Trump signs $901 billion 2026 defense budget to secure Europe

WISE NEWS PRESS / WASHINGTON, USA — DEC. 20, 2025

U.S. President Donald Trump has signed a $901 billion defense budget for the 2026 fiscal year, a move that legally guarantees the continued presence of American troops in Europe despite his previous rhetoric toward allies. The bill, which passed with bipartisan support, effectively prevents the administration from reducing troop levels on the continent without explicit congressional approval.

The new defense act prohibits the president from decreasing the number of U.S. troops in Europe below 76,000. Furthermore, it blocks the withdrawal of major military equipment, preventing any rapid reduction of American military footprint in the region. Designed as a response to perceived threats from Russia, the budget allocates increased resources for NATO members in the Baltic region and guarantees $400 million in aid for Ukraine. Similar restrictions were placed on troop levels in South Korea, where the count cannot fall below 28,500 due to risks associated with China.

Strategic priorities and the "Sky Shield" project

The budget's approval comes as European capitals faced growing anxiety over U.S. security guarantees following critical assessments in the White House's latest national security strategy. However, the bill incorporates several of Trump's key domestic and military priorities, which reportedly secured his support. These include significant pay raises for U.S. service members and dedicated funding for the "Sky Shield" air defense system. Trump previously introduced this project in May, estimating a cost of $175 billion and a full operational target for January 2029, though experts remain skeptical of the timeline and budget.

Repeal of DEI and social policies

Beyond military strategy, the defense act codifies several executive orders aimed at social reforms within the military. Most notably, it officially repeals Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives within the armed forces, a move aligned with the president's stated platform. While European leaders remain cautious about the long-term American security umbrella, the bipartisan nature of this budget serves as a critical legislative barrier against sudden shifts in transatlantic defense policy.

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