Summary
Trump’s advocacy for a $1 trillion defense budget amidst ongoing military conflicts and concerns over accountability raises questions about U.S. military strategy, constitutional authority, and the prioritization of foreign interests over domestic issues.
US Military Spending and Foreign Policy
Trump’s proposed 12% increase in military spending would be the largest since 2004, despite the US already outspending the rest of the world combined.
The US has conducted nearly 400 strikes in Yemen since 2002 with little effect, highlighting the ineffectiveness of prolonged military interventions.
As a Monroe Doctrine supporter, Yoast argues the US should retrench from global obligations due to internal problems and exploding debt.
Middle East Dynamics
US foreign policy in the Middle East is heavily influenced by Saudi and Israeli lobbying, rather than essential defense needs.
Full-scale war with Iran, a larger and more developed country than Yemen, is not a clear solution to Houthi attacks and could lead to disastrous outcomes.
The US has been supporting the illegitimate Saudi regime, which has ruled as dictators since gaining power with British support after World War I.
Nuclear Proliferation and Regional Stability
Iran acquiring nuclear weapons wouldn’t fundamentally alter regional dynamics, as Pakistan has been an Islamic republic with nukes since the late 1990s.
US and Israeli interests regarding Iran are driven more by lobbying and politics than essential defense needs, despite potential instability from Israel’s nuclear arsenal.
US Constitutional Concerns
Informal constitutional principles, like Congressional war declaration, are being ignored as presidents unilaterally decide military actions, leading to a post-constitutional order.
International Military Dependencies
UK and Israeli military capabilities heavily rely on US support, including maintenance of the UK’s nuclear arsenal and provision of parts for Israeli US-made fighter jets.
US arms exports tie foreign countries to US interests, as they require ongoing American support for maintenance and replacement parts.