This is the first such report since 2022. According to NBC News, the new strategy significantly differs from the course set during Joe Biden's administration: the focus has shifted to securing U.S. borders and combating drug trafficking. The document also emphasizes that the U.S. does not seek isolation but expects allies to take on more responsibility.
The number one priority is stated to be policy in the Western Hemisphere. According to the report, the U.S. intends to maintain key territories in this region and provide President Donald Trump with reliable options for ensuring access to strategically important areas, including Greenland, the American Gulf, and the Panama Canal. In this context, the Monroe Doctrine is mentioned, which defines the Western Hemisphere as a sphere of U.S. influence.
China has become the second important priority. The document notes that the U.S. does not intend to "squeeze or humiliate" Beijing but aims for deterrence "through strength, not confrontation." It also emphasizes that U.S. military power should support President Trump's "foresighted and realistic diplomacy," contributing to a balance of power in the Indo-Pacific region.
The third priority is the redistribution of military spending among allies. The report states the need for countries such as Canada, Mexico, and European states to increase their defense expenditures.
The fourth point is the restoration of the U.S. defense industrial base.
Russia is mentioned in the report only in passing, characterized as a "persistent but manageable threat" to Eastern NATO members in the near future. The Department will maintain the readiness of American forces to defend against potential Russian threats on U.S. territory.
The report was published against the backdrop of Donald Trump's efforts to end the conflict in Ukraine, which he has repeatedly stated during his campaign. Experts note the more politicized tone of the 2026 strategy compared to previous documents, which is linked to criticism of past U.S. administrations.
In the concluding part of the report, it is emphasized that Washington has ignored the principle of prioritizing American interests for too long, spending resources on large-scale projects and promises to uphold a "rules-based" world order.
