US Congress Passes Bill Strengthening European Defence Amid Rebuke to Trump's Foreign Policy Strategy
The US House of Representatives has overwhelmingly approved a $900 billion defence bill that significantly boosts Europe's security, sending a clear message to President Donald Trump about his contentious foreign policy strategy. The bipartisan bill, which now heads to the Senate, embodies a stark contrast to the national security strategy published last week by the White House.
In that document, Trump launched a scathing attack on Europe, branding it as an over-regulated and censorious continent lacking self-confidence, and warned of "civilisational erasure" due to immigration. The White House also openly supported far-right European parties and questioned the continent's commitment to peace, sparking outrage among EU leaders.
However, the House defence bill is a direct rebuke to Trump's stance. It includes robust funding for European defense, prohibiting troop levels on the continent from falling below 76,000 for more than 45 days and blocking the removal of major equipment. The bill also sets aside $400m in security assistance for Ukraine, a move seen as a significant show of support for the embattled country.
The legislation has been welcomed by House Speaker Mike Johnson, who hailed it as a "strong statement" that restores American strength, defends the homeland, stands with allies, and ensures the US remains the world's most powerful military force. Trump has already expressed his intention to sign the bill into law once it reaches his desk.
The passing of this bill marks a significant turning point in transatlantic relations, as the US Congress explicitly prioritizes Europe's strategic importance over Trump's foreign policy strategy. The Kremlin has welcomed the document, describing it as "corresponding in many ways" with Russia's own vision for the continent.
EU leaders have taken umbrage with Trump's national security strategy, warning against interference in their domestic affairs and stressing the need for European sovereignty. Meanwhile, the US administration faces growing pressure to back up its words with concrete actions on Ukraine and NATO, a move that has been eroded under Trump's leadership.
The defence bill is part of a larger spending package, which must be passed separately by Congress. While it includes provisions related to military acquisitions and competition with rival powers like China and Russia, the focus this year was primarily on cutting programs reviled by Trump, such as diversity, equity, and inclusion training.
In a clear demonstration of its commitment to European security, the US House has sent a strong message that Washington will not abandon its traditional allies in the face of rising tensions with Russia and other adversaries. As the bill now heads to the Senate, the world waits with bated breath to see whether Trump's administration can restore its credibility on key foreign policy issues.
The US House of Representatives has overwhelmingly approved a $900 billion defence bill that significantly boosts Europe's security, sending a clear message to President Donald Trump about his contentious foreign policy strategy. The bipartisan bill, which now heads to the Senate, embodies a stark contrast to the national security strategy published last week by the White House.
In that document, Trump launched a scathing attack on Europe, branding it as an over-regulated and censorious continent lacking self-confidence, and warned of "civilisational erasure" due to immigration. The White House also openly supported far-right European parties and questioned the continent's commitment to peace, sparking outrage among EU leaders.
However, the House defence bill is a direct rebuke to Trump's stance. It includes robust funding for European defense, prohibiting troop levels on the continent from falling below 76,000 for more than 45 days and blocking the removal of major equipment. The bill also sets aside $400m in security assistance for Ukraine, a move seen as a significant show of support for the embattled country.
The legislation has been welcomed by House Speaker Mike Johnson, who hailed it as a "strong statement" that restores American strength, defends the homeland, stands with allies, and ensures the US remains the world's most powerful military force. Trump has already expressed his intention to sign the bill into law once it reaches his desk.
The passing of this bill marks a significant turning point in transatlantic relations, as the US Congress explicitly prioritizes Europe's strategic importance over Trump's foreign policy strategy. The Kremlin has welcomed the document, describing it as "corresponding in many ways" with Russia's own vision for the continent.
EU leaders have taken umbrage with Trump's national security strategy, warning against interference in their domestic affairs and stressing the need for European sovereignty. Meanwhile, the US administration faces growing pressure to back up its words with concrete actions on Ukraine and NATO, a move that has been eroded under Trump's leadership.
The defence bill is part of a larger spending package, which must be passed separately by Congress. While it includes provisions related to military acquisitions and competition with rival powers like China and Russia, the focus this year was primarily on cutting programs reviled by Trump, such as diversity, equity, and inclusion training.
In a clear demonstration of its commitment to European security, the US House has sent a strong message that Washington will not abandon its traditional allies in the face of rising tensions with Russia and other adversaries. As the bill now heads to the Senate, the world waits with bated breath to see whether Trump's administration can restore its credibility on key foreign policy issues.
like trump literally attacked europe and now congress is all "nah we gotchu" 
it's about time someone stood up for our allies over there and showed some unity 
the fact that they're pouring $400m into ukraine is huge too 
we gotta keep supporting them while trump's just trying to flex his muscles 
so i think this is huge for europe... like trump basically said they were weak and didn't know what they were doing which was pretty harsh but congress just shut him down completely... the bill is all about supporting europe's defense which is kinda cool... 
it also says that us troops can't leave europe below 76k soldiers, so trump's plan to reduce them would be blocked... i'm not sure if this will actually make a difference though, but it's definitely a statement from congress that they're not going to just sit back and let trump do whatever he wants... 
. The fact that they're sending a strong message to Trump about his foreign policy strategy is no joke, tbh 
.
. And can we talk about how the Kremlin is just living their best life right now 
? Like, welcome to the club, Russia!
glad to see us congress standing with our allies 
this bill is definitely a more sane take on things tho 
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. Will he actually go through with it, or will he try to find ways to undermine it like he always does? Only time will tell 
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. And with Trump's crazy comments about Europe being over-regulated and stuff, I was like "what's going on?" 
now it seems like Congress is finally taking action and telling Trump to chill out about Europe. I mean who does he think he is, saying that whole "civilisational erasure" thing? It sounds like something straight out of a dystopian novel 
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. Either way, I'm glad the US is finally taking a strong stance on European defense and sending a message that we're not going to abandon our allies in the face of rising tensions 
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. It's like they're trying to say sorry for what that guy said and make things right between them. I wish more world leaders could communicate like this, you know? No drama, no yelling... just talking it out and helping each other out 
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. this defence bill is a major flex for the usa and europe, showing that they won't back down from standing up for what they believe in 
. the world needs leaders who can have tough conversations without resorting to insults and scare-mongering 
. we need to stop giving our politicians a pass for being divisive and start holding them accountable for their words and actions 
. It's not just about throwing money at problems either, it's a real commitment to backing these countries up in hard times 
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And don't even get me started on the Ukraine funding - $400m is not enough if you ask me! 