Representative Gregory W. Meeks, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, condemns president Trump’s newly released national security strategy:
“This document is emblematic not only of Donald Trump, but the cynical, dog-eat-dog philosophy that has taken hold across his administration. It discards decades of values-based US leadership in favor of a craven, unprincipled worldview. Trump appears to believe every nation should fend for itself, signaling to our allies that the US is no longer a reliable partner, and to our adversaries and competitors that now is open season to act without fear of American pushback.
“‘America first’, as this administration frames it, is not a strategy. It ignores America’s core strengths: our democratic values, our network of like-minded allies, and the multilateral institutions that have helped the United States shape the global order. That rules-based system, while imperfect, has overwhelmingly benefitted the United States and our allies. Here ‘America first’ simply means America alone, and that leaves us more vulnerable.
“Ultimately, actions speak louder than words. Nearly a year into this administration, the only north star guiding Donald Trump’s national-security decision-making is using the levers of government to enrich himself and his wealthy donors. The State Department has been gutted to empower unaccountable special envoys pushing corrupt business deals. American foreign policy is for sale under the Trump administration.”