The End of an Era: Tom Engelhardt Reflects on 25 Years of TomDispatch and the War on Terror
On June 4, 2026, Tom Engelhardt, founder of TomDispatch, announced the end of his 25-year editorial journey with the publication. In a poignant farewell piece, he reflected on the profound impact of the 9/11 attacks, the evolution of the Global War on Terror, and the unsettling rise of Donald Trump, marking a pivotal chapter in American history.
The Legacy of 9/11 and the Global War on Terror
Engelhardt recalls the seismic shift in global consciousness following the September 11, 2001, attacks. “Until that moment, such a thing would have been beyond inconceivable,” he wrote, describing the surreal reality of two hijacked planes striking the World Trade Center. The attacks catalyzed a U.S. response that reshaped the world, including the invasion of Afghanistan and the launch of the “Global War on Terror.” This period, he notes, “flipped our world upside down,” setting a precedent for prolonged military engagements and a redefinition of national security.
The article highlights the enduring consequences of these decisions, citing the long-term conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq, as well as the establishment of facilities like Guantánamo Bay. Engelhardt underscores the irony of a nation that “never stopped bombing other countries,” a trajectory that, he argues, paved the way for the political landscape of the 21st century.
Trump and the War on Terror: A New Chapter?
Engelhardt’s reflections extend to the presidency of Donald Trump, whom he describes as a “possible final chapter” in the U.S. global war on terror. He critiques Trump’s policies, including his approach to Iran and his climate change rhetoric, which he links to escalating global crises. “In 2026, a year expected to be the second hottest in recorded history, he seems remarkably intent on making war not just on Iran, but on this very planet itself,” the article states.
The piece also touches on Trump’s anti-immigrant agenda, noting its environmental implications. “The Guardian recently reported that his policies ensure more fossil fuels are burned via deportations, exacerbating climate change,” Engelhardt writes. This connection between domestic policy and global environmental degradation underscores the intertwined challenges of the modern era.
A Personal Reflection: Leaving a Mess for Future Generations
As Engelhardt steps down, he expresses deep concern for the legacy he leaves behind. “I’m at an age where my friends are indeed beginning to die, and it pains me that, when I go, I’ll be leaving such a mess of an all-American planet to my poor grandchildren,” he writes. His farewell is tinged with a sense of responsibility, urging readers to consider the long-term consequences of current actions.
He also acknowledges the role of figures like Chalmers Johnson, whose work “Blowback” gained renewed relevance post-9/11. “This country responded to 9/11 almost unimaginably badly,” Engelhardt notes, emphasizing the need for critical analysis of U.S. foreign policy.
The Future of TomDispatch and the Path Ahead
With Engelhardt’s departure, the publication will be led by Nick Turse, who will continue its mission of providing alternative perspectives on global conflicts. “I only wish I could say that, so many years later, this world was a better place,” Engelhardt writes, acknowledging the challenges that remain.
The article concludes with a call for vigilance and hope. “We humans are truly a strange (and strangely unnerving) crew,” he reflects, “but perhaps the next great imperial power, China, might prove more reasonable and less Trumpian.” This forward-looking statement invites readers to consider the evolving dynamics of global power and the urgent need for sustainable solutions.