The architect of America First: How Andy Baker is redefining Trump’s Europe strategy

While White House Deputy National Security Advisor Andy Baker remains largely unknown outside the tight-knit circles of Washington and European capitals, he has emerged as one of the most consequential architects of President Donald Trump’s “America First” vision.

According to an extensive profile by Politico, Baker—who is fluent in Russian, Bulgarian, and Farsi—plays a pivotal role in the administration, particularly in brokering peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia.

Described as Vice President J.D. Vance’s closest confidant, Baker provides the intellectual framework for the administration’s assertive stance toward European allies. As an indispensable member of Trump’s national security team, Baker rarely seeks the spotlight. One of his few public mentions occurred during a leaked conversation regarding strikes against Houthi rebels in Yemen, where Vance identified him as the primary “point of contact.”

Behind the scenes, however, Baker’s influence extends far beyond military operations; he is the principal author of strategic documents currently redefining US global alliances.

Offering “creative solutions” in Ukraine peace talks

Baker’s fingerprints are clearly visible on the ongoing efforts to end the war in Ukraine. Former Deputy National Security Advisor Alex Wong noted that Baker is the lead advisor shaping the initial outlines of peace negotiations, including technical specifics such as agreements regarding underground natural resources.

During the negotiation process, Baker has consistently brought “practical” and “creative” ideas to the table, specifically focusing on formulas that would conclude the conflict while simultaneously reducing US obligations in Europe.

However, Baker’s approach has not been universally welcomed by allies. While one European official acknowledged that Baker is “exceptionally bright,” they noted that his “understanding of Russia is fundamentally different from that of European allies.” This friction highlights the broader tension between the Trump administration’s “realist” approach to Ukraine and Europe’s traditional security paradigms.

Baker shapes defense and intelligence strategies

Baker’s portfolio is not limited to diplomatic mediation. He played a direct role in drafting the speech delivered by Vance at the Munich Security Conference in February 2025, as well as the new US National Security Strategy document.

Furthermore, Baker was among the key figures present in the situation room with Trump during the operations targeting Iranian nuclear facilities in June. His signature is also found on critical files involving military activities against the Houthis and the management of tensions between India and Pakistan.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that Baker’s leadership has been vital to the Trump administration’s foreign policy milestones. Rubio described Baker as a “valuable team member who advances the president’s agenda and makes a definitive difference with his judgment.” Baker’s close ties with White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles further solidify his standing within the administration’s inner circle.

A shift from elite foreign policy to the interests of the people

Raised in a working-class family in San Francisco, Baker’s career trajectory informs his current ideological position. After earning a doctorate in history from Oxford University, Baker spent 13 years at the State Department, serving in high-stakes roles involving Afghanistan and NATO. Over time, however, he concluded that American foreign policy had devolved into a “plaything for the elite.”

In Baker’s view, the interventionist policies championed by Democrats failed to benefit the American public, particularly the demographic from which he originated.

Driven by a desire to implement a new vision, Baker resigned from the State Department in 2023 and subsequently met J.D. Vance, with whom he shared a common outlook. Appointed following Trump’s move to restructure the National Security Council, Baker has become one of the primary figures foreign governments now scramble to meet in Washington. Sources note that despite being a staunch ideologue, Baker remains a diplomat who is an attentive listener and an effective communicator.