Tuesday, February 19, 2019

Socialism is About Power, Not Equality

1600 Daily
The White House • February 19, 2019

Socialism is about power, not equality 


A crowd of Venezuelan Americans stood before President Donald J. Trump in Miami yesterday, cheering as he put America squarely on the side of those fighting for freedom. “We’re here to proclaim a new day is coming in Latin America,” he said. “In Venezuela and across the western hemisphere, socialism is dying and liberty, prosperity, and democracy are being reborn.”

His message to Nicolas Maduro: “Let your people go.”

American leadership is making the difference. The United States and more than 50 countries across the world have recognized the rightful government of Venezuela. “Within 30 minutes, the United States was proud to be the first nation in the world to recognize President [Juan] Guaido” as the country’s interim leader, President Trump said.

Venezuela, Cuba, and Nicaragua offer a lesson to the world: Socialism always promises unity but delivers division and hatred. It promises a better future—and inevitably returns to the darkest chapters of the past. Not long ago, Venezuela was the richest country in South America. Today, after its tyrannical government nationalized industries and took over private business, nearly 90 percent of Venezuelans live in poverty. 

Americans know this history well, having witnessed socialism destroy countries throughout the 20th century. Nearly three-fifths of Americans have an unfavorable view of socialism; a majority have a favorable view of capitalism. Support for far-left schemes such as Medicare-for-All has plummeted as voters learn more about what’s in it. The extremist “Green New Deal” is beginning to suffer the same fate.

“We know that socialism is not about justice. It’s not about equality; it’s not about lifting up the poor,” President Trump said yesterday. “Socialism is about one thing only: power for the ruling class. And the more power they get, the more they crave . . . All of us here today know that there is nothing less democratic than socialism.”

Watch: “The United States of America is standing right by their side.” 

Worth sharing: “We are born free, and we will stay free—now and forever.”

The Space Force is here


President Trump signed Space Policy Directive-4 this afternoon, marking a bold step toward American space dominance by setting in motion the process of creating a U.S. Space Force as the sixth branch of our Armed Forces.

The Directive calls on the Secretary of Defense to develop a legislative proposal for the Space Force, embodying President Trump’s vision for keeping Americans safe:
  • Strengthen America’s ability to compete—and win—in an increasingly contested domain
     
  • Organize, train, and equip our space warfighters with next-generation capabilities
     
  • Maximize successful warfighting capability while minimizing bureaucracy
     
Peace through strength has been President Trump’s foreign policy since day one, and this newest frontier is no exception. The United States is the best in space, and our adversaries know it. They want to restrict our access there to undermine our strategic advantage. With the U.S. Space Force up and running, that won’t happen.

Get the facts: America’s destiny in space is secure.

Watch: President Trump signs the Space Force directive

Photo of the Day

Official White House Photo by Andrea Hanks
President Donald J. Trump delivers remarks to the Venezuelan-American community at Florida International University | February 18, 2019

TEXT OF A LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT TO THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AND THE PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE

Office of the Press Secretary

TEXT OF A LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

TO THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
AND THE PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE


February 19, 2019

 
Dear Madam Speaker: (Dear Mr. President:)

Section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)) provides for the automatic termination of a national emergency unless, within 90 days before the anniversary date of its declaration, the President publishes in the Federal Register and transmits to the Congress a notice stating that the emergency is to continue in effect beyond the anniversary date.  In accordance with this provision, I have sent to the Federal Register for publication the enclosed notice stating that the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13566 of February 25, 2011, with respect to Libya is to continue in effect beyond February 25, 2019.

Libyans confront ongoing instability originating from actions Colonel Muammar Qadhafi, his government, and close associates took against the people of Libya in 2011.  A significant threat of civil conflict in Libya will remain until Libyans resolve their political divisions.  As many of these divisions relate to access to Libya's resources, a serious risk remains that, if not protected, Libyan state assets will be misappropriated by parties determined to undermine the ongoing United Nations peace process, including former members of the Qadhafi government, members of the Qadhafi family, or Qadhafi's close associates.  The diversion of these resources could prolong and deepen the current instability in Libya, which would only benefit ISIS and other terrorist groups that pose a serious risk to the national security of the United States and the security of regional partners.  We run the risk of further destabilization if sanctions do not remain in effect.  In particular, those who reject dialogue and who obstruct and undermine Libya's democratic transition remain interested in exploiting the wealth of the Libyan people to advance their narrow self-interest and to perpetuate conflict in the country.

The situation in Libya continues to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States, and we need to protect against the diversion of assets or other abuse by persons hindering Libyan national reconciliation, including Qadhafi's family and associates.  Therefore, I have determined it is necessary to continue the national emergency with respect to Libya.
 
