US Lawmakers Deliver Scathing Rebuke to Trump's Foreign Policy Strategy by Boosting Europe's Defences
In a shocking display of bipartisan cooperation, the US House of Representatives has passed a massive defence bill that sends a clear message to President Donald Trump's foreign policy strategy: it is fundamentally at odds with Washington's traditional alliances and interests in Europe.
The $900 billion Pentagon budget, which now heads to the Senate for final approval, is a far cry from the pro-European sentiment expressed by some of Trump's own allies. Instead, lawmakers have taken a hardline stance on bolstering European security, effectively countering Trump's efforts to downgrade Washington's ties with traditional allies and NATO.
The 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) is notable for its emphasis on European defence, barring the deployment of US troops on the continent below 76,000 for more than 45 days. It also blocks the removal of major equipment, a move that underscores lawmakers' commitment to defending Nato's eastern flank.
Trump's national security strategy, published last week, was widely criticized by EU leaders and diplomats for its perceived attacks on European values and its support for far-right nationalist parties. The document described Europe as facing "civilisational erasure" due to immigration, a claim that has been dismissed as simplistic and misleading.
In contrast, the NDAA is a robust pro-Europe bill that defies Trump's attempts to rewrite America's foreign policy priorities. Lawmakers have inserted clauses to bolster Ukraine's security, doubling down on security assistance for the country even if emergency funding stalls. The bill also limits any reduction of US troops in South Korea, sending a signal to Seoul that Washington remains committed to its long-term military presence in east Asia.
The NDAA is not just about defence spending; it also contains provisions aimed at countering Trump's more radical policies. Lawmakers have included measures to cut programs reviled by the President, such as diversity and inclusion training, which were seen as a threat to America's values.
With the White House backing the bill, it is now up to Senate lawmakers to follow suit. If passed, the NDAA would represent a major rebuke of Trump's foreign policy strategy, one that prioritizes traditional alliances and values over nationalist rhetoric and protectionist policies.
In a shocking display of bipartisan cooperation, the US House of Representatives has passed a massive defence bill that sends a clear message to President Donald Trump's foreign policy strategy: it is fundamentally at odds with Washington's traditional alliances and interests in Europe.
The $900 billion Pentagon budget, which now heads to the Senate for final approval, is a far cry from the pro-European sentiment expressed by some of Trump's own allies. Instead, lawmakers have taken a hardline stance on bolstering European security, effectively countering Trump's efforts to downgrade Washington's ties with traditional allies and NATO.
The 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) is notable for its emphasis on European defence, barring the deployment of US troops on the continent below 76,000 for more than 45 days. It also blocks the removal of major equipment, a move that underscores lawmakers' commitment to defending Nato's eastern flank.
Trump's national security strategy, published last week, was widely criticized by EU leaders and diplomats for its perceived attacks on European values and its support for far-right nationalist parties. The document described Europe as facing "civilisational erasure" due to immigration, a claim that has been dismissed as simplistic and misleading.
In contrast, the NDAA is a robust pro-Europe bill that defies Trump's attempts to rewrite America's foreign policy priorities. Lawmakers have inserted clauses to bolster Ukraine's security, doubling down on security assistance for the country even if emergency funding stalls. The bill also limits any reduction of US troops in South Korea, sending a signal to Seoul that Washington remains committed to its long-term military presence in east Asia.
The NDAA is not just about defence spending; it also contains provisions aimed at countering Trump's more radical policies. Lawmakers have included measures to cut programs reviled by the President, such as diversity and inclusion training, which were seen as a threat to America's values.
With the White House backing the bill, it is now up to Senate lawmakers to follow suit. If passed, the NDAA would represent a major rebuke of Trump's foreign policy strategy, one that prioritizes traditional alliances and values over nationalist rhetoric and protectionist policies.
It seems like just an excuse to keep the military industrial complex happy. I mean, have you seen the cost of that $2 trillion in unfunded liabilities Trump is facing? That's what should be cut back, not more money on defence.
The fact that Trump's strategy got widely criticized by EU leaders makes you wonder if there's more to this than just a simple policy disagreement...
! It's about time someone called out Donald Trump's EU-bashing foreign policy strategy 
. This massive defense bill is a clear slap in the face to his 'civilisational erasure' claim 
. I mean, who talks like that? Lawmakers need to stand up for America's values and NATO's eastern flank 
. It's all about sending a strong message to Russia and China that we're not going to back down on our commitments 
. And yeah, let's be real, diversity and inclusion training is important too 
. The fact that the White House is backing this bill is music to my ears 
. Now, it's just a matter of waiting for Senate lawmakers to step up and pass it 
. Bring on Trump's tantrums 
!
. Boosting Europe's defences like this is a major departure from what Trump was trying to do, which was kinda scary 
. I mean, who wants EU leaders and diplomats criticizing them like that? It just goes to show how divided the country is right now. On one hand, I get why lawmakers want to strengthen ties with Europe and NATO – it's all about national security and stability 
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I'm low-key impressed by how US lawmakers are taking a stand against Trump's pro-European hater vibes 
I mean, who knew bipartisan cooperation could be so strong? 
It's about time someone pushed back against those nationalist rhetoric and protectionist policies 
seeing all these republican & democrat politicians coming together like nothing happened 
so yeah 900 billion is a pretty big chunk of change 
gotta wonder if trump is still salty about this 
I'm loving this development! It's about time someone took Trump by the scruff of his neck and told him to get his act together on foreign policy 
. Boosting European defences is a no-brainer, especially with Russia still being a wild card in Eastern Europe. I mean, come on, who needs a 'civilisational erasure' narrative when we've got actual security threats to worry about? 
Either way, it's gonna be interesting to see how this all plays out 
.
. The inclusion of measures to bolster Ukraine's security and limit US troops in South Korea shows they're committed to defending traditional alliances 
. Can this be a sign of a shift in Washington? Only time will tell 
The US House of Representatives actually standing up for Europe? That's wild, especially considering Trump's national security strategy was super divisive. I'm kinda curious, what led to the bipartisan cooperation on this bill? Was it just a reaction to Trump's divisive rhetoric or are there real concerns about European security that lawmakers can't ignore? 
for finally standing up to trump on this one... i mean who doesn't love seeing those billionaire politicians use our tax dollars to beef up european defences instead of just lining their own pockets? 
anywayz, i'm all for a strong us-europe alliance and if this bill passes it'll be amazing to see trump's face turn bright red when he realizes his policies aren't getting the reception he hoped for... 
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. It's good to see some actual action being taken instead of just talking about it 
. And btw, I'm not surprised that lawmakers blocked Trump's plans for cutting diversity and inclusion programs 
- we need more inclusivity in our world, not less 
. usa is showing some serious love for its european pals, even if it means going against trump's radical policies 
️ europe gets the love 