If you have not figured it out yet Donald Trump does not operate like a traditional politician. We are learning that back in January, before he took office Trump called Air Force Lt. General Bogdan, the F-35 Joint Program Office Executive Officer to discuss the aircraft. We all heard about the news that Trump was tweeting criticizing the F-35 program as being too expensive and out of control.
It made sense that he was making phone calls to people in charge of the program like General Bogdan but who would have guessed he would actually have Dennis Muilenburg the CEO of Boeing (a competitor that makes the F-18 Hornet) listening in on the call. And that the Boeing CEO was sitting in the room with Trump when he made the phone call.
“I would consider the calls to be very straightforward. He asked a lot of very, very, very good questions because he was in the learning mode,” Bogdan said of Trump. Speaking to reporters Thursday after a congressional hearing on the F-35, Bogdan said that Muilenburg listening to the call “was not inappropriate. The things I talked about in front of Mr. Muilenburg were clearly publicly releasable information. I understand the rules.”
After speaking with Trump, Bogdan wrote two three-page memos, titled “phone conversations with President-Elect,” dated Jan. 10 and 18th and stamped “For Official Use Only,” to limit distribution, according to the people. The memos outlined Trump’s questions about the capabilities of Boeing’s Super Hornet fighter and how it might compete against Lockheed’s F-35C. – Bloomberg Politics
President Trump has shaken the defense industry to their core. He has publicly criticized several of the leading defense contractors over high costs and delays while at the same time forcing them to compete with each other to lower costs. This exactly what you would expect from a real estate developer used to seeking out multiple bids on a project.
Do you think this type of approach will work for the good of the American taxpayer and result in a better military at a lower cost? Comment below. As always we want to hear from you!
Featured photo courtesy of U.S. Air Force photo/Jim Varhegyi
If you have not figured it out yet Donald Trump does not operate like a traditional politician. We are learning that back in January, before he took office Trump called Air Force Lt. General Bogdan, the F-35 Joint Program Office Executive Officer to discuss the aircraft. We all heard about the news that Trump was tweeting criticizing the F-35 program as being too expensive and out of control.
It made sense that he was making phone calls to people in charge of the program like General Bogdan but who would have guessed he would actually have Dennis Muilenburg the CEO of Boeing (a competitor that makes the F-18 Hornet) listening in on the call. And that the Boeing CEO was sitting in the room with Trump when he made the phone call.
“I would consider the calls to be very straightforward. He asked a lot of very, very, very good questions because he was in the learning mode,” Bogdan said of Trump. Speaking to reporters Thursday after a congressional hearing on the F-35, Bogdan said that Muilenburg listening to the call “was not inappropriate. The things I talked about in front of Mr. Muilenburg were clearly publicly releasable information. I understand the rules.”
After speaking with Trump, Bogdan wrote two three-page memos, titled “phone conversations with President-Elect,” dated Jan. 10 and 18th and stamped “For Official Use Only,” to limit distribution, according to the people. The memos outlined Trump’s questions about the capabilities of Boeing’s Super Hornet fighter and how it might compete against Lockheed’s F-35C. – Bloomberg Politics
President Trump has shaken the defense industry to their core. He has publicly criticized several of the leading defense contractors over high costs and delays while at the same time forcing them to compete with each other to lower costs. This exactly what you would expect from a real estate developer used to seeking out multiple bids on a project.
Do you think this type of approach will work for the good of the American taxpayer and result in a better military at a lower cost? Comment below. As always we want to hear from you!
Featured photo courtesy of U.S. Air Force photo/Jim Varhegyi
This article was originally published on Fighter Sweep
As someone who’s seen what happens when the truth is distorted, I know how unfair it feels when those who’ve sacrificed the most lose their voice. At SOFREP, our veteran journalists, who once fought for freedom, now fight to bring you unfiltered, real-world intel. But without your support, we risk losing this vital source of truth. By subscribing, you’re not just leveling the playing field—you’re standing with those who’ve already given so much, ensuring they continue to serve by delivering stories that matter. Every subscription means we can hire more veterans and keep their hard-earned knowledge in the fight. Don’t let their voices be silenced. Please consider subscribing now.
One team, one fight,
Brandon Webb former Navy SEAL, Bestselling Author and Editor-in-Chief
Barrett is the world leader in long-range, large-caliber, precision rifle design and manufacturing. Barrett products are used by civilians, sport shooters, law enforcement agencies, the United States military, and more than 75 State Department-approved countries around the world.
PO Box 1077 MURFREESBORO, Tennessee 37133 United States
Scrubba Wash Bag
Our ultra-portable washing machine makes your journey easier. This convenient, pocket-sized travel companion allows you to travel lighter while helping you save money, time and water.
Our roots in shooting sports started off back in 1996 with our founder and CEO, Josh Ungier. His love of airguns took hold of our company from day one and we became the first e-commerce retailer dedicated to airguns, optics, ammo, and accessories. Over the next 25 years, customers turned to us for our unmatched product selection, great advice, education, and continued support of the sport and airgun industry.
COMMENTS
There are on this article.
You must become a subscriber or login to view or post comments on this article.