                              Sincerely,


                              DONALD J. TRUMP
 

CONTINUATION OF THE NATIONAL EMERGENCY WITH RESPECT TO LIBYA

Office of the Press Secretary
NOTICE

- - - - - - -

CONTINUATION OF THE NATIONAL EMERGENCY WITH RESPECT TO LIBYA
 

     On February 25, 2011, by Executive Order 13566, the President declared a national emergency pursuant to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701‑1706) to deal with the unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States constituted by the actions of Colonel Muammar Qadhafi, his government, and close associates, which took extreme measures against the people of Libya, including by using weapons of war, mercenaries, and wanton violence against unarmed civilians.  In addition, there was a serious risk that Libyan state assets would be misappropriated by Qadhafi, members of his government, members of his family, or his close associates if those assets were not protected.  The foregoing circumstances, the prolonged attacks against civilians, and the increased numbers of Libyans seeking refuge in other countries caused a deterioration in the security of Libya and posed a serious risk to its stability.

     The situation in Libya continues to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States, and measures are needed to protect against the diversion of assets or other abuses by members of Qadhafi's family, their associates, and other persons hindering Libyan national reconciliation.

     For this reason, the national emergency declared on February 25, 2011, must continue in effect beyond February 25, 2019.  Therefore, in accordance with section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)), I am continuing for 1 year the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13566.

     This notice shall be published in the Federal Register and transmitted to the Congress.

 
                              DONALD J. TRUMP
 
 
THE WHITE HOUSE,
    February 19, 2019.

CONTINUATION OF THE NATIONAL EMERGENCY WITH RESPECT TO CUBA AND CONTINUING TO AUTHORIZE THE REGULATION OF THE ANCHORAGE AND MOVEMENT OF VESSEL

Office of the Press Secretary
NOTICE

- - - - - - -

CONTINUATION OF THE NATIONAL EMERGENCY WITH RESPECT TO CUBA AND CONTINUING TO AUTHORIZE THE REGULATION OF THE ANCHORAGE AND MOVEMENT OF VESSELS
 

 
On February 22, 2018, by Proclamation 9699, the national emergency with respect to Cuba declared in Proclamation 6867 of March 1, 1996, expanded by Proclamation 7757 of February 26, 2004, and modified by Proclamation 9398 of February 24, 2016, was modified and continued based on a disturbance or threatened disturbance of the international relations of the United States related to Cuba.  The unauthorized entry of any United States-registered vessel into Cuban territorial waters and the situation in Cuba continue to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States.  Therefore, in accordance with section 202(d) of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1622(d)) and section 1 of title II of Public Law 65-24, ch. 30, June 15, 1917, as amended (50 U.S.C. 191), I am continuing for 1 year the national emergency declared in Proclamations 6867, 7757, 9398, and 9699.
 
This notice shall be published in the Federal Register and transmitted to the Congress.

 
                              DONALD J. TRUMP

 
THE WHITE HOUSE,
    February 19, 2019.
 

REMARKS BY PRESIDENT TRUMP AT SIGNING CEREMONY FOR SPACE POLICY DIRECTIVE-4

Office of the Press Secretary
 REMARKS BY PRESIDENT TRUMP
AT SIGNING CEREMONY FOR SPACE POLICY DIRECTIVE-4

Oval Office
 

2:11 P.M. EST

     THE PRESIDENT:  Okay, thank you very much.  I had a great conversation this morning with President Moon of South Korea.  And we obviously discussed the upcoming trip next week, where we're going Hanoi, in Vietnam.  And I look forward to be with Chairman Kim, and I think a lot of things will come out of it.

We had a tremendous first summit.  That was really breaking the ice, but a lot of things came from that, including good relationships.  And we're looking forward to having a very good meeting.  And President Moon and I discussed, I think, probably every aspect of the meeting; it was a good conversation.  I'll be speaking tomorrow with Prime Minister Abe of Japan, and we'll be having a similar conversation.  So I think next week is going to be very exciting.

It's going to be the second summit.  I think a lot can come from it -- at least, I hope so -- the denuclearization, ultimately.  I’m in no particular rush.  The sanctions are on, the relationships are very strong, and a lot of good things have happened.

We've gotten our hostages back.  The remains are coming back.  Vice President Pence was in Hawaii when the first large number, actually, had come.  And now, certain have been identified.  Their families members have found out exactly what's going on, and they've had ceremonies that are absolutely beautiful.  That was an incredible event.

In fact, when we were campaigning, so many people would say -- even though it was many years ago, they would say, "Is it possible to get the remains back from North Korea?"  So we've done that.  And as you know, there's been no testing of rockets, missiles, or nuclear.

