WASHINGTON — The White House on Friday released a new national security strategy that portrays many European allies as weakened and sets out to reassert U.S. dominance in the Western Hemisphere. The document underscores President Donald Trump’s “America First” philosophy, favors reduced intervention overseas, questions longstanding strategic ties and prioritizes American interests.
The strategy’s sharp critiques of European migration and free-speech policies and warnings about a “prospect of civilizational erasure” are likely to unsettle long-standing U.S. partners. It casts doubt on whether some European countries will remain reliable allies if current trends continue, citing economic stagnation, declining birthrates, immigration, alleged censorship of free speech, suppression of political opposition and a loss of national identities and self-confidence.
At the same time, the document calls for improving relations with Russia after years of Moscow’s international isolation, saying ending Russia’s war in Ukraine is a vital U.S. interest because it would help “reestablish strategic stability with Russia.” That position marks a departure from the Biden administration’s emphasis on rallying allies to check Russian aggression.
The White House also praises the growing influence of patriotic and far-right parties in Europe, saying such movements give “cause for great optimism” and urging American political allies in Europe to encourage that revival of spirit. That tone drew pushback from European officials: German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul affirmed the U.S. as “our most important ally” but said freedom of expression and the organization of free societies are not alliance issues and do not require outside advice. Markus Frohnmaier of Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany called the strategy “a foreign policy reality check.”
Domestically, Democratic Rep. Jason Crow, who serves on House intelligence and armed forces committees, called the strategy “catastrophic to America’s standing in the world and a retreat from our alliances and partnerships,” warning it would make the world more dangerous and Americans less safe.
Regionally, the administration has applied military force in the Americas, authorizing strikes on alleged drug-trafficking boats in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific and considering measures to pressure Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro. The strategy frames these moves as part of a “Trump Corollary” to the Monroe Doctrine intended to “restore American preeminence in the Western Hemisphere.” It emphasizes combating drug trafficking and controlling migration and reimagining the U.S. military presence in the region, including “targeted deployments to secure the border and defeat cartels,” and where necessary using lethal force to replace what it calls a failed law-enforcement-only approach.
The document signals a reduced emphasis on promoting political reform in the Middle East. It urges abandoning “America’s misguided experiment with hectoring” nations there about their traditions and governance, recommending instead that the U.S. encourage reform only when it emerges organically. The strategy notes the administration’s strengthened ties with Gulf monarchies and frames the region as a source of partnership and investment. It also says the U.S. will shift focus from the Middle East in part because it is less dependent on the region’s oil.
On China, the strategy seeks to “rebalance” the relationship while deterring Beijing’s pressure on Taiwan. It states the U.S. should maintain a military edge to prevent conflict over Taiwan and calls on regional allies to contribute more to their defense and spending, arguing the American military cannot and should not shoulder the burden alone.
This is the first national security strategy released since Trump’s return to office in January, a document the administration is required by law to publish. It represents a stark break from policies under President Joe Biden, which had focused on reinvigorating alliances and countering an assertive Russia. The new strategy’s combination of criticism of democratic European partners, a more conciliatory posture toward Russia, an aggressive stance in the Western Hemisphere, a hands-off approach in the Middle East and a demand that allies shoulder more defense responsibility marks a decisive reorientation of U.S. strategic priorities.