'The gloves were off.' What America did to stay safe after 9/11

NPR | By Mary Louise Kelly,

Courtney Dorning, Alejandra Marquez Janse

Published September 10, 2026 at 5:00 PM EDT

Did America sacrifice too much to stay safe after the 9/11 terror attacks?

Mary Louise Kelly

Mary Louise Kelly is a host of All Things Considered, NPR's flagship afternoon newsmagazine. She is also the host of NPR's national security podcast, Sources & Methods.

See stories by Mary Louise Kelly

Courtney Dorning

Courtney Dorning is a Senior Editor for NPR's All Things Considered.

See stories by Courtney Dorning

Alejandra Marquez Janse

Alejandra Marquez Janse is an assistant producer for NPR's evening news program All Things Considered.

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