Examining Military Challenges That Test Trump’s Peace-Through-Strength Doctrine

Examining Military Challenges That Test Trump’s Peace-Through-Strength Doctrine

President Donald Trump stands as the first commander-in-chief since Ronald Reagan to embrace a peace-through-strength philosophy during his campaign and presidency. His administration has sought to implement this vision by utilizing America’s enduring military presence in key regions such as the Middle East and Asia. The strategy includes leveraging aircraft carriers, fighters, bombers, and a robust network of military installations to project power and restore deterrence on a global scale.

However, a significant challenge lies ahead for Trump’s peace-through-strength agenda. Addressing serious military vulnerabilities remains essential, particularly the issues of an overextended military force, a strained industrial base, and pressing readiness concerns.

Despite these challenges, the president has achieved notable success in several military engagements. Shortly after taking office in 2017, he successfully dismantled ISIS. More recently, he directed operations against the Houthi rebels, targeting their capacity to disrupt international shipping in the Red Sea.

International Responses to Trump’s Military Actions

Operation Rough Rider, the largest aerial offensive since the assault on ISIS, has demonstrated a commitment to using military strength strategically. Unlike the precision strikes under President Joe Biden, U.S. airstrikes have targeted over 800 sites, effectively diminishing the abilities of Houthi forces to launch missiles and drones. Following this operation, Trump announced a ceasefire, marking an end to Houthi assaults on commercial vessels in the region.

When addressing Iran—a principal instigator of instability in the Middle East—the administration has implemented a maximum pressure campaign. This includes significant military support to Israel and the deployment of advanced weaponry, such as additional carrier strike groups, THAAD missile systems, and B-2 bombers.

In East Asia, Trump’s administration has prioritized military readiness against potential threats from China. Anti-ship cruise missiles have been strategically placed to oversee vital maritime routes between Taiwan and the Philippines, marking a significant deployment near the Chinese coast.

Executed with precision, Trump has also sent U.S. naval forces on freedom of navigation operations through the Taiwan Strait. These operations not only signal U.S. resolve but also directly challenge Chinese territorial assertions regarding Taiwan.

The Challenges Ahead for U.S. Military Readiness

While the Navy has conducted operations impressively—including maintaining long engagements in the Red Sea—recent challenges have highlighted systemic vulnerabilities. Incidents involving friendly fire, coupled with losses of drones and fighter jets during operations, underscore the need for a capable and resilient fleet. Such limitations arise from a historically smaller navy that is now under considerable strain.

Furthermore, ongoing operations in the Middle East have negatively impacted military readiness in Asia. The Pentagon faces possible depletion of munition stockpiles, affecting air defense systems and overall operational capacity. This shortage presents a critical issue, particularly since munitions deplete existing capabilities across regions.

Industrial constraints significantly impact production capabilities. Recent statistics reveal that despite procuring Tomahawk missiles, a staggering 68 percent of that procurement was consumed within one day of engaging Houthi forces. The lead time for new production is estimated at two years, signaling an urgent need for expansion in the defense industrial base.

The peace-through-strength strategy, while commendable, is putting further strain on armed forces already stretched thin. The USS Gravely, for instance, recently wrapped up a nine-month deployment in the Red Sea, only to be redeployed again for border protection duties.

Innovative Solutions to Military Strain

Addressing the multifaceted pressures on the military will require shrewd policy decisions. In Europe, there are ongoing discussions about restructuring the Army’s operational capabilities. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has initiated a study to revamp military organization, advocating for the integration of drone capabilities and more advanced precision munitions that have proven effective in Ukraine. Such changes offer timely opportunities to redirect funding from lower-priority programs toward the advancement of next-generation combat technologies.

However, there are concerns that techno-optimism could dilute prudent fiscal practices. The administration’s request for a defense budget of $893 billion for FY26 falls short of the proposed $1 trillion budget, failing to match inflationary pressures in defense spending.

Current defense budget projections represent a significant decline as a percentage of GDP and could be the lowest since the post-Cold War period. This poses challenges for sustaining the necessary military presence that supports both strategic options and negotiations with adversaries.

Building Partnerships for Military Resilience

A silver lining persists as President Trump finds support among congressional allies who align with his military strategy. Leaders of the Armed Services Committees aim to enhance the proposed budget with additional funding. The House’s reconciliation bill includes a robust allocation for shipbuilding and modernization efforts in line with the administration’s priorities.

In a compelling reminder, President Ronald Reagan once stated that a blueprint alone cannot deter aggression. The importance of transforming research and development into tangible military capabilities reflects ongoing policy challenges faced by the current administration.

At al-Udeid Air Base, Trump emphatically declared that America’s military will become