Defense contractors are perplexed by President Trump administration’s executive order outlining vague new rules for its weapons suppliers, unsure how to proceed and raising questions about its legality.
The executive order — echoing recent speeches delivered by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent — rebukes defense firms for stock buybacks, paying dividends to investors and high compensation for CEOs, rather than using profits to invest in plant capacity.
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“If you’re trying to encourage more companies to get involved and be suppliers to the DOD, this is not the best way to do that,” one defense industry lobbyist told The Hill, referring to the Department of Defense. “Companies may not want to do business with DOD if they are subject to this. Plus, obviously it’s not legally enforceable to stop dividends and cap pay, so how do you enforce that?”
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Trump in early January signed an executive order aimed at addressing cost overruns and delayed timelines in delivering weapons. He followed up with a lengthy Trump Social post that loudly declared “MILITARY EQUIPMENT IS NOT BEING MADE FAST ENOUGH!”
“Defense Contractors are currently issuing massive Dividends to their Shareholders and massive Stock Buybacks, at the expense and detriment of investing in Plants and Equipment,” the president wrote. “This situation will no longer be allowed or tolerated!”
He also claimed that defense executives must build new and modern production plants and, until they do so, should not be allowed to make more than $5 million dollars annually.
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Bessent on Tuesday touched briefly on the timeline of the order, saying, “we can talk about removing those restrictions” once companies get to a normalized level of backlog, around two years or three years.
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One company Trump singled out is RTX, calling it “the least responsive” and threatening to cut the firm’s government contracts if it didn’t spend more on plants and equipment. The contractor is the maker of Tomahawk cruise missiles, used in recent strikes in Nigeria and in Yemen against Houthi targets last year.
But Tomahawks take years to produce, with the company only churning out 50 or 60 annually, far below the hundreds the administration used last year alone.
“Either Raytheon steps up … or they will no longer be doing business with” the government, Trump said in a separate Truth Social post.
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This is the land of profits first. Defense contractors would rather sell costly, complicated, and fragile weapons systems that maximize their profits. Trump basically wants the defense industry to become the opposite of what it is. The current weapons systems that the US utilizes really can't be massively scaled up, truth be told. The production requires a massive amount to training for workers, advances specialties, and rare earth minerals that will mostly be sourced from China.
🌒 @EastCalling
The executive order — echoing recent speeches delivered by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent — rebukes defense firms for stock buybacks, paying dividends to investors and high compensation for CEOs, rather than using profits to invest in plant capacity.
...
“If you’re trying to encourage more companies to get involved and be suppliers to the DOD, this is not the best way to do that,” one defense industry lobbyist told The Hill, referring to the Department of Defense. “Companies may not want to do business with DOD if they are subject to this. Plus, obviously it’s not legally enforceable to stop dividends and cap pay, so how do you enforce that?”
...
Trump in early January signed an executive order aimed at addressing cost overruns and delayed timelines in delivering weapons. He followed up with a lengthy Trump Social post that loudly declared “MILITARY EQUIPMENT IS NOT BEING MADE FAST ENOUGH!”
“Defense Contractors are currently issuing massive Dividends to their Shareholders and massive Stock Buybacks, at the expense and detriment of investing in Plants and Equipment,” the president wrote. “This situation will no longer be allowed or tolerated!”
He also claimed that defense executives must build new and modern production plants and, until they do so, should not be allowed to make more than $5 million dollars annually.
...
Bessent on Tuesday touched briefly on the timeline of the order, saying, “we can talk about removing those restrictions” once companies get to a normalized level of backlog, around two years or three years.
...
One company Trump singled out is RTX, calling it “the least responsive” and threatening to cut the firm’s government contracts if it didn’t spend more on plants and equipment. The contractor is the maker of Tomahawk cruise missiles, used in recent strikes in Nigeria and in Yemen against Houthi targets last year.
But Tomahawks take years to produce, with the company only churning out 50 or 60 annually, far below the hundreds the administration used last year alone.
“Either Raytheon steps up … or they will no longer be doing business with” the government, Trump said in a separate Truth Social post.
This is the land of profits first. Defense contractors would rather sell costly, complicated, and fragile weapons systems that maximize their profits. Trump basically wants the defense industry to become the opposite of what it is. The current weapons systems that the US utilizes really can't be massively scaled up, truth be told. The production requires a massive amount to training for workers, advances specialties, and rare earth minerals that will mostly be sourced from China.
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There's a new article on Marat Khairullin's Substack!
Aliyev Choked on Chutzpah or Why Azerbaijan Will Have to Be Bombed
It is obvious that after the Ukrainian war, our country will face a number of upcoming tasks to protect its sovereignty and economic ties. And, apparently, number one on this list will be the Baltic problem, which is covered in detail in the article "The New Baltic War."
