CT-REQ-3498 Elections Outlook Report 01 TW - Flipbook - Page 40
Trump Administration Defense Executive Outlook
Realignment of Civil Service Roles
Alliances
Trump’s approach may involve a reduction in the civil service workforce,
which experienced significant attrition during his first term but has since
rebounded under Biden. This realignment would likely focus on shifting
departmental priorities in line with conservative goals.
President-Elect Trump is expected to press allies to meet their defense
commitments and may pursue negotiations with Russia. While he strongly
supports Israel, he has expressed a desire for the Israel-Gaza conflict to
conclude swiftly. Additionally, he supports Indo-Pacific allies and intends to
encourage Taiwan to take a more proactive role in its own defense.
Increased Appointment of Political Appointees
Project 2025 recommends increasing the number of political appointees
within the State Department, aiming to enhance alignment with the
administration’s policy objectives and counter perceived ideological
resistance within the career diplomatic ranks. He is expected to adopt an
adversarial stance toward career officials seen as resistant to conservative
policies, focusing on ensuring that State Department personnel align with
Trump’s foreign policy vision.
Maintaining Effective Diplomatic Corps for Policy
Implementation
While enhancing political influence, this approach seeks to retain skilled
diplomats who are committed to executing the president’s foreign
policy agenda, aiming for a more streamlined but ideologically aligned
department.
Strengthening and Modernizing the US Military
Despite previous tensions with Pentagon leadership, Trump remains vocal
about strengthening the U.S. military, asserting that global stability is best
ensured through American military superiority. He proposes significant
investments in defense manufacturing infrastructure, especially to support
the Navy. Trump plans to advance military modernization by investing in
cutting-edge technologies, with a specific focus on developing a missile
defense system akin to the Iron Dome. He also intends to increase the
defense budget, continuing the trend from his previous administration,
and has committed to raising troop pay.
Strengthening the Domestic Industrial Base
President-Elect Trump aims to revitalize the U.S. industrial base to stimulate
job creation and ensure robust defense production, with an emphasis on
domestically manufactured goods.
Cybersecurity and protecting critical infrastructure
Protecting critical infrastructure from cyber threats is a top priority for
President-Elect Trump, who has committed to raising security standards
and strengthening defenses against cyber attacks.
End war in Russia and Ukraine
President-Elect Trump has stated that he would end the Russia-Ukraine
war on his “first day in office,” potentially by reducing U.S. support
to Ukraine to encourage a settlement. He warns that continued U.S.
involvement could lead to World War III and has criticized NATO, arguing
that the United States contributes disproportionately while European allies
do not contribute enough.
We caution that bringing about an end to the war will be far more complex
than Trump believes, with multiple domestic and international stakeholders
weighing in on behalf of Kyiv and the Ukrainians themselves reluctant to
cede anything to their aggressor.
