Democrats Slam Trump’s New National Security Strategy, Say It Prioritizes Business Ties Over Allies

Democrats Criticize New National Security Strategy

Several leading congressional Democrats on Saturday sharply criticized the Trump administration’s newly released National Security Strategy (NSS), saying the 33-page plan appears to prioritize the president’s business relationships and would weaken U.S. influence abroad.

“Donald Trump’s National Security Strategy puts his family’s and friends’ business interests with our adversaries, like Russia and China, over promises to our allies,”

wrote Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, on X.

“If implemented, this plan would weaken U.S. influence across the globe and undermine our national security.”

The NSS emphasizes expanding U.S. military presence in the Western Hemisphere, rebalancing global trade, tightening border security and confronting cultural and political rifts with Europe. It extends an "America First" posture and includes the first explicit reference to a modern invocation of the Monroe Doctrine, asserting a U.S. primacy in the hemisphere.

Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, also criticized the document on X:

“It totally abandons the idea that we should stand up for freedom and human rights around the world. Instead, it lectures our European allies and embraces authoritarian leaders who enrich the Trump family and their billionaire friends.”

Those concerns follow NSS language and reporting that say the strategy accuses the European Union of stifling "political liberty" and urges European nations to assume the "primary responsibility" for their own defense — a stance amplified by the administration’s push for allies to increase defense spending.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth underscored that position at the Reagan National Defense Forum in Simi Valley, Calif., telling the audience:

“Allies are not children. We can and should expect them to do their part.”

Other Democrats reacted strongly. Rep. Jason Crow (D-Colo.), who recently appeared in a video urging servicemembers not to follow what the group called "illegal orders," warned the NSS "would be catastrophic to America’s standing in the world, and would make us less safe." Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) called the plan "riddled with contradictions," arguing the country needs leadership that strengthens NATO, prevents Russia from benefiting from its war in Ukraine, competes seriously with China and stabilizes the neighborhood through diplomacy, development, and law enforcement.

Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) warned the strategy "foreshadows setbacks," writing that an "America First" approach risks leaving the United States isolated and vulnerable.

The debate highlights a sharp partisan split over the direction of U.S. foreign policy and how best to balance national interests, alliance commitments and global leadership.