WASHINGTON — U.S. President Donald Trump signed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026 into law on Thursday, December 18, 2025, authorizing a record $901 billion in military spending—approximately $8 billion more than his administration requested. The 3,086-page bill, a compromise between House and Senate versions, sets Pentagon policies, funding priorities, and personnel matters while advancing Trump's "Peace Through Strength" agenda through investments in homeland security, defense industrial base strengthening, and elimination of what the White House called "wasteful and radical programs."
In a detailed signing statement issued by the White House, Trump praised the bill's core objectives for bolstering warfighting capabilities but raised constitutional objections to multiple provisions. He argued that certain sections attempt to dictate U.S. positions in foreign and military affairs, require disclosure of privileged national security information to Congress, or restrict presidential authority on troop deployments, resource allocation, and executive branch management.
"My Administration will implement the provisions consistent with the President’s constitutional authority as Commander in Chief and chief executive, including authority on foreign affairs, national security information, personnel decisions, and recommendations to Congress," the statement read. Trump specified that sections would be interpreted to avoid impairing military missions, nuclear structures, classified information control, or notification timing on diplomatic actions.
Key provisions in the NDAA include:
- $800 million for Ukraine — $400 million annually for the next two years under the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, funding U.S. companies for weapons deliveries.
- Extensive support for Israel — including full funding for cooperative missile defense programs like Iron Dome and David's Sling, plus $600 million in joint initiatives.
- $1 billion for the Taiwan Security Cooperation Initiative — enhancing deterrence against China, with requirements for joint drone programs and training.
- Measures to counter threats from China and ensure Indo-Pacific mission success.
- Authorization for the Defense Department to collect funds from NATO allies to offset U.S. force posture costs in Eastern Europe.
- Annual assessments by the U.S. European Command (EUCOM) commander on maintaining military advantage against Russia.
- Prohibition on reducing U.S. force structure in Europe below 76,000 without Pentagon security impact evaluation.
The bill also repeals certain authorizations for use of military force and includes troop pay raises, quality-of-life improvements, and reforms to acquisitions and border support.
Trump's signing came quietly, without a public ceremony, contrasting with past NDAA events. The legislation passed Congress with bipartisan support, maintaining a 65-year streak of annual enactment, though provisions like Ukraine aid and European force restrictions defied aspects of Trump's national security strategy, viewed by some as Russia-friendly.
The White House highlighted codification of Trump executive orders, funding for the Golden Dome missile defense system, and elimination of diversity, equity, and inclusion programs at the Pentagon. It also cut climate-related spending and repealed older war authorizations.
Critics noted tensions between congressional oversight and executive authority, with Trump's statement echoing past presidents' use of signing statements to assert interpretive flexibility on constitutional grounds.
The NDAA authorizes but does not appropriate funds; separate bills handle actual spending. Implementation begins in fiscal 2026, with impacts on global alliances, deterrence, and domestic defense industry.
This NDAA reflects congressional pushback on potential reductions in European commitments amid Trump's deal-making with Russia on Ukraine. It balances administration priorities with bipartisan concerns over alliances and adversaries.
As geopolitical challenges persist, the law equips the military for multi-domain threats while navigating executive-legislative dynamics.
