Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer isn't holding back on President Donald Trump's newly released National Security Strategy. On Monday, the New York Democrat accused Trump of essentially putting Russia's interests ahead of America's European allies, and he pointed to what he sees as proof: Moscow's apparent approval of the plan.
Moscow's Blessing Raises Red Flags
Writing on X, Schumer didn't mince words: "Moscow is now endorsing Trump's National Security Strategy. Trump is selling out our allies in Europe and putting Russia first — the inevitable result of rolling out the red carpet for Putin in Alaska." He then added a sarcastic jab, suggesting a photo from Trump's past meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska should be featured on the strategy's cover.
Democrats Sound the Alarm
Schumer isn't alone in his criticism. Democratic leaders across the Senate have lined up to denounce the strategy, arguing it tilts toward authoritarian powers like Russia and China while leaving American families and democratic values vulnerable.
Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) characterized the strategy as creating "winners and losers," claiming Trump prioritizes autocrats, personal allies, and family interests over actual U.S. security needs. Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) went further, saying the plan abandons America's historical commitments to democracy and human rights. Instead, he argued, it criticizes European allies while cozying up to authoritarian leaders connected to Trump's personal and financial network.
The strategy itself contains some eyebrow-raising language about Europe. According to Euro News, it warns that the continent faces "civilisational erasure" from migration and declining birthrates, takes shots at European governments and the EU, and signals U.S. support for nationalist parties.
Pentagon Official Pushes Back
Not everyone's panning the document. Senior Pentagon official Elbridge Colby defended the National Security Strategy as a straightforward "America First" plan that promotes peace through strength and advances U.S. interests by operating from a position of power.
International Reactions Pour In
The White House rolled out the strategy last week, emphasizing expanded U.S. economic power, military strength, and an America-first posture in the Western Hemisphere. The response has been mixed, to put it mildly.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán used the moment to attack the European Union over corruption allegations and threatened legal action regarding Russia energy sanctions. Meanwhile, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton alleged the Trump administration was undermining Ukraine and U.S. interests for personal and political gain.
Whether you see this as a bold new direction or a dangerous pivot toward authoritarian-friendly policies probably depends on where you sit politically. What's clear is that Trump's National Security Strategy has become another flashpoint in the ongoing debate over America's role on the world stage.