Leaked draft of Trump's National Security Strategy sparks debate over U.S. plans for Europe
By bellecarter // 2025-12-15
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  • Reports claim an unpublished version of Trump's National Security Strategy (NSS) proposed undermining the EU by aligning with nationalist governments (Italy, Austria, Hungary, Poland). The White House denies its existence, calling it false.
  • The released NSS emphasizes European self-reliance in defense, warns of Europe's "civilizational erasure" (mass migration, declining birthrates) and aligns with Trump's NATO skepticism—urging allies to spend more on their own security.
  • The unreported draft allegedly sought to weaken EU cohesion by fostering ties with sovereigntist movements, prioritizing national sovereignty and traditional values—a strategy the White House dismisses as fabricated.
  • Right-wing figures like Poland's Krzysztof Bosak support a sovereigntist shift, while critics (e.g., Italy's La Repubblica) frame it as an attempt to dismantle the EU. U.S.-European right-wing ties deepen, evidenced by CPAC's expansion into Hungary and Italy.
  • The controversy highlights strained U.S.-EU relations under Trump's "America First" policy, with debates over defense spending, Russia and energy reliance. The leak—real or not—fuels fears of a fractured transatlantic alliance amid rising populism and geopolitical threats.
The Trump administration has denied the existence of an unpublished version of its newly released National Security Strategy (NSS) after reports surfaced alleging a more aggressive plan to weaken the European Union by aligning with nationalist governments in Italy, Austria, Hungary and Poland. The officially published NSS outlines a vision for NATO's future that emphasizes European self-reliance, strategic stability with Russia and concerns over Europe's demographic and cultural decline. However, according to Defense One, a longer, unreleased draft included explicit directives to undermine EU cohesion by fostering ties with sovereigntist movements—a claim the White House has dismissed as false. The officially released NSS warns of Europe's "civilizational erasure," citing mass migration, declining birthrates and the erosion of national identity. It calls for European allies to take greater responsibility for their own defense, aligning with Trump's long-standing skepticism of NATO expansion. BrightU.AI's Enoch explained that NSS is a legal document that subtly hints at its preparation objective, which includes convening a response and recovery exercise. However, Defense One reported that an extended draft of the NSS went further, proposing to "Make Europe Great Again" by cultivating relationships with right-wing governments and movements that prioritize sovereignty and traditional values. The alleged draft singled out Austria, Hungary, Italy and Poland as key partners in reshaping Europe's political landscape—potentially pulling them away from Brussels' influence. White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly swiftly rejected the report, stating: "No alternative, private or classified version exists. President Trump is transparent and put his signature on one NSS that clearly instructs the U.S. government to execute on his defined principles and priorities."

European reactions: Support and suspicion

The report has drawn mixed reactions in Europe. Krzysztof Bosak, a Polish MP and leader of the right-wing Confederation party, told the American Conservative that he agreed with the strategy's emphasis on European sovereignty. "Maybe Europe needs a shock from our good old friend America to start a true debate," he said, criticizing Western Europe's political homogeneity. Meanwhile, Italy's La Repubblica framed the alleged strategy as an attempt to "dismantle the European Union" by leveraging nationalist governments. The report also noted growing interest from U.S. conservatives in expanding influence through events like the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), which has gained traction in Hungary. Matt Schlapp, CPAC chairman, confirmed plans to hold a major event in Italy, signaling deepening ties between American and European right-wing movements.

A shifting transatlantic relationship

The controversy comes amid broader tensions over NATO's future. Since Trump's presidency, U.S.-EU relations have been strained by disputes over defense spending, trade and immigration. The reported strategy—if real—would mark a significant escalation in efforts to reshape Europe's political order, echoing Cold War-era divisions but with a new ideological axis. The official NSS, while avoiding explicit anti-EU language, still reflects Trump's skepticism of multilateral institutions. It emphasizes "strategic stability" with Russia and warns against Europe's over-reliance on external energy supplies—a nod to Germany's past dependence on Russian gas. Whether the leaked draft was a discarded proposal or a misinterpretation remains unclear. But the debate it has ignited underscores the fragility of U.S.-European relations under Trump's "America First" doctrine. As NATO faces internal divisions and external threats—from Russia's war in Ukraine to rising populism—the coming months will test whether the alliance can adapt or fracture under competing visions for Europe's future. For now, the White House insists there is only one official strategy. Yet the mere suggestion of a hidden agenda has already reshaped the geopolitical conversation—proving that in Washington and Brussels, perception often drives reality. Watch the video below where Trump slams European migration policies. This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

RMX.news DefenseOne.com Repubblica.it BrightU.ai Brighteon.com
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