As the Trump administration struggles to clarify its national security strategy, it’s becoming clear there’s a divide in priorities.
Some have suggested the White House may be finally pivoting to the Indo-Pacific—as has long been discussed—and such a pronouncement has even been issued by the Pentagon. But the administration’s early diplomatic focus on the Russia-Ukraine War and the weekslong air war on the Houthis in Yemen seem at odds with a narrower focus on Asia.
It shouldn’t be surprising that Adm. Samuel Paparo, commander of Indo-Pacific Command, is beating the drum for a much stronger posture in the region. But Paparo’s testimony before Congress in April also revealed the continued delusions of the D.C. establishment elements of the administration—namely that the U.S. doesn’t need to make choices about its priorities at all.
The U.S., Paparo said, needs more of everything. It was an utter failure to recognize that effective strategy means choice, that bringing U.S. strategic means and ends into alignment will require tough decisions that few seem willing to make.
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