However, it is possible that the President of Azerbaijan, having caught a special audacity (in Hebrew, "chutzpah" - audacity), will elevate his country to this same "honorable place." And it's not even that we need land (we've seen it in the grave*). It's that all the conditions have come together for another major Russian mission to restore order in the Caucasus.
Read the rest on Marat Khairullin's Substack!
🌒 @EastCalling
Aliyev Choked on Chutzpah or Why Azerbaijan Will Have to Be Bombed
It is obvious that after the Ukrainian war, our country will face a number of upcoming tasks to protect its sovereignty and economic ties. And, apparently, number one on this list will be the Baltic problem, which is covered in detail in the article "The New Baltic War."
However, it is possible that the President of Azerbaijan, having caught a special audacity (in Hebrew, "chutzpah" - audacity), will elevate his country to this same "honorable place." And it's not even that we need land (we've seen it in the grave*). It's that all the conditions have come together for another major Russian mission to restore order in the Caucasus.
Read the rest on Marat Khairullin's Substack!
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Via Ukrainian media:
Russians hit helicopters with "Shahed" drones in the Kropyvnytskyi area, reported Advisor to the Ukrainian Defense Minister Sergei Beskrestnov (Flash).
He publishes videos of the destruction of helicopters from Russian Telegram channels. The expert concludes that these are the first "Shahed" drones that were controlled via "Starlink".
"In the image, we see automatic target detection and manual guidance based on the image. But there was not a single UAV nearby to create a MES radio network. I conclude that we are observing the first use of "Shahed" drones with Starlink. These drones, under manual control, flew almost over the ground so as not to be detected by radars," writes Beskrestnov.
🌒 @EastCalling
Russians hit helicopters with "Shahed" drones in the Kropyvnytskyi area, reported Advisor to the Ukrainian Defense Minister Sergei Beskrestnov (Flash).
He publishes videos of the destruction of helicopters from Russian Telegram channels. The expert concludes that these are the first "Shahed" drones that were controlled via "Starlink".
"In the image, we see automatic target detection and manual guidance based on the image. But there was not a single UAV nearby to create a MES radio network. I conclude that we are observing the first use of "Shahed" drones with Starlink. These drones, under manual control, flew almost over the ground so as not to be detected by radars," writes Beskrestnov.
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More than 750,000 homes in the US have been left without electricity due to a snowstorm, according to data from the Poweroutage website.
More than 10,000 flights have been canceled. On social media, people are sharing videos of the consequences of the unusual weather for them.
Source: RIA Novosti
➖ ➖ ➖
"We're Americans! We aren't equipped for this!"
🌒 @EastCalling
More than 10,000 flights have been canceled. On social media, people are sharing videos of the consequences of the unusual weather for them.
Source: RIA Novosti
"We're Americans! We aren't equipped for this!"
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Military Chronicle:
A panorama of winter Kupyansk. Positional skirmishes continue in the city, with varying success for both sides. It's clear that there are almost no movements in the city's built-up areas, as it's practically impossible to gather a large enough group for an assault. Both on the Russian and Ukrainian sides, a large number of drones are flying over the city.
🌒 @EastCalling
A panorama of winter Kupyansk. Positional skirmishes continue in the city, with varying success for both sides. It's clear that there are almost no movements in the city's built-up areas, as it's practically impossible to gather a large enough group for an assault. Both on the Russian and Ukrainian sides, a large number of drones are flying over the city.
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UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan received the special representative of the Russian President, Kirill Dmitriev, in Abu Dhabi.
It is noted that Dmitriev also expressed gratitude to the UAE for holding trilateral negotiations with the participation of the USA, Russia and Ukraine on the settlement of the Ukrainian conflict.
Source: Izvestia
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🌒 @EastCalling
"During the meeting, the parties discussed cooperation and joint work between the UAE and Russia, the possibilities of their development in various fields, including economics, investments and development, as well as a number of other topics of interest to both sides," reported the state agency WAM.
It is noted that Dmitriev also expressed gratitude to the UAE for holding trilateral negotiations with the participation of the USA, Russia and Ukraine on the settlement of the Ukrainian conflict.
Source: Izvestia
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Part of the peace plan is Ukraine's accession to the EU in 2027, but this will be opposed by a number of European countries. This was stated by Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić.
"I heard that part of the peace plan, if it is reached by Russia and Ukraine, will be that obligations will lie not only on these two sides, but also on a significant part of the international community. Part of the plan is for Ukraine to become a member of the EU from January 1, 2027," Vučić said at a government meeting.
"Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Slovakia will not agree with this," Vučić added.
He also suggested that "there will be forceful changes to procedures, contrary to regulations and everything else." Earlier, media reported that the European Union is considering accepting Ukraine with reduced rights - without the ability to block EU decisions.
