Recent editorials across major United States publications have scrutinized the Trump administration's policies on defense, trade, and agriculture. The Wall Street Journal critiques Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's attempt to align Donald Trump with Ronald Reagan's legacy, arguing that Trump's approach diverges from Reagan's blend of idealism and realism, particularly in foreign policy and defense spending. The editorial warns that current concessions to China and Russia, coupled with reduced defense budgets, do not reflect Reagan's strategy of negotiating from a position of strength.

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch highlights the adverse effects of Trump's aggressive tariff policies on American farmers, noting that the resulting federal aid package is insufficient to offset the billions in losses caused by retaliatory tariffs and market shifts. The editorial suggests that free trade, rather than government bailouts, would better serve both farmers and consumers.

The New York Times calls for a cultural shift within the United States military, emphasizing the need to integrate private sector innovation and technological expertise. It points to the influx of venture capital into defense technology and advocates for more flexible service options to attract skilled recruits, warning that exclusionary recruitment policies could hinder modernization efforts.

The Washington Post questions the coherence of Trump's trade policy, particularly the decision to allow the export of advanced semiconductors to China despite national security concerns. The editorial argues that the administration's protectionist rationale is inconsistently applied, prioritizing commerce over security and stretching the definition of national interest to justify broad tariffs.