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"The challenges we face today are not so different from Jeffersons, and weve much to learn from his boldness and from the courage of the marines and sailors who died to protect their country." (Brian Kilmeade) This is the little-known story of how a newly independent nation was challenged by four Muslim powers and what happened when Americas third president decided to stand up to intimidation. When Thomas Jefferson became president in 1801, America faced a crisis. The new nation was deeply in debt and needed its economy to grow quickly, but its merchant ships were under attack. Pirates from North Africas Barbary Coast routinely captured American sailors and held them as slaves, demanding ransom and tribute payments far beyond what the new country could afford. Over the previous 15 years, as a diplomat and then as secretary of state, Jefferson had tried to work with the Barbary states (Tripoli, Tunis, Algiers, and Morocco) . Unfortunately, he found it impossible to negotiate with people who believed their religion justified the plunder and enslavement of non-Muslims. These rogue states would show no mercy - at least not while easy money could be made by extorting America, France, England, and other powers. So President Jefferson decided to move beyond diplomacy. He sent the US Navys new warships and a detachment of marines to blockade Tripoli - launching the Barbary Wars and beginning Americas journey toward future superpower status. As they did in their previous best seller, George Washingtons Secret Six, Kilmeade and Yaeger have transformed a nearly forgotten slice of history into a dramatic story that will keep you listening to find out what happens next.



About the Author

Brian Kilmeade

Not many broadcasters can say they are on the air for 6 hours a day, 5 days a week, but that is exactly what Brian Kilmeade has been doing since 2006. After joining Fox News in 1997, he was soon named co-host of Fox & Friends, where he still thrives alongside the extraordinarily talented Steve Doocy and Ainsley Earhardt. Together they have powered their way to the top spot in morning cable TV. After Fox & Friends from 6 - 9AM ET. Kilmeade has the privilege of hosting his nationally syndicated radio show, "The Brian Kilmeade Show" on Fox News Talk from 9-12 noon.Every weekday morning, Kilmeade provides viewers with the latest on the breaking news, sports, politics and entertainment. During his tenure at Fox News, he has developed the ability to interview and provide insight into newsmakers, politicians, celebrities and athletes. On any given day you might see him with former President George W. Bush, Michael Jordan, Simon Cowell, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, or supermodel Miranda Kerr. His radio show features many Fox personalities, big names guests and somehow still manages to cover the news of the day with seriousness and a smile.Brian has written 5 books, 4 of which were New York Times best sellers: "The Games Do Count", "It's How You Play the Game" and more recently, "George Washington's Secret Six" and "Thomas Jefferson and the Tripoli Pirates" co- written with Don Yaeger. His fifth book "Andrew Jackson and the Miracle of New Orleans" is due out in the fall of 2017, again teaming up with Yaeger with the hope of mirroring their previous success.Prior to joining FNC, Kilmeade was an anchor/reporter on NEWSPORT TV. While in Los Angeles, he was an anchor on KHSC-TV and a host on all sports radio's XTRA AM690. His duties on XTRA included co-hosting The Jim Brown Show where he struck up a friendship that still flourishes today. One his first jobs was as a correspondent on Channel One, a daily national high school television news program. Along way, he also managed to fit in 10 years of stand-up comedy experience.He currently resides in Massapequa, NY where he grew up with his wife and 3 kids. When he is not working, you can often catch him on the soccer field watching or coaching. He graduated from LIU-CW Post with a BA in Communications in 1986 where he also played soccer.



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