Moreover, it is possible that Vučić's last statement is related to calls to abolish the principle of unanimity in the EU on foreign and defense issues - in order to overcome a possible veto on Ukraine's admission.
Earlier, about the EU's plan to accept Ukraine by 2027, Hungarian Prime Minister Orbán spoke, who added that Budapest would block this.
🌒 @EastCalling
"I heard that part of the peace plan, if it is reached by Russia and Ukraine, will be that obligations will lie not only on these two sides, but also on a significant part of the international community. Part of the plan is for Ukraine to become a member of the EU from January 1, 2027," Vučić said at a government meeting.
"Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Slovakia will not agree with this," Vučić added.
He also suggested that "there will be forceful changes to procedures, contrary to regulations and everything else." Earlier, media reported that the European Union is considering accepting Ukraine with reduced rights - without the ability to block EU decisions.
Moreover, it is possible that Vučić's last statement is related to calls to abolish the principle of unanimity in the EU on foreign and defense issues - in order to overcome a possible veto on Ukraine's admission.
Earlier, about the EU's plan to accept Ukraine by 2027, Hungarian Prime Minister Orbán spoke, who added that Budapest would block this.
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"This in response to a post where he waxed indignant about rising authoritarianism if not fascism in the USA.
That's all very well but he also supports Ukraine. This was his response when I pointed out that inconsistency:
https://x.com/SevaUT/status/2010735045875802489
I've really had it with these so-called liberals. When you supported the Maidan and made excuses for all the Red-over-black 'Blood and soil' UPA flags and said to give it time, and that it was edgy rebellion. What did you think would happen? When they set up torture chambers on the Maidan, you said nothing or worse. When you screeched when the Berkut fought back but then applauded the "Anti-terrorist Operation" when you at best wrung your hands or made excuses for the armed natsbats, Azov, Aidar, Tornado, Donbas, Jaguar, what did you think would happen? When 100 people were burned alive in Odessa on 2 May 2014 and you said "well they were agents provocateurs" or "the Ukrainians said those people were armed" "they burned themselves", or somehow it is Russia's fault, what did you think you were endorsing? Democracy? When Oles Buzina was murdered. When Party of Regions deputies were murdered you applauded Ukraine's advancement of democracy. When the Communist Party was banned, you celebrated as you did attacks on the judiciary through lustration.
When Azov penetrated into state structures you said it was being domesticated, rather than mainstreamed and applauded the 'weakness' of the armed and embraced Far Right. Or you kept criticism muted because 'Putin talking point.' Were you going to stand against fascism or not? Then when the war started you embraced the "defenders of Azovstal" you overlooked and forgave everything and snarled at anyone doing otherwise as a Putin-bot. You never stood for democracy. You stood for using a tool to bash and kill that which annoyed you.Now that there is something else out there you cannot control perfectly and does do what you want it to do, now, now, after cheering it elsewhere and refusing to call it what it was you are worried about fascism.
I am sure you think Chrystia Freeland is just wonderful. When all of the above happened you should have stood against it strongly. You did not, you enabled it or encouraged it. You weren't worried about authoritarianism or fascism. Putin annoyed you but NOT because he is authoritarian. It's something else. If it was any of the litany of things you claim to deplore you would NEVER have for an INSTANT supported Ukraine. You would NEVER have tolerated the Holocaust apologia in the Baltic States and their monuments to collaborators and génocidaires. But you did when it suited you, you thought it was a minor thing, it could all be controlled. But now, now you're worried, but not out of any principle, or for the kind of free, open, happy, and contented society but because you smell a threat to what you think is your power. You stood for nothing and now it might well be too late. But if you want to know who helped get us here, who helped make it acceptable, look in the mirror! It's you who helped put Alex Pretti in the ground."
➖ ➖ ➖ With his permission, I'm posting the entirety of https://x.com/failure1991 's X thread here. It's a blistering response to this thread- https://x.com/SevaUT/status/2010735045875802489
🌒 @EastCalling
That's all very well but he also supports Ukraine. This was his response when I pointed out that inconsistency:
https://x.com/SevaUT/status/2010735045875802489
I've really had it with these so-called liberals. When you supported the Maidan and made excuses for all the Red-over-black 'Blood and soil' UPA flags and said to give it time, and that it was edgy rebellion. What did you think would happen? When they set up torture chambers on the Maidan, you said nothing or worse. When you screeched when the Berkut fought back but then applauded the "Anti-terrorist Operation" when you at best wrung your hands or made excuses for the armed natsbats, Azov, Aidar, Tornado, Donbas, Jaguar, what did you think would happen? When 100 people were burned alive in Odessa on 2 May 2014 and you said "well they were agents provocateurs" or "the Ukrainians said those people were armed" "they burned themselves", or somehow it is Russia's fault, what did you think you were endorsing? Democracy? When Oles Buzina was murdered. When Party of Regions deputies were murdered you applauded Ukraine's advancement of democracy. When the Communist Party was banned, you celebrated as you did attacks on the judiciary through lustration.
