Tom Cotton

Tom Cotton was born on May 13, 1977, in Dardanelle, Arkansas. He grew up on a cattle farm and graduated from Dardanelle High School in 1995. Cotton was accepted to Harvard College, where he graduated with an A.B. magna cum laude in Government. After Harvard, he attended Harvard Law School and earned his J.D. in 2002. His early life and education set the stage for his future career in politics and military service.

After the September 11 attacks, Tom Cotton decided to leave his legal career and enlist in the United States Army. On January 11, 2005, he joined the Army and went on to serve as an infantry officer in Iraq with the 101st Airborne Division and later in Afghanistan. Cotton was highly recognized for his military service, receiving several awards, including a Bronze Star. His decision to join the Army was a significant turning point, reflecting his dedication to public service and national security.

On January 3, 2012, Tom Cotton began his term as a U.S. Representative for Arkansas's 4th congressional district. His election to the House is notable as it marked the beginning of his political career at the federal level. During his time in the House, Cotton was known for his hawkish foreign policy stance, conservative domestic policies, and his rapid rise within the Republican Party. His tenure in the House paved the way for his subsequent election to the U.S. Senate.

Tom Cotton was elected to the United States Senate on November 4, 2014, defeating incumbent Democratic Senator Mark Pryor. This victory was significant as he became one of the youngest members of the Senate at the time, and his election was seen as part of a larger Republican wave during the 2014 midterm elections. Cotton's tenure in the Senate has been marked by his strong advocacy for a robust national defense and his vocal criticism of the Obama Administration's foreign policies.

On March 9, 2015, Tom Cotton authored an open letter to the leaders of the Islamic Republic of Iran, co-signed by 46 other Republican senators. The letter warned Iran about the durability of any nuclear agreements made with the Obama administration. This action was highly controversial and drew significant criticism from multiple quarters, including the Obama administration and many international commentators, for undermining diplomatic efforts. The incident highlighted Cotton's hawkish stance on Iran.

On June 19, 2018, amid a national outcry over the Trump administration's policy of separating migrant children from their parents at the U.S.-Mexico border, Tom Cotton emerged as a prominent defender of the policy. He argued that the policy was necessary to prevent illegal immigration and criticized what he saw as the media's distorted portrayal of the situation. His stance on this polarizing issue reflected his broader tough-on-immigration policies and aligned him closely with President Trump's agenda.

On July 29, 2019, in the wake of the Trump administration's announcement to resume federal executions, Tom Cotton vocalized strong support for the decision. He argued that the resumption of the death penalty was a necessary tool for justice and deterrence, specifically citing cases of heinous crimes that he believed needed the ultimate punishment. This position was consistent with his law-and-order stance and highlighted his belief in the death penalty as a crucial aspect of the criminal justice system.

On June 3, 2020, amidst nationwide protests over the killing of George Floyd, Tom Cotton published an op-ed in the New York Times titled 'Send in the Troops.' In it, Cotton advocated for the use of military force to control the civil unrest and restore order. The op-ed sparked significant backlash, including from staff within the New York Times, and led to discussions about media ethics and the limits of free speech in journalism. The incident underscored Cotton's hardline approach to law and order issues.

On January 6, 2021, during the Congressional certification of the Electoral College results of the 2020 Presidential Election, Tom Cotton broke ranks with a number of his Republican colleagues by stating he would not object to President-elect Joe Biden's Electoral College victory. Cotton's decision was seen as a stand for constitutional principles and the peaceful transition of power, though it also exposed him to criticism from the more pro-Trump factions of the Republican Party.

On October 23, 2022, Tom Cotton published his book 'Only the Strong: Reversing the Left’s Plot to Sabotage American Power.' In the book, Cotton outlines his views on American foreign policy, national security, and domestic issues. He criticizes the Democratic Party’s approach to these topics and advocates for policies that he believes will strengthen America. The book received attention for its assertive critique of the current political landscape and reflects Cotton's steadfast conservative principles.