One of the most important decisions the incoming Trump administration faces is whether to continue providing aid to Ukraine against Russian aggression. In a new AEI report, Critical Threats Project Director Frederick W. Kagan, former Defense Department official Elaine McCusker, and Richard Sims demonstrate that a Russian victory would cost the United States hundreds of billions of dollars more than if the US were to maintain or strengthen current aid to Ukraine.

The Trump administration inherits a dangerous situation in Ukraine largely because of the Biden administration’s unsuccessful foreign policy. AEI Foreign and Defense Policy Studies Director Kori Schake documents how the Biden administration failed by its own standards in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.

While its exact place within the administration remains unclear, the Elon Musk–spearheaded Department of Government Efficiency has attracted widespread attention. Yuval Levin highlights potential pitfalls and provides a blueprint for how this effort could do the most good.

The administration’s domestic priorities will have to reckon with the significant constraints of small and fractious majorities in Congress. AEI congressional expert Philip Wallach shows why it would be a mistake for Republicans to evade the process of open deliberation if they want to achieve legislative success.

As to policy substance, questions of work requirements and welfare dependency will take center stage in tax legislation this year. AEI President Robert Doar and Matt Weidinger explain why lawmakers should look to Senator Joe Manchin’s example on these issues as his time in Congress comes to an end.