What A ‘Trump 2.0’ National Security Strategy Could Look Like

WEDNESDAY PDB – National security priorities for American allies in a second Trump administration. Global leaders preparing for the possibility of a second Trump term.

It is therefore worth asking not just what another Trump administration will do diplomatically but also which military assets it should prioritize to achieve those ends.

Trump’s return to office would likely see a realignment in America’s national security priorities away from Russia and its war against Ukraine and toward China.

The GOP has a vocal group of Russia doves. Trump’s vice presidential pick, Ohio Sen. JD Vance, has claimed that Ukraine diverts resources from Taiwan and away from confronting China.

President Trump himself called Vladimir Putin “smart” for invading Ukraine in view of Biden’s evident weakness and promised to scale back aid if Kyiv does not negotiate with Moscow.

In the light of these statements, U.S. allies must reevaluate their plans to defend Europe and how to secure the technology needed to deter the Russian threat.

America is likely to remain involved in European security by providing a nuclear umbrella, strategic airlift, and space capacities, yet many states on the continent do not have a self-sustaining military-industrial complex. For the foreseeable future, Europe will continue to rely on Washington for several vital weapons systems.

Trump has emphasized the threat from China throughout his political career, and this has intensified as Russia and China have expanded their military cooperation during the war in Ukraine.

Beijing supplies Russia with dual-use technologies, negating Western sanctions intended to deprive Moscow of additional weapons. This makes Chinese advancements in military technology alarming not only in supporting a belligerent Russia but also for any future conflict with the U.S.

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FOR YOUR EYES ONLY – Here’s a roundup of today’s other top defense stories from conservative national security expert PAUL CRESPO.

Not the President’s Daily Brief, but almost as good – PAUL’S DAILY BRIEFING – the PDB:

HOMELAND SECURITY

Demonstrators stage mass protest against Netanyahu visit and US military aid to Israel. This, prior to his speech before a joint session of Congress. Protesters rallied outside his hotel and hundreds of demonstrators staged a flashmob-style protest in the Cannon Building, which houses offices of House of Representatives members.

3 Army Reserve officers disciplined after reservist killed 18 in Maine. Their dereliction of duty contributed to the rampage that followed. The Army cited communication failures within the chain of command, and between military and civilian hospitals, among other shortcomings.

POLITICS

Harris’ VP options: From Josh Shapiro to Mark Kelly, sizing up the slate’s pros and cons. The slate of rising stars said to be in consideration for the coveted role include swing state governors, a Biden cabinet appointee and military veterans. One thing they’d all have in common should they become the No. 2 to the nation’s first female president: They could court pivotal blocs of voters across the country.

Admiral’s romance with Pentagon official could be central in bribery case. A career Pentagon official who had a romantic relationship with a married four-star admiral could become a key government witness against him. This, in a high-profile U.S. military corruption case that accuses the admiral of steering work to major company in exchange for post-retirement employment.

Major labor unions urge Biden to halt military aid to Israel as it continues to wage its war on Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

US POWER OVERSEAS

Pentagon Arctic strategy seeks new tech to keep pace with adversaries. It must invest more to upgrade sensors, communications and space-based technologies in the Arctic to keep pace with China and Russia who are increasingly operating there, including in joint military exercises.

US, allied pilots fly in first NATO-organized Alaska training exercise. Alaska-based Air Force units hosted European flyers for training last week. Fighter-jet pilots based at Eielson and Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson were joined by counterparts from Germany, France and Spain for the first-of-its-kind exercise.

Pentagon creates regional partnerships to sustain gear far from home. Seeking to move away from its reliance on hauling equipment back stateside for repairs, the Pentagon is working with allies and partners to better sustain capability forward in operational theaters, beginning with the Indo-Pacific region.

CHINA THREAT

Taiwan’s air force cancels drills as typhoon approaches. Naval and land exercises to continue. An approaching typhoon prompted the cancellation of air force drills off Taiwan’s east coast on Tuesday, although naval and land exercises were set to continue in other parts of the self-governing island democracy that China threatens to invade.

RUSSIA THREAT – UKRAINE WAR

The uncomfortable reality of Russia and Iran’s new defense relationship. On April 2, 2024, Ukraine’s military struck several buildings in the Alabuga Special Economic Zone in Russia’s Tatarstan region. The strike demonstrated Ukraine’s steadily improving ability to hold targets deep inside Russia at risk.

UNLIKELY – Ukraine’s foreign minister seeking ‘common ground’ with China in talks on ending war with Russia.

Russia is offering Moscow residents a record $22,000 to fight in Ukraine. This, in the latest sign of a scramble to boost Russian troop numbers.

INTERNATIONAL SECURITY

UN envoy to Yemen warns of a ‘devastating’ regional escalation, but points to glimmer of hope. Recent developments in the Red Sea, Israel and inside the country “show the real danger of a devastating region-wide escalation.”

Sweden angles to fill a void in NATO’s space plans. It aims to establish itself as a key player in the international space domain by virtue of its northern geostrategic position and by ramping up research and development capabilities.

Larger NATO and domestic military presence has Lithuania seeking lots of training space. Lithuania’s military expansion and an influx of more foreign troops could mean relocation for small-town residents.

Belarus’ foreign minister arrives in North Korea for talks expected to focus on Russia cooperation. This, as experts predicted that he and North Korean officials would discuss forming a trilateral anti-Western front also involving Russia.

US invites warring parties in Sudan to cease-fire talks. The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) rebel group will attend U.S.-led cease-fire talks hosted by Saudi Arabia and Switzerland as Washington aims to end the suffering in one of the deadliest wars in the world.

US MILITARY

Every Marine squad will get anti-drone gear. The Marines plan to equip every squad — from logistics units to reconnaissance teams deep in enemy territory — with a suite of tools to take down drones, This, a week ahead of a September competition to pick gear.

Marine Corps wants rifle-mounted jammers, ‘buckshot-like’ ammo to help grunts counter drones. It is on the hunt for electronic warfare attachments, and advanced optics for its standard-issue rifle to help dismounted troops track and defeat enemy drones.

Air traffic control for drones? Air Force tests out new system. The Air Force achieved a milestone in May by testing out a new tool for controlling high volumes of small, unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) in military airspace.

Navy risks outsourcing control of its drones. Thanks to programs like Replicator, and incubators like the Defense Innovation Unit and the Disruptive Capabilities Office, the Navy is on the precipice of widespread adoption of uncrewed systems.

STEALTH IN A BOX? – Boeing eyes converting non-stealth but powerful F-15EX II into EA-18G Growler-like electronic warfare attack jet.

Army moves to expand ‘space control’ planning, ‘interdiction’ capabilities. Army Space and Missile Defense Command (SMDC) is moving out to implement its new(ish) space “vision,” expanding both the number of personnel for planning and operations as well as their scope of deployment.

END of PDB

The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the positions of American Liberty News.

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