Strategic Foreign Policy

Overview

America spent over $8 trillion on post-9/11 military operations according to Brown University's Costs of War Project—including $2.2 trillion in veterans care obligations. We maintain approximately 128 military bases across 49 countries at a cost of $65-94 billion annually. Meanwhile, the VA budget has tripled to $326 billion over 14 years to care for those who served. It's time to honestly evaluate which foreign commitments serve American interests and which simply drain resources that could better serve our veterans and communities at home.

The Challenge

For decades, America has shouldered a disproportionate share of global security costs. The good news: for the first time ever, all NATO allies are expected to meet their 2% GDP defense spending commitment in 2025. But we still spend more on defense ($852 billion) than the next ten countries combined. Every dollar spent on overseas commitments that don't serve American interests is a dollar not spent on veterans' healthcare, infrastructure, or reducing our $38 trillion national debt. We need an honest conversation about priorities.

The Solution

Conduct a comprehensive strategic review of all overseas military commitments, retaining those essential to American security while identifying redundant or outdated deployments. Ensure allies continue meeting their defense commitments. Redirect savings to: (1) Veterans care—our sacred obligation to those who served, (2) Domestic infrastructure and border security, (3) Debt reduction. Maintain strong defense capabilities focused on genuine threats, not legacy commitments from past eras. This isn't isolationism—it's prioritization.

Expected Impact

• Comprehensive audit of 128 overseas bases to identify cost savings while maintaining strategic capabilities

• Ensure NATO allies continue meeting 2% GDP defense spending commitment

• Increase VA healthcare funding and reduce wait times for veterans

• Redirect savings to infrastructure, border security, and debt reduction

• Maintain strong defense focused on genuine threats (China, terrorism, cyber)

• Support allies through strategic partnership rather than permanent subsidy