Trump Enacts USD901B Defense Bill
In an extensive signing statement released by the White House, Trump declared the measure would propel his "Peace Through Strength" agenda, reinforce homeland security and fortify the defense industrial base, while eliminating "wasteful and radical programs" that undermine the military's warfighting ethos.
The authorization exceeds the Trump administration's budget request by $8 billion.
The sprawling 3,086-page legislation earmarks $800 million for Ukraine—divided equally across the next two fiscal years—through the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, and dismantles Caesar sanctions imposed on Syria under the fallen regime of Bashar al-Assad.
Israel receives $600 million under the measure, with designated funding for collaborative missile defense programs including the Iron Dome system.
The bill confronts challenges from China while guaranteeing operational success across Indo-Pacific theaters. Additionally, lawmakers allocated $1 billion for the Taiwan Security Cooperation Initiative.
The NDAA empowers the Defense Department to collect reimbursement from NATO partners to balance costs associated with US military positioning in Eastern Europe. It mandates the US European Command (EUCOM) commander conduct yearly evaluations examining how the US and NATO preserve military superiority against Russia.
The legislation compels the Pentagon to analyze national security ramifications before reducing US troop levels in Europe beneath 76,000 personnel.
Despite endorsing the bill's primary goals, Trump identified numerous sections raising constitutional questions. He challenged provisions attempting to dictate US stances on foreign and military matters, mandate disclosure of privileged or sensitive national security intelligence to Congress, or constrain presidential authority over troop deployments, military assets and executive branch operations.
Trump stated his administration would execute the provisions "consistent with the President's constitutional authority" as commander in chief and chief executive, including authority on foreign affairs, national security information, personnel decisions and recommendations to Congress.
Multiple sections, Trump indicated, would receive interpretation preserving presidential capacity to direct military operations, oversee nuclear-related organizational frameworks, safeguard classified intelligence, or establish timing and practicality of congressional notifications concerning military and diplomatic initiatives.
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