Donald Trump's Influence on the United States Department of Defense

Trump's Policies and the Pentagon

Donald Trump assumed the presidency of the United States in 2017. During his tenure, he began to make sweeping changes to the United States' defense policy. These changes have had a significant impact on the Pentagon, the headquarters of the Department of Defense.

As a businessman, Trump believed in minimizing government oversight and regulation. He applied this approach to the military. He encouraged the military services to run more efficiently and to focus on their core missions. He also invested heavily in new weapons systems and increased the size of the military.

Trump's policies have garnered mixed reactions from military leaders. Some have praised his focus on efficiency and his willingness to invest in new weapons systems. Others have expressed concerns about his lack of experience in military affairs and his tendency to make impulsive decisions.

The Pentagon Under Trump

The Pentagon has undergone significant changes under Trump's leadership. The most visible change has been the increase in the military budget. In 2018, Trump signed a bill that increased defense spending by $700 billion over the next 10 years. This is the largest increase in defense spending in decades.

The Pentagon has also seen a change in leadership under Trump. In 2019, he appointed Mark Esper as Secretary of Defense. Esper is a former soldier and defense industry executive. He is considered a more traditional choice for the position than some of Trump's previous appointees.

The Pentagon is currently undergoing a major modernization effort. The goal of this effort is to make the military more efficient and effective. The Pentagon is also working to develop new weapons systems, such as hypersonic missiles and autonomous vehicles.

Conclusion

Donald Trump's presidency has had a significant impact on the United States Department of Defense. His policies have led to increased defense spending, a change in leadership at the Pentagon, and a major modernization effort. It remains to be seen how Trump's legacy will be viewed in the long term. However, there is no doubt that he has left a lasting mark on the Pentagon.