Defense & Aerospace Report Defense & Aerospace Report Podcast [Washington Roundtable May 16, ’25]
May 16, 2025
This discussion features Michael Herson, a leading defense lobbyist, Jim Townsend, a former Pentagon official, Patrick Cronin, an expert on Asia-Pacific security, and Dov Zakheim, a former Pentagon comptroller. They delve into crucial topics like the U.S.-China tariff negotiations, rising tensions between India and Pakistan, and the urgent need for the U.S. debt ceiling to protect national defense funding. The panel also explores the geopolitical ramifications of President Trump's Middle East visits and the recent issues concerning undersea cable breaches near Taiwan.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Republican Budget Battle Intensifies
- The GOP faces deep internal conflict over Medicaid cuts, tax deductions, and energy credits during budget negotiations.
- These disputes threaten the passage and content of critical defense and social spending bills.
Spectrum Sale Threatens Defense
- Selling electromagnetic spectrum for $88 billion is causing major concern over military readiness and missile defense.
- Senior Pentagon officials warn this could seriously undermine critical defense functions and increase relocation costs.
Qatari Jet Air Force One Controversy
- Accepting a $400 million Qatari 747 as Air Force One sparks security and political concerns.
- The plane lacks refueling and defense capabilities, and retrofit costs are high, yet the administration favors the deal despite opposition.