US House Passes $900bn Defense Bill Strengthening Europe and NATO
December 11, 2025
The US House has passed a $900 billion defense bill to strengthen Europe’s security and support NATO. This move challenges President Trump’s recent threats to downgrade US ties with traditional allies and NATO. The 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) increases funding by $8 billion over Trump's request and blocks troop numbers in Europe from dropping below 76,000 for over 45 days. It also prevents removing key military equipment.
House Speaker Mike Johnson said, “President Trump and congressional Republicans are restoring American strength, defending our homeland, standing with our allies, and ensuring the United States remains the most powerful and capable military force the world has ever known.”
Last week, a White House national security strategy criticized Europe as facing “civilisational erasure.” It backed nationalist far-right parties, worrying EU leaders. European Council President António Costa said, “Allies do not threaten to interfere in the domestic political choices of their allies,” and stressed Europe’s sovereignty.
The bill also boosts support to Ukraine, setting aside $400 million for security aid, even if emergency funds are disrupted. It protects US troop levels in South Korea, signaling commitment amid East Asian uncertainties. The NDAA targets programs disliked by Trump, like diversity training, and awaits Senate approval. Trump plans to sign the bill into law. The bill marks a strong US congressional stand for Europe despite White House tensions.
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Us House
Defense Bill
Europe Security
Nato
Trump
Ndaa
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