Joint Chiefs Chairman Adm. Michael Mullen said earlier this week at a Pentagon press briefing that “programs that are behind schedule or woefully over budget should be considered for elimination” as the Defense Department and military services seek the planned $450 billion in savings over the next 10 years. However, Mullen also urged, as part of the process, recollection of program history, mentioning the Air Force C-17 and Navy DDG-51—both “in lots of trouble” in the 1990s but which are “certainly stalwarts in our defense and critical to our success.” He emphasized that finding the savings through “strategy-driven decisions” is possible, but even though “there are programs that should be eliminated, I think we just need to do the due diligence to make sure we get the right ones.” (DOD transcript)
US Space Command Should Always Be Led by a Guardian
Sept. 12, 2026
General Stephen Whiting took command of U.S. Space Command in January 2024, and if customary three-year tenures hold, his tour would end in January 2027. The question now before the President and Senate is who should follow him? Whoever they choose, it has to be a Guardian—and so should every successor…
