Trump orders prioritizing countries with higher defense spending as customers for US weapons
The new strategy directs agencies to prioritize allies with strong defense spending and strategic roles, aiming to boost U.S. military production and accelerate weapons delivery.
- On Feb. 6 in Washington, U.S. President Donald Trump signed the America First Arms Transfer Strategy to prioritise weapons sales to partners investing in their own defence.
- Amid calls for higher ally spending, the Trump administration says prioritising allies that invest in their own defence supports national security and counters threats including China, following NATO leaders and the 5 per cent of GDP target .
- Tasking cabinet officials, the order requires the Secretaries of Defense, State and Commerce to develop a prioritized sales catalog within 120 days, and streamline export rules to reduce delays.
- By using foreign purchases to boost U.S. factories, the policy will expand American manufacturers' capacity and speed delivery of U.S.-made weapons to allies deemed essential for regional security.
- Because priorities can only be altered after significant hurdles are met, the order names no countries and aims to replace the 'partner-first' and first-come, first-served historical practice causing backlogs.
19 Articles
19 Articles
Trump Favours High Defence Spending Nations As Customers For US Weapons
US President Donald Trump signed an executive order that would re-prioritize the customer list for US weapons in favor of countries with higher defense spending and strategic importance in their...
Trump Orders Creation of America First Arms Transfer Strategy
President Donald Trump issued an executive order on Friday directing the establishment of an America First Arms Transfer Strategy, focusing on the use of arms sales to advance U.S. foreign policy objectives and increase domestic production capacity. The order creates a framework to further American interests, using foreign purchases to bolster production and develop a resilient national security manufacturing base to support the military and all…
Trump signs order to prioritize arms sales to countries investing in their own self-defense
WASHINGTON — U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday signed an executive order to prioritize weapons sales and transfers to countries that have invested in their own defense and contribute to the United States' economic security. The order on establishing the "America first arms transfer strategy" came as the Trump administration calls on allies and partners to bolster their defense spending for their own defense and make more contributions to col…
Trump executive order on 'America First Arms Transfer Strategy'
Friday, February 6, 2026On Feb. 6, 2026 President Trump issued an executive order calling on the Pentagon, State and Commerce departments to develop an "America First Arms Transfer Strategy," including a prioritized catalog of U.S.-preferred systems that the administration will encourage foreign partners to acquire. Featured: Related Documents Tags: FMS
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 60% of the sources lean Right
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium















