Democrats Condemn Trump’s New Strategy
Several leading Democrats spent the weekend launching attacks against President Trump’s newly unveiled national security strategy—an agenda designed to strengthen American power, secure the border, and reduce U.S. dependence on foreign nations. The backlash comes as the administration makes it clear that America First is not just a slogan, but the foundation for U.S. foreign policy moving forward.
Democrats Claim Trump’s Strategy “Weakens U.S. Influence”
Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) accused the administration of favoring “business interests” over alliances. Posting on X, Kelly argued that the strategy could diminish America’s global reach—recycling the same criticisms Democrats have used since President Trump first pushed for NATO members and European partners to pay their fair share.
What Trump’s 33-Page Strategy Actually Does
The detailed plan reinforces core America First priorities:
- Expanding U.S. influence in the Western Hemisphere
- Rebalancing global trade and protecting American workers
- Tightening border security and stopping illegal immigration
- Confronting cultural and political pressure from Europe
- Restoring a modern version of the Monroe Doctrine
- Ensuring allies—not U.S. taxpayers—carry more financial responsibility for defense
This framework directly responds to voters who are tired of endless foreign entanglements, soaring costs, and weak border enforcement.
Democrats Object as Trump Demands Accountability From Allies
Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) blasted the plan for “lecturing Europe,” even though NATO countries have chronically underfunded their militaries for decades. Trump’s strategy finally calls for European nations to take “primary responsibility” for their own defense—a stance widely supported by fiscal conservatives and military veterans.
The New York Times acknowledged that the plan openly challenges the European Union’s bureaucratic controls and its lack of political transparency.
Pete Hegseth: “Allies Are Not Children”
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth delivered a forceful message at the Reagan National Defense Forum, emphasizing that America will no longer foot the bill for allies who refuse to invest in their own defense.
“Allies are not children,” Hegseth said. “We can and should expect them to do their part.”
His remarks echo long-standing conservative frustrations about the U.S. being treated as the world’s piggy bank while American families face rising costs at home.
House Democrats Continue Resistance Messaging
Rep. Jason Crow (D-Colo.)—recently under fire for appearing in a video urging troops not to follow “illegal orders”—claimed the national security plan would “make America less safe.” Crow said he would “resist,” continuing the partisan narrative that has dominated Democrat messaging since 2016.
Shaheen, Blumenthal Join the Pile-On
Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) argued the strategy contains “contradictions,” while insisting the U.S. should focus more on NATO, diplomacy, and development programs—approaches many conservatives view as costly and ineffective.
Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) added that “America First is America alone,” repeating a well-worn Democrat talking point that ignores the strategy’s goal of strengthening the U.S. through self-reliance, secure borders, and fairer alliances.
