'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 4:00 PM CDT

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.

See stories by Alejandra Marquez Janse

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