The Pentagon has released a new National Defense Strategy that urges US allies to take greater responsibility for their own security and signals a shift
in focus under President Donald Trump toward protecting American interests closer to home. The 34-page document, issued late Friday, is the first defense strategy since 2022 and reflects the Trump administration’s “America First” approach. It sharply criticises allies in Europe and Asia for relying too heavily on the United States to subsidise their defense and calls for “a sharp shift - in approach, focus, and tone.” “For too long, the U.S. Government neglected — even rejected — putting Americans and their concrete interests first,” the document says. The strategy argues that allies should shoulder more of the burden in countering threats from countries such as Russia and North Korea. It comes amid strained relations with traditional partners, including recent tensions with European nations over trade and security issues.
The Pentagon says it will provide “credible options to guarantee US military and commercial access to key terrain,” specifically citing Greenland and the Panama Canal. That language is likely to unsettle allies, particularly Denmark, which controls Greenland, and Panama. Trump recently said he had reached a “framework of a future deal” on Arctic security that would give the U.S. broad access to Greenland, though Danish officials say formal talks have not begun.
The strategy also emphasises the Western Hemisphere, stating the US will “actively and fearlessly defend America’s interests throughout the Western Hemisphere.” It warns neighbours that while Washington will engage “in good faith,” it is prepared to take “focused, decisive action” if its interests are not respected.
On China, the document marks a notable shift from the Biden administration’s approach. Rather than portraying Beijing as a central pacing threat, it describes China as a regional power that needs to be deterred, not confronted outright. “President Trump seeks a stable peace, fair trade, and respectful relations with China,” the strategy says, adding that it does not seek “regime change or some other existential struggle.”
The document makes no mention of Taiwan, a departure from the 2022 strategy, which pledged support for Taiwan’s self-defence.
In Europe, the Pentagon says NATO allies are “strongly positioned to take primary responsibility for Europe’s conventional defense,” even as the US recalibrates its military posture there. It describes Russia as a “persistent but manageable threat” and confirms plans to reduce US troop levels near Ukraine.
(With AP inputs)
