The Trump administration’s 2026 National Defense Strategy (NDS) marks a sharp pivot, sidelining Russia, Europe, and climate change for hemispheric defense, narco-terrorism, and burden-sharing. Presented as a break from past strategies, it echoes a “Trump corollary to the Monroe Doctrine”.
Key Changes
• Hemispheric Priority: Restore U.S. dominance in Western Hemisphere, deny adversaries basing (China/Russia).
• Homeland Expansion: Add border security, drug smuggling to missile defense/counterterrorism.
• Industry Revival: “Supercharge” defense base via acquisition reforms.
Signed executive orders enforce this, including military border ops. Nuclear modernization emphasized amid global arsenal growth.
Reactions & Continuity
Military leaders reportedly pushed back during drafting. Tone shifts to rally-style, but core missions persist. Aligns with 2025 NSS on loyalty-focused staffing.
Global Ramifications
Allies worry reduced Europe focus; adversaries test limits. Trump’s 7 EOs in 2026 (EO 14372-14378) back this vision.
The NDS unifies Trump’s defense team—watch implementation.








