Following his administration’s first year, President Donald Trump has articulated what he calls a “Trump Corollary” to the historical Monroe Doctrine. The strategy emphasizes American interests above all else.
A newly released national security strategy document highlights this approach by stating that in every action taken, they will prioritize America’s well-being and sovereignty over global commitments like NATO, unless these align with U.S. interests.
The core tenets of the administration’s policy include ensuring US citizens’ safety through controlled borders, resisting “destructive propaganda”, strengthening military strength for deterring foreign threats while avoiding unnecessary long-term conflicts known as “forever wars”, maintaining US leadership in technology and industry to protect national prosperity, and safeguarding America’s global standing.
Furthermore, it challenges traditional European allies by warning that some might become fundamentally non-European due to factors like high immigration from outside Europe or political changes within NATO nations. The administration fears this could destabilize the alliance structure upon which U.S.-European relations depend.
US National Security Strategy Echoes Trump’s ‘New’ Monroe Doctrine
With his first year in office complete, President Donald Trump has introduced a new national security strategy that he is branding as a “Trump Corollary” to the historical Monroe Doctrine. The administration’s latest document outlines policies designed to prioritize American interests globally.
The newly released National Security Strategy emphasizes an isolationist stance, stating: “In everything we do, we are putting America First.” This approach challenges long-standing alliances and foreign policy paradigms, particularly concerning NATO partners in Europe who are now viewed with skepticism by the White House. The document calls for a re-evaluation of international engagements based on whether they serve U.S. interests.
Key principles outlined in this strategy include ensuring the survival and safety of American citizens above all else; controlling borders to prevent unwanted migration or cultural dilution (though the term “non-European” used in reference to some European nations has sparked debate); resisting what Trump labels as “destructive propaganda,” which likely refers to negative media narratives about America.
The strategy also aims for an end to so-called “forever wars” and calls for a stronger U.S. military, economy, and energy infrastructure, all framed through the lens of national primacy over international cooperation or perceived burdens on American resources or values. In essence, it signals a return to policies that focus solely on domestic strength.
Additionally, there is concern expressed about certain European nations potentially losing their “European identity” due to high immigration rates or internal political shifts—what one memo termed as becoming “non-European”—which could affect U.S.-Europe relations under this administration. The document questions the foundation of alliances like NATO if partners fail to embody traditional American values regarding sovereignty and security.
This new policy marks another shift in tone from Trump’s first term, continuing his pattern of reshaping foreign policy frameworks originally designed for Latin America into tools primarily serving domestic political goals rather than genuine international diplomacy or partnership.
