The White House has issued a new executive order establishing an "America First Arms Transfer Strategy" aimed at prioritizing American interests in foreign arms sales and bolstering the domestic defense industry. The order, signed by President Donald J. Trump on February 6, 2026, sets out to leverage U.S.-manufactured military equipment as both a foreign policy tool and a means to expand domestic production capacity.
According to the order, the strategy is designed to ensure that future arms sales use foreign purchases and capital to support American production and industrial growth. It also aims to reinforce national security by maintaining technological superiority and readiness within the United States' defense sector.
"It is critical that the United States fully use this comparative advantage in arms transfers as both a tool of foreign policy and a tool to expand domestic production and transfer," the document states.
Key components of the strategy include creating clear implementation guidance for stakeholders involved in arms transfers, streamlining processes across relevant government agencies, and using arms sales to build capacity for weapons deemed most operationally relevant by the Secretary of War. The order also directs officials to encourage innovation within the defense sector by incentivizing new entrants and nontraditional companies.
Further measures outlined in the order require collaboration among the Secretaries of War, State, and Commerce. Within 120 days, these officials must present a catalog of prioritized platforms for allies’ acquisition, provide recommendations for advocacy efforts supporting U.S.-made defense products abroad, identify sales opportunities aligned with strategic objectives, and develop an industry engagement plan.
To improve efficiency in arms transfers, several actions are mandated: setting criteria for enhanced end-use monitoring of weapons systems; reviewing third-party transfer processes; providing advance notice on contracting actions; ensuring coordination on commercial sales impacts; and amending existing executive orders related to Congressional notifications about proposed arms transfers.
A Promoting American Military Sales Task Force will be established within 30 days of the order’s signing. This task force will coordinate implementation efforts and review progress quarterly. Additionally, aggregate performance metrics on Foreign Military Sales (FMS) case development and export license adjudication will be published quarterly.
The executive order specifies that its provisions must be implemented according to existing laws and available appropriations. It clarifies that it does not create enforceable legal rights or benefits against the United States or its entities.
"American-manufactured military equipment is the best in the world, resulting in American dominance across international defense exports," President Trump states in the introduction of his directive.
The costs associated with publishing this order will be covered by the Department of War.
