Michael Herson, head of American Defense International, discusses the looming budget crisis affecting defense funding. Jim Townsend, former Pentagon Europe chief, highlights the tensions between U.S. and European defense strategies. Dov Zakheim, ex-Pentagon comptroller, analyzes the implications of Trump's tariffs on international relations. Patrick Cronin, Asia-Pacific security expert, explores U.S. commitments in Asia and the challenges posed by China. The conversation dives into the political turmoil surrounding Israel and debates on military actions against Iran.
58:33
forum Ask episode
web_stories AI Snips
view_agenda Chapters
auto_awesome Transcript
info_circle Episode notes
insights INSIGHT
Appropriations and Reconciliation
The U.S. government faces a potential fiscal cliff, with a possible shutdown looming in September due to disagreements on appropriations and the debt ceiling.
Complicating matters, President Trump's intention to impound funds and the declining approval ratings add to the pressure on Republicans.
insights INSIGHT
Political Dynamics and Special Elections
GOP leaders, worried about losing seats in upcoming special elections, urged Trump to rescind Elise Stefanik's UN ambassadorship nomination.
The SignalGate scandal and declining presidential approval ratings contribute to Republican anxieties about electoral prospects.
insights INSIGHT
Targeting Law Firms
The Trump administration is targeting law firms that challenge him, impacting the legal system.
Executive orders strip security clearances and aim to restrict lawyers' access to federal institutions, raising constitutional concerns.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
On this week’s Defense & Aerospace Report Washington Roundtable, Dr. Patrick Cronin of the Hudson Institute think tank, Michael Herson of American Defense International, former Pentagon Europe chief Jim Townsend now with the Center for a New American Security, and former Pentagon comptroller Dr. Dov Zakheim of the Center for Strategic and International Studies join Defense & Aerospace Report Editor Vago Muradian to discuss an update on an appropriations measure and reconciliation package as US officials say America will run out of money in August; Maine Republican Sen Susan Collins sides with Democrats in arguing President Trump can’t pick and choose what to fund after Congress decides on appropriations; worried they might lose National Security Adviser Mike Waltz’s open congressional seat, GOP leaders have urged the White House to also rescind the nomination of New York Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik as America’s next United Nations ambassador; Trump imposes a 25 percent tax on all cars imported into the United States and threatens higher retaliation if Canada and the EU work together as Canadian officials warn the historically strong relationship with its southern neighbor will never again be the same; the White House continues to ratchet up pressure on Greenland sending Vice President Vance on an uninvited visit to the world’s largest island to make the case for annexation; Russia demands sanctions be dropped before it considers ending the Ukraine war; the EU taps France to help negotiate the end of the Ukraine war on Europe’s behalf as nations work to bolster spending; after America surrenders the airwaves and allies worry about Washington’s commitment to the Indo Pacific, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth visits the region and America deploys the new Typhon missile system to the Philippines; Beijing steps up its regional intimidation and the EU tries to expand its role in Asia; concerns about the future of Israel’s democracy as judicial changes raise questions about the future impartiality of the country’s high court; Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu ends its ceasefire with Hamas with a wave of strikes on Gaza and fires Mossad Director David Barnea; and worries that Washington is planning to strike Iran.
Defense & Aerospace Report