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WASHINGTON, Dec. 18-- U.S. President Donald Trump Monday announced the national security strategy, the first of its kind since he took office in January and the 17th since the former Reagan administration began to submit the report to the Congress in 1987. The report, published by the executive branch of the government, articulates the worldwide interests, goals, and objectives of the United States important to its security. A WORLD OF COMPETITION In a speech delivered in the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center, Trump said the report, developed for over a year, identifies four "pillars" or vital national interests: to protect the homeland and its people, promote U.S. prosperity, preserve peace through strength, and advance U.S. influence. "This strategy recognizes that, whether we like it or not, we are engaged in a new era of competition. We accept that vigorous military, economic and political contests are playing out all around the world," he said. U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson later issued a statement, saying the United States "faces a 21st century global environment that presents unconventional threats from non-state actors, as well as challenges to our economic and national security from traditional state actors." The strategy is based in the context of an ever-competitive world rife with political, economic and military competitions, where White House officials concede Washington "has not been competing as effectively as it might" and needs to do better to protect American interests. | 
