National Security
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Is the U.S. deficit a national security issue?
CNBC Television· 2025-07-07 22:01
What is the biggest threat to national security. When Admiral Michael Mullen was asked that very question back in 2010, his answer shocked the nation. I responded that the most significant threat was our national debt, which was a bit of a surprise.Admiral Mullen served as the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff under presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama. Since then, the national debt has nearly quadrupled.Well, experts have warned that when a government spends so much related to its debt load, it c ...
Consequences of U.S. debt on defense spending, Fmr. Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff weighs in
CNBC Television· 2025-07-07 21:30
US Debt & National Security - US national debt is seen as a significant threat to national security, potentially squeezing the discretionary defense budget [2][3] - The US is expected to spend $90 billion more on interest payments than on defense in 2024, marking a critical tipping point [4] - Increased defense spending by $2 billion this year and $150 billion over the next decade is projected due to recent tax and spending legislation [4] - The law will boost interest costs by $700 billion [4] - Adversaries like Russia and China may view US debt levels as a vulnerability [5] International Implications - China, a large foreign holder of US treasuries, has been steadily reducing its holdings [6] - Japan holds over $1 trillion worth of US debt, the most of any foreign country [6] - Reworking global trade relationships could impact international demand for treasuries and the US dollar [7][9] - Tariffs announced with Japan speak to the leverage that Japanese investors may have in trade talks [8] Potential Solutions & Challenges - Addressing the deficit requires a combination of spending cuts, tax increases, and a rainy day fund [11] - Solving the problem solely through tax revenue would require a 30% tax increase, while solving it solely through spending cuts would require a 25% spending cut [12] - Political divide is considered a major threat, potentially hindering efforts to address the debt issue [13]
The strategy behind veteran-led investing
Yahoo Finance· 2025-07-07 19:00
We have like the perfect storm. We have high interest in national security and AI colliding together. And so it's it's transforming the military for sure.Welcome to Warrior Money, the show devoted to supporting our brother and sister veterans in business. I'm Patrick Murphy and I'm Dan Coons. Today we're sitting down with Craig Cummings, a US Army veteran and co-founder of Moonshots Capital.After serving as an intelligence officer, Craig turned his focus to venture capital. Backing bold founders with a miss ...
X @The Economist
The Economist· 2025-07-07 06:40
Government & Policy - The government is integrating data management into the economy and national security [1] - This integration has implications for China [1] - Democracies can learn lessons from this integration [1]
X @The Economist
The Economist· 2025-07-07 01:14
The government is embedding data management into the economy and national security. That has implications for China, and holds lessons for democracies https://t.co/MVsngSsJdc ...
X @The Economist
The Economist· 2025-07-04 13:40
While the strikes on Iran showed the supremacy of American air power, they also may have revealed a weakness in its national security https://t.co/dJvs8rYTyl ...
Updated national expectations for EPSO-G: priorities – green energy transition, interconnections, increasing resilience and security, and system flexibility
Globenewswire· 2025-07-03 13:10
Core Viewpoint - The EPSO-G energy group is set to enhance its responsibilities in facilitating the green energy transition, improving international interconnections, and ensuring the resilience and flexibility of the electricity system [1]. National Security - The Ministry of Energy emphasizes the importance of resilience in critical infrastructure, with plans to bolster physical and cyber protection against military and hybrid threats [2]. - EPSO-G is involved in the Lithuanian-German artillery factory project, indicating its role in national security and defense industry investments [3]. International Connections and Networks - Key projects include the Harmony Link electricity interconnection with Poland and strengthening interconnections with Latvia, as well as plans for the Baltic Hub offshore interconnection with Germany [4]. - There are expectations to increase gas flows from the Klaipėda LNG terminal to Central Europe and Ukraine, alongside developing a hydrogen network in the Nordic and Baltic regions [5]. Energy Green Transformation and System Flexibility - By 2028, Lithuania aims for at least 8 GW of electricity generation capacity from renewable sources, with EPSO-G expected to lead in integrating renewable energy and managing energy flows [7]. - The Group will assess dynamic transmission tariffs and explore long-term energy storage possibilities [7]. Financial Expectations - EPSO-G's adjusted average return on equity must meet or exceed government benchmarks, and investment returns should align with those of mature Western European economies [9]. - The Group is required to maintain an investment-grade credit rating of no lower than Baa2 and manage net debt to adjusted EBITDA ratios effectively [10]. Operational and Sustainability Principles - EPSO-G must adhere to high standards of transparency, governance, and social responsibility, following best practices as per Lithuanian laws and OECD recommendations [12]. - The Group is committed to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals [13]. Company Structure - The EPSO-G Group comprises the management company EPSO-G and six subsidiaries, with the Ministry of Energy acting as the sole shareholder [14].
Can the Quad Counter China in the Indo-Pacific?
Bloomberg Television· 2025-07-01 06:18
US-Australia Relations & Strategic Alignment - The US-Australia alliance is considered vital by both nations, despite the absence of a meeting between President Trump and Anthony Albanese [4] - The relationship is too significant to fail, prompting discussions on friction points like tariffs and defense spending [5][6] - A non-public review of AUKUS (orcas) has been conducted by Australia, aligning with strategic objectives to enhance submarine capabilities and counter China's assertiveness [15][16] - The US may be leveraging AUKUS to encourage increased Australian defense expenditure [17] Trade & Security Concerns - Trade tensions and tariff uncertainties complicate strategic directives aimed at China [1][2] - Critical minerals cooperation is increasingly important for both security and trade, especially as China weaponizes access to rare earth minerals [6][7][8] - Australia and the US signed an agreement ~18 months ago to expand collaboration on clean energy, climate change, and critical minerals [7] - Australia aims to ensure a trusted supply chain for the US and allies [8] Pacific Engagement & Regional Influence - The US has increased engagement with the Pacific, but development assistance is under review, raising concerns about episodic engagement [9][10][11] - Australia is the largest bilateral provider of aid to the Pacific, prompting discussions about whether it should increase its contribution if the US reduces its engagement [13][14]
State Department bans visas for English punk duo Bob Vylan after Glastonbury performance
NBC News· 2025-06-30 20:52
What you're referring to uh is uh the uh tweet from our deputy secretary of state Christopher Landau that the state department has revoked the US visas for the members of the Bob Villain band in light of their hateful tirade at Glastenbury including leading the crowd in death chants. Foreigners who glorify violence and hatred are not welcome visitors to our country. This is not about the nature of a concert I suppose but it really is about our standards about who we let in the country that we're not telling ...
National Security Threats and Trade
Bloomberg Technology· 2025-06-30 19:09
Public Opinion on Trade and Security - Americans support tariffs on China, but this support decreases when faced with rising consumer prices [3] - Technology theft by China is a top concern for Americans, followed by China's advancements in AI [4][5] - Preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons is the primary geopolitical concern for Americans, with 84% support across party lines [7][8] Impact of Tariffs on the Tech Sector - Sustained tariffs on allies and friends will harm the American tech sector and its ability to modernize the military [11] - Strategic decoupling of economies from a national security perspective is viewed differently than tariffs on allies [10] Corporate America's Role - Corporate America needs to innovate in defense technology [9] - The US tech sector understands the supply chain challenges related to tariffs [11]