On Thursday, the administration issued a comprehensive executive order formalizing the United States’ goal of returning humans to the Moon by 2028 and defending space from weapons threats.
The executive order reorganizes national space policy under the supervision of the principal advisor for scientific affairs.
In a related context, there is an intention to sign an annual defense policy bill worth nearly a trillion dollars, despite provisions that stipulate new aid and limit the ability to reduce U.S. involvement in the defense of Europe.
The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 authorizes a record annual military expenditure of $901 billion, an increase of eight billion dollars over what was requested.
This comprehensive legislation specifies everything from the number of ships, aircraft, and missile systems to be purchased, to pay raises for troops, and how to address geopolitical threats.
The bill, intended to be signed at 6:00 PM Eastern Time, is a compromise, combining separate measures already passed in the House and Senate before its approval this month.
In a departure from the approach, which enjoys a Republican majority in both the House and Senate, the bill includes several provisions to enhance security.
There is a noted coolness towards enhancing European security, with a feeling that allies should pay their own way.
The recently published national security strategy is viewed as favorable and involves a reassessment of the United States’ relationship with the continent.
