Defense & Aerospace Report Defense & Aerospace Report Podcast [Washington Roundtable Oct 31, ’25]
Oct 31, 2025
Dr. Patrick Cronin, a security expert at the Hudson Institute, joins forces with lobbyist Michael Herson, former Pentagon chief Jim Townsend, and fiscal strategist Dr. Dov Zakheim. They dive into the U.S. government shutdown's impact and Trump's recent Asia trip, analyzing his meetings with key leaders. The group discusses the implications of Trump resuming nuclear tests and the delivery of advanced weaponry to Ukraine as Russia tests new missiles. They also explore evolving U.S. alliances in Asia and the Gaza ceasefire's fragile status.
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Shutdown Risks Defense Readiness
- The shutdown highlights fragile governance where partisan standoffs disrupt services and defense funding.
- Continued closures risk degrading military readiness and R&D investments needed to compete with China.
Reopen Funding To Force Talks
- Reopen government funding for essential programs like SNAP and military pay to avoid humanitarian and readiness crises.
- Use a short-term CR to force substantive healthcare talks with Democrats while preserving leverage.
Comptroller Gap Raises Fiscal Risk
- DOD has limited authority to reprogram funds and faces an $8 billion intra-year ceiling on transfers.
- Missing permanent comptroller leadership compounds fiscal strain and forces risky cuts to R&D and shipbuilding.