January 22, 2025
Sharper: Trump's First 100 Days
Donald Trump takes office in a complex and volatile global environment. Rising tensions with China, the continued war in Ukraine, and instability in the Middle East all pose significant challenges to U.S. leadership, while his “America First” agenda aims to reshape America’s relationships with international institutions, allies, and adversaries. CNAS experts are sharpening the conversation on the Trump administration’s top priorities for these first 100 days and how this new administration can maintain America’s edge. Continue reading this edition of Sharper to learn more.
Features
The First 100 Days
In a new series of commentaries, CNAS experts identify what the Trump administration’s priorities should be for its first 100 days and provide a blueprint to navigate national security challenges from day one. From crafting a new China policy to tackling the military recruiting crisis, CNAS experts deliver insight and analysis into the administration’s opening sprint.
The Trump-Biden-Trump Foreign Policy
In Foreign Affairs, Richard Fontaine writes on the continuities between the Trump and Biden administrations. While the two administrations differed greatly in rhetoric and style, the Biden administration continued many hallmarks of Trump 1.0’s foreign policy agenda—seeking to extend the Abraham Accords, strongly supporting Israeli defense, continuing tariffs on China, expanding technology transfer controls, and more. Fontaine argues that while Trump’s second administration may contain significant departures, consensus and stability will endure.
Americas Edge: Forging the Future
At the 2025 CNAS National Security Conference, CNAS experts, senior government officials, and others will assess the first 100 days of the Trump administration, the state of national security, and the most pressing global issues. Save the date now to join virtually.
The First 100 Days
The First 100 Days is a series of recommendations from CNAS experts. The recommendations span the most pressing issues that will test the administration, including competition...
Indo-Pacific Security
The Trump-Biden-Trump Foreign Policy
The stability of U.S. interests and values, the role of Congress, and the realities of today’s world will demand a significant measure of constancy....
CNAS 2025 National Security Conference | America's Edge: Forging the Future
Save the DateJune 3, 2025 The United States faces a rapidly changing global security landscape. Evolving technology, shifting alliances, and emerging threats require America t...
The First 100 Days Series
Read a selection of First 100 Days commentaries from Richard Fontaine, Katherine Kuzminski, Stacie Pettyjohn, Carlton Haelig, Becca Wasser, and Josh Wallin.
Set the Tone, Establish Policy, Hire Personnel—And Prepare for Crisis
President Donald Trump enters office at a critical moment and faces multiple crises...
Military, Veterans & Society
Tackle the Military Recruiting Crisis
The Trump administration should drive a whole-of-government approach to address the military recruiting crisis and ensure that the nation has the quality force necessary to de...
Defense
Build a High-Low Mix to Enhance America’s Warfighting Edge and Deter China
The Trump administration can take immediate actions to improve U.S. military capability, capacity, and warfighting to deter China and reverse negative trends in military power...
In the News
Commentary and analysis from Katherine Kuzminski, Lisa Curtis, Adam Tong, and Rachel Ziemba.
Military, Veterans & Society
Military Leaders Should Expect Trump Crackdown – from Disloyalty to Diversity
As Donald Trump returns to office once again to be commander in chief, some of the generals and admirals he commands may wonder if his first order to them will be: “You’re fir...
Indo-Pacific Security
Trump 2.0: U.S. Braces For Avalanche Of Policy Changes Under Trump 2.0
As soon as the signing ceremony is complete, Donald Trump will spring into action. His first act as president will be to sign an avalanche of executive orders. According to re...
Indo-Pacific Security
With Donald Trump’s Inauguration, U.S.-China Rivalry Opens New and Uncertain Chapter
When Donald Trump is sworn in as the 47th president of the United States on Monday, a new chapter of geopolitical uncertainty will be written, potentially ushering in an inten...
Energy, Economics & Security
No Tariffs on Day One, but Trump Promises to ‘Drill, Baby, Drill’
Donald Trump held off on tariffs on his first day as the president of the United States and is placing a big bet that his executive actions can cut energy prices and tame infl...
Subscribe now to get Sharper in your inbox
Thank you for registering! You will receive a confirmation email shortly. All CNAS events are free, open to the public, and viewable from cnas.org/live.
Stay up-to-date with report releases, events, major updates, and announcements from the Center for a New American Security.
More from CNAS
-
Brussels Sprouts LIVE: Transatlantic Turbulence and the Future Role of the U.S. in European Security
Podcast
In Munich and Brussels last week, the Trump administration signaled a seismic shift in U.S. policy toward its European allies. Since World War II, the United States has been t...
By Andrea Kendall-Taylor, Jim Townsend, Emma Ashford & Stephen Wertheim
-
China’s Role in the Axis of Autocracy
Congressional Testimony
As defense cooperation among China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea grows, it will enable these countries to offset vulnerabilities relative to the United States....
By Andrea Kendall-Taylor
-
Trump and Zelenskyy Feud, DOGE Savings Claims, Hamas Releases Four Hostage Bodies
Podcast
A look at the roots of the difficult relationship between President Trump and President Zelenskyy with Andrea Kendall-Taylor, a senior fellow and director of the Transatlantic...
By Andrea Kendall-Taylor
-
Ukraine Symposium – The Continuing Autonomous Arms Race
Commentary
This war-powered technology race does not appear to be losing steam, and what happens on the battlefields of Ukraine can potentially define how belligerents use military auton...
By Samuel Bendett
