Defense & Aerospace Report Defense & Aerospace Report Podcast [Washington Roundtable Apr 18, ’25]
Apr 18, 2025
Dov Zakheim, former Pentagon Comptroller, Patrick Cronin, Asia-Pacific Security Chair at the Hudson Institute, and retired Navy commander Chris Servello discuss pressing global issues. They analyze President Trump’s trade comments, defense leaks, and the implications of Russia's attacks in Ukraine. The conversation highlights Xi Jinping’s diplomatic maneuvers in the Indo-Pacific and the evolving U.S. stance on Iran. They also contemplate the strategic ramifications of military resources in the Middle East and the legacy of defense policy leaders.
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Congress Avoids Budget Confrontation
- Lawmakers avoid their constituents due to widespread anger, even from those who voted for Trump.
- Failure to resolve the budget resolution and conflicts over Medicare cuts signal prolonged budgetary struggles.
Navy Resists Major Budget Cuts
- The Navy has proposed various options to meet 6% to 8% budget cuts, mostly affecting force structure and sailors.
- Leadership pushes back, indicating cuts might be smaller than initially feared.
Pentagon Leak Suspensions Hurt Hegseth
- Secretary Hegseth's aides were suspended amid leak allegations, likely based on solid evidence.
- Critics see this as a purge and question Hegseth's judgment, potentially harming his position.