Today, President Donald J. Trump announced that he has signed S. 1071, the “National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026” (NDAA), into law. The NDAA provides funding for the Department of War, Department of Energy national security programs, and other federal agencies involved in defense and security operations.
President Trump stated that the new law will support his administration’s agenda by strengthening national defense capabilities and securing the homeland from both domestic and foreign threats. He emphasized its role in reinforcing the nation’s defense industrial base while cutting funding for what he described as “wasteful and radical programs.”
“Importantly, the Act codifies aspects of over a dozen Executive Orders and actions taken by my Administration, including those focused on warfighter lethality, advancing homeland missile defense by fully supporting the Golden Dome for America plan, restoring America’s airspace sovereignty, and providing Federal recognition of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina,” President Trump said.
The President noted that with several major events scheduled in the United States over the next three years, new legal authorities are needed to address emerging security challenges. Among these is the SAFER SKIES Act included in this year’s NDAA. This provision grants state and local law enforcement powers to counter threats from unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and introduces a felony offense for repeated violations of national defense airspace.
Additionally, resources have been allocated to bolster southern border security against illegal immigration and transnational criminal organizations.
Despite supporting many elements of the legislation, President Trump identified sections that raise constitutional concerns related to executive authority over military operations, information sharing with Congress, personnel decisions during military missions, advance notification requirements before certain actions can be taken abroad or regarding troop levels in specific theaters.
He explained: “Certain provisions of the Act... purport to dictate the position of the United States in external military and foreign affairs. My Administration will treat these provisions consistent with the President’s constitutional authority as Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces and...to conduct...foreign affairs...”
Regarding requirements for sharing sensitive information with Congress or making recommendations about legislative measures or budget requests in specific forms or objectives dictated by lawmakers rather than at presidential discretion, Trump reiterated: “As the Constitution grants the President...discretion to recommend ‘such Measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient,’ if any, my Administration will interpret this provision in a manner so as not to impair...the ability to manage...the executive branch.”
President Trump concluded his statement from The White House on December 18th.
