 Defense &
National Security |
Defense &
National Security |
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How Trump's 'America First' agenda shook the world in first 100 days |
President Trump moved quickly to remake American foreign policy in his first 100 days in office, causing uncertainty and confusion among allies and adversaries alike. |
Trump weaponized his "America First" agenda with the slashing of foreign aid, expansionist threats toward friendly countries, and a massively disruptive tariff regime, which has already roiled global markets and relationships. Americans have taken an increasingly dim view of Trump's major moves on the world stage. While Republicans are more favorable to the president, an NPR/PBS News/Marist poll found that a majority disapprove of how Trump is handling foreign policy. This includes Trump's threats to assert control over ally countries, the U.S. withdrawal from its leadership role in global health policy, and the drastic downsizing of America's humanitarian aid budget. And Trump's strategies for making peace have so far fallen flat – from the Gaza Strip to Russia's war in Ukraine. Trump's calls to take over U.S. allies like Canada, Greenland, and take control of the Panama Canal have spurred a debate over his end game. It's had a major impact on politics in those countries, with Trump's threats a key factor in elections in Greenland last month and Canada on Monday. One former senior Republican official, who asked for anonymity to speak candidly, said the expansionist talk was "a distraction" but also "pretty consequential at the end of the day." "I think the heavy handed approach the administration took in all three cases has raised concern throughout the hemisphere," adding that it also undermines U.S. efforts to pressure Russia to get out of Ukraine, or China to back off of Taiwan. Trump also made quickly ending wars abroad a major feature of his campaign, but has since signaled growing frustration with the pace of deals, telling Russia and Ukraine that the U.S. could walk away if a deal is not reached within a matter of days, while seemingly setting aside efforts to reach another ceasefire between Israel and Hamas – with 59 people, including one American, still held hostage in the Gaza Strip. Trump is also seeking to pressure Iran into a new nuclear deal, threatening a military option if talks fail. Read the full report at TheHill.com. |
Welcome to The Hill's Defense & National Security newsletter, I'm Ellen Mitchell — your guide to the latest developments at the Pentagon, on Capitol Hill and beyond. |
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How policy will affect defense and national security now and in
the future: |
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President Trump on Tuesday announced Selfridge National Guard base in Michigan will receive 21 F-15EX Eagle II fighters, newer generation jets meant to replace the installation's aging A-10 Thunderbolt IIs, effectively guaranteeing the base's future. The Boeing-made aircraft, previously purchased by the Air Force, will go to Selfidge after years of lobbying from Michigan lawmakers to shore up the future of the 106-year-old … |
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A former Pentagon spokesperson for the Biden administration took aim at President Trump in an op-ed for MSNBC on Trump’s 100th day in office, accusing the current president of falling short on his promise to restore the nation’s safety and global standing. Sabrina Singh, now a Fox News panelist, highlighted claims Trump made in his January inaugural address that the U.S. would flourish under his leadership. “Those … |
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President Trump offered a compliment to Democratic Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer during a stop at Selfridge Air National Guard Base in her state on Tuesday. "For decades, they've been trying to save this facility … including your governor, who has done a very good job. She came to see me. That's the reason she came to see me, by the way, to save Selfridge. She was very effective," Trump said in remarks before the Michigan … |
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The nation's only Black, all-female unit to serve in Europe during World War II was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal on Tuesday, decades after their efforts helped lift morale for soldiers fighting in battle. "The Six Triple Eight are great American patriots, loyal to a nation that, for far too long, failed to return the favor," House Speaker Mike Johnson said at Tuesday's ceremony. "And I'm glad to say that's changing, … |
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Upcoming things we're watching on our beat: |
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth accompanied President Trump to Michigan today where they both spoke at Selfridge National Guard base.
- House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), and Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) will speak at Axios "News Shapers" discussion tomorrow at 8 a.m.
- Hudson Institute will host a discussion on "Rebuilding America's Maritime Industrial Base," with Sens. Todd Young (R-Ind.), and Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), tomorrow at 9 a.m.
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Branch out with a different read from The Hill: |
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More than 100 immigrants lacking legal status detained in Colorado nightclub raid: DEA |
Dozens of immigrants without legal status were detained by federal agents in a raid at a nightclub in Colorado Springs, Colo., early Sunday morning, officials said, as the Trump administration steps up its immigration enforcement efforts across the country. More than 100 people were taken into custody … |
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Events in and around the defense world: |
- Defense Strategies Institute will hold Day 1 of its MOSA for Defense Summit at 8:45 a.m.
- The Stimson Center will have a virtual talk on "America at 100 Days: National Security and Global Influence," at 1 p.m.
- A House Armed Services subcommittee will hold a hearing on "Missile Defense and Missile Defeat Programmatic Updates," with testimony from U.S. Northern Command head Gen. Gregory Guillot, Missile Defense Agency Director Lt. Gen. Heath Collins, Commanding General of the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command Lt. Gen. Sean Gainey, and Andrea Yaffe, acting assistant secretary of defense for space policy, at 3 p.m.
- Another House Armed Services subpanel will hear from defense officials on "Military Department Personnel Chiefs: Personnel Posture," at 3:30 p.m.
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News we've flagged from other outlets: |
- Reports of civilian deaths in Yemen are mounting. The Pentagon is remaining mostly silent. (Military.com)
- Zelensky calls Putin's 72-hour truce pledge 'manipulation' (The New York Times)
- The Army made a tank it doesn't need and can't use. Now it's figuring out what to do with it. (Defense One)
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Two key stories on The Hill right now: |
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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth declared Tuesday that he had begun to shutter a Pentagon program meant to advance women's participation in peace-building … Read more |
| President Trump's blanket return-to-office mandate has caused chaos and frustration among federal employees and a potential mass exodus of experienced … Read more |
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Op-eds related to defense & national security submitted to The Hill: |
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You're all caught up. See you tomorrow! |
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