Krugman Slams Trump Security Strategy Shift

Shift From Traditional US Policy

Renowned economist Paul Krugman has sharply criticized the National Security Strategy issued by President Donald Trump’s administration. He argues that certain sections of the document echo the style of North Korean propaganda, particularly in their lavish praise for leadership.

In a detailed analysis on his Substack platform, Krugman highlights how this strategy signifies a profound departure from longstanding U.S. foreign policy principles. Speaking with Financial Times columnist Martin Wolf, he pointed out the strategy’s apparent rejection of core liberal values and democratic ideals that America has historically championed worldwide.

Krugman stated that portions of the text feel as though they were directly translated from North Korean sources, complete with overly effusive endorsements of the leader figure.

Pivot Towards Regional Dominance

The document shifts focus from broad global ideological battles, especially against China, to asserting dominance within the Western Hemisphere. Krugman notes a surprising downplaying of the China rivalry, which was a central theme in Trump’s earlier presidency. This approach, he suggests, harkens back to 19th-century geopolitical strategies emphasizing regional control.

Additionally, Krugman takes issue with the strategy’s position on Europe. He contends that it effectively urges European countries to forsake their liberal principles, with the U.S. prioritizing concerns over Europe’s demographic transformations over engaging China on the world stage.

Trump’s National Security Strategy

The release of this strategy continues the Trump administration’s aggressive stance on preserving American supremacy at home and abroad. It sets forth bold economic objectives while bolstering U.S. superiority in military capabilities and technological advancements. A key element is the introduction of a Trump Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine, which underscores an unwavering America-first agenda in international relations.

Krugman’s commentary aligns with his ongoing apprehensions regarding the administration’s effects on the nation’s financial stability and cost of living. Earlier in November 2025, he cautioned that Trump’s associates were eroding essential financial safeguards, risking a repeat of the 2008 financial meltdown. He has also asserted that the president’s policies are driving up living expenses across America, undermining prior economic assurances.