When Azov penetrated into state structures you said it was being domesticated, rather than mainstreamed and applauded the 'weakness' of the armed and embraced Far Right. Or you kept criticism muted because 'Putin talking point.' Were you going to stand against fascism or not? Then when the war started you embraced the "defenders of Azovstal" you overlooked and forgave everything and snarled at anyone doing otherwise as a Putin-bot. You never stood for democracy. You stood for using a tool to bash and kill that which annoyed you.Now that there is something else out there you cannot control perfectly and does do what you want it to do, now, now, after cheering it elsewhere and refusing to call it what it was you are worried about fascism.
I am sure you think Chrystia Freeland is just wonderful. When all of the above happened you should have stood against it strongly. You did not, you enabled it or encouraged it. You weren't worried about authoritarianism or fascism. Putin annoyed you but NOT because he is authoritarian. It's something else. If it was any of the litany of things you claim to deplore you would NEVER have for an INSTANT supported Ukraine. You would NEVER have tolerated the Holocaust apologia in the Baltic States and their monuments to collaborators and génocidaires. But you did when it suited you, you thought it was a minor thing, it could all be controlled. But now, now you're worried, but not out of any principle, or for the kind of free, open, happy, and contented society but because you smell a threat to what you think is your power. You stood for nothing and now it might well be too late. But if you want to know who helped get us here, who helped make it acceptable, look in the mirror! It's you who helped put Alex Pretti in the ground."
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The Secretary-General of the Islamic Resistance, the Hezbollah Brigades, Hajj Abu Hussein Al-Hamidawi
We address our call to our Mujahideen brothers in all corners of the earth, to all those who fill their hearts with faith and love for Allah and His Prophet, and who believe that might belongs to Allah, His Prophet, and the believers; and to all those who refuse to let the front of disbelief and hypocrisy dominate over the people of faith and justice; to prepare themselves for a comprehensive war in support and backing of the Islamic Republic in Iran.
➖ ➖ ➖
The USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group has arrived in the CENTCOM area of responsibility.
🌒 @EastCalling
We address our call to our Mujahideen brothers in all corners of the earth, to all those who fill their hearts with faith and love for Allah and His Prophet, and who believe that might belongs to Allah, His Prophet, and the believers; and to all those who refuse to let the front of disbelief and hypocrisy dominate over the people of faith and justice; to prepare themselves for a comprehensive war in support and backing of the Islamic Republic in Iran.
The USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group has arrived in the CENTCOM area of responsibility.
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Военкор Кулько:
FPV drones with anti-tank mines. Soon to be mass-produced.
Footage from Konstantinovka. Our new heavy drone "Upir-18" (with an 18-inch frame) lifts a 10-kilogram mine, carries it several dozen kilometers and blows up the enemy's bunker along with its occupants. Our guys couldn't dislodge them from there for weeks before this.
The military has long been waiting for an FPV drone with such high payload capacity. The most common drones on the frontline, which can lift 3-4 kilograms, don't always solve the problem. Given that the TM-62 has now become an indispensable munition for Russian assault troops, being able to deliver it by air certainly simplifies the task enormously.
And the new drone also helps with supply. For example, since December in Kupyansk, when the Ukrainians launched counterattacks, it's these "Upirs" that have been delivering everything our guys need.
I just had a conversation with Vladimir Tkachuk, the head of the "Upir" drone production plant. He says that after long efforts, they've managed to find an effective and cheap combination of components for the heavy drone. They're now seriously ramping up production of the "Upir 18".
So, Ukrainians, expect regular deliveries of TM-s this year.
🌒 @EastCalling
FPV drones with anti-tank mines. Soon to be mass-produced.
Footage from Konstantinovka. Our new heavy drone "Upir-18" (with an 18-inch frame) lifts a 10-kilogram mine, carries it several dozen kilometers and blows up the enemy's bunker along with its occupants. Our guys couldn't dislodge them from there for weeks before this.
The military has long been waiting for an FPV drone with such high payload capacity. The most common drones on the frontline, which can lift 3-4 kilograms, don't always solve the problem. Given that the TM-62 has now become an indispensable munition for Russian assault troops, being able to deliver it by air certainly simplifies the task enormously.
And the new drone also helps with supply. For example, since December in Kupyansk, when the Ukrainians launched counterattacks, it's these "Upirs" that have been delivering everything our guys need.
I just had a conversation with Vladimir Tkachuk, the head of the "Upir" drone production plant. He says that after long efforts, they've managed to find an effective and cheap combination of components for the heavy drone. They're now seriously ramping up production of the "Upir 18".
So, Ukrainians, expect regular deliveries of TM-s this year.
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