the face of threats from Iran.
“Iran is a rogue state,” Steube states firmly. “It has been the leading sponsor of terrorism around the world, and its regime has no respect for international law or basic human rights.” He strongly criticizes the Iran nuclear deal, also known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), and warns that any future negotiations with Iran should be met with skepticism. “The Obama administration made a huge mistake by entering that deal,” Steube says. “We need to make sure that Iran never gets the ability to develop nuclear weapons, and that means a much more aggressive stance.”
Steube believes that a future U.S. administration should focus on using all available diplomatic and military tools to isolate Iran and prevent its regional influence from growing. “We cannot allow Iran to continue destabilizing the region and empowering terrorist organizations,” he says. “They’re not just a threat to Israel—they’re a threat to the entire world. We need to be willing to take a much harder line with Iran and support our allies in the region.”
At the same time, Steube stresses the importance of bolstering Israel’s security, particularly in the face of ongoing tensions with Iran-backed groups in Syria and Lebanon. “Israel is facing constant threats on multiple fronts. We need to make sure that they have everything they need to defend themselves,” he says. “It’s not just about standing with Israel rhetorically; it’s about making sure they have the tools to protect their people.”
While Steube acknowledges that the situation in the Middle East is complex, he argues that the U.S. should not shy away from taking a strong, proactive role. “We can’t afford to be passive,” he says. “When we’re passive, we end up with chaos. Our enemies respect strength. We need to make sure that we’re showing strength, not just in words but in actions.”
Steube’s broader vision for America’s role in the world emphasizes strength, transparency, and strategic action. Whether discussing the threats posed by China, Iran, or other global challenges, he insists that the U.S. must be clear-eyed about the realities it faces and act decisively.
“We can’t afford to be naive,” Steube says. “We need to be proactive in addressing these threats. The world is changing, and we need to adapt. If we don’t, we risk losing everything we hold dear.”