
During U.S. President Donald Trump's second term, U.S. foreign and trade policy has undergone a significant transformation, albeit one more pronounced in terms of ways and means than strategic ends. The Trump administration has demonstrated a willingness to forcefully leverage the economic and security dependencies of both allies and adversaries in pursuit of its strategic goals. While Trump 2.0's foreign policy may appear unpredictable and driven by a mercurial president, that perception is somewhat exaggerated. Some decisions may reflect the president's erratic personality, but the broader policy trajectory aligns broadly with the objectives outlined in the 2025 National Security Strategy (NSS) and 2026 National Defense Strategy (NDS). Moreover, many of the strategic goals outlined in these documents show continuity with those pursued by previous administrations. In some cases, the shift lies primarily in the methods deployed. What Do the National Security and National Defense Strategies Say?