President Donald Trump recently unveiled his America First National Security Strategy at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington. Unlike typical national security plans, Trump included issues like foreign trade and economic prosperity in his. The plan focused on the elements of homeland security, promoting American prosperity, American military strength, and advancing American influence around the world. Trump told the mostly military audience, “Our government’s first duty is to its people, to our citizens — to serve their needs, to ensure their safety, to preserve their rights and to defend their values.”
The national security plan cites four threat categories. He labels Russia and China as revisionist powers which use technology, propaganda, and coercion to exert their influence. He stated that partnerships with those countries that work in America’s interest should be employed, citing a CIA alert to Russia that allowed Russian officials to thwart a terrorist plot in St. Petersburg. The other threat categories listed were regional dictators like North Korea’s Kim Jong Un, jihadists and cyber-terrorists. Here is a look at the elements addressed in the plan:
Homeland Security. The plan emphasizes the need to control our borders and enforce our immigration laws. It addresses the need to vet visa applicants to ensure that they embrace the American way of life and mean us no harm. There are also calls to improve our missile defense system and protect government agencies and the private sector from cyber attacks.
Promoting American Prosperity. A trademark policy during the campaign and Trump’s first year in office is ensuring that international trade deals benefit American workers. He states that America will no longer tolerate chronic trade abuses by foreign countries and international bureaucrats. He also vows to protect American intellectual property from theft. American energy dominance is also a goal. American companies are now exporting natural gas and coal with plans for expansion. Trump said, “A nation that does not protect prosperity at home cannot protect its interests abroad.”
American Military Strength. One of President Trump’s first military speeches was onboard the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford before it joined the fleet. He cited the Navy at fleet strength below where it was when the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor and vowed to rebuild our military. The current budget year calls for the addition of 90 F-35 stealth fighters, which can be flown by the Air Force, Navy and Marines and gives America air superiority against any potential adversary. Trump vows to make the military more efficient by reducing the bureaucracy and improving the procurement system. He emphasized his Peace Through Strength philosophy, stating, “We recognize that (military) weakness is the surest path to conflict, and unrivaled power is the most certain means of defense.”
Advancing American Influence. The National Security Council blueprint states, “Our America First foreign policy celebrates America’s influence in the world as a positive force that can help set the conditions for peace, prosperity, and the development of successful societies.” It also addresses the importance of pro-active diplomacy and entering partnerships with like-minded countries to promote free-market economies, private sector investment, political stability, rule of law, individual rights, and peace. America will cooperate with countries with common interests and expect our allies to provide for their national defense.
President Trump used language similar to President Ronald Reagan, embracing the notion of American Exceptionalism. He said, “In America, the people govern, the people rule, and the people are sovereign. What we have built here in America is precious and unique. We must love it and defend it. As long as we are proud of who we are, how we got here, and what we are fighting to preserve, we will not fail!” Unlike the last four Presidents, Trump never used the term “international community.” He views America as a sovereign nation with the imperative to always put its national interest first.
John Steinberger is the editor-in-chief of LowcountrySource.com. To contact him, email John@LowcountrySource.com.