So we're in no rush.  A lot of the media would like to say, "Oh, what's going on?  Speed, speed, speed."  No rush whatsoever.  We are going to have our meeting; we'll see what happens.  And I think, ultimately, we're going to be very, very successful.

When I became President, the relationship with North Korea was a very dangerous one for the world, and I think now it's far less dangerous.  And there's a lot of sanity, a lot of really sane thinking.

So he looks forward to it; I look forward to it.  And the talk with President Moon, and tomorrow with Prime Minister Abe, I think will be very helpful.

     Today, I'm thrilled to sign a new order taking the next step to create the United States Space Force.  So important, when you look at defense, when you look at all of the other aspects of where the world will be someday.  I mean, this is the beginning.  This is a very important process.

     First, I want to recognize our wonderful Vice President, Mike Pence, who serves as the Chairman of the National Space Council.  Thank you, Mike.  Great job.  I know you feel the same way I do.

     I also want to thank Acting Secretary of Defense Patrick Shanahan, who is with us; Secretary of the Air Force Heather Wilson; Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Paul Selva; and the Executive Secretary of the Space Council, Dr. Scott Pace for being here today.

They've all worked very hard on the Space Force.  They all believe in it very strongly, as I do.  It's the future.  It's where we're going.  I suspect, whether we like it or not, that's where we're going.  It's space.  That's the next step, and we have to be prepared.

Our adversaries and -- whether we get along with them or not, they're up in space.  And they're doing it, and we're doing it.  And that's going to be a very big part of where the defense of our nation -- and you could say "offense" -- but let's just be nice about it and let's say the defense of our nation is going to be.

     America must be fully equipped to defend our vital interests.  Our adversaries are training forces and developing technology to undermine our security in space, and they're working very hard at that.

     That's why my administration has recognized space as a warfighting domain and made the creation of the Space Force a national security priority.  I think we'll have great support from Congress, because they do support something when we're talking about such importance.  And a lot of the generals, a lot of the people involved have been speaking to Congress.  And we have some very interesting dialogue going on.

     We're investing in new space capabilities to project military power and safeguard our nation's interests, especially when it comes to safety and defense.

     This directive calls on the Secretary of Defense to develop a legislative proposal that will establish the structure and authority of the Space Force as the sixth branch of the United States Armed Forces.  That would mean a high-ranking -- the highest-ranking person there would go on to the Joint Chiefs of Staff.  So it’s a very, very important deal.

     The Space Force will organize, equip, and train the next generation of warriors to deter aggression and defend the nation, our allies, and American interests against hostile actions in the form of space and taking place in space.

So we have a lot of things on the books.  We have a lot of new defensive weapons and offensive weapons designed specifically for this, and now we’re going to start taking advantage of.  This is something they could have done sooner but they decided to wait.  And here I am, and we’re going to do it.  And I’m very proud that, during my administration, we’re doing so much in space.  We need it.

We’ve already taken historic action to create the United States Space Command, as you know, within the Department of Defense to oversee the nation’s military space operations.

Now, in the face of these threats all around the world, American leadership in space is more important than it ever has been.  Before, it used to be something that we’d aspire to, we’d talk about, but we wouldn’t do anything.  Now we have to do something because that’s where it’s at.

With today’s action, we will ensure that our people are secure, our interests are protected, and our power continues to be unmatched.  There will be nobody that can come close to matching us.  It won’t be close.

What we have on the books are things that you wouldn’t even believe.  You wouldn’t even believe.  It’s going to mean the safety of our nation for many, many decades and many, many generations, and that’s what I’m here for.  I guess when you get right down to it, more importantly than anything else, that’s why I’m here.

     So I just want to thank everybody.  The Space Force is a very important part of my administration and it’s a very important part of this nation.  And it’s an honor to be with you all.  And I’ll sign and we will then maybe take a few questions and ask a few.  You may want to say something.  In fact, Mike, why don’t you start off?  You’ve been -- you and I have been working on this very hard.  Why don’t you say a few words?  Please.

     THE VICE PRESIDENT:  We have.  Thank you, Mr. President.  From the first days of this administration, President Trump has made national security a priority.  We’ve secured historic investments in our national defense.

But from very early on, the President also said that America needed to be as dominant in space as we are on the Earth.  And now, with this fourth Space Policy Directive, America is leading in space once again.

But in this respect, the President is calling on the Department of Defense to fashion what we have literally been working on for months, consulting with members of Congress and military experts.  It will be a legislative proposal that will establish the United States Space Force as the sixth branch of our armed forces.

     It will build on the President’s leadership of a United States Space Command, a joint combatant command that we’ve already organized at the President’s direction.  But this is now the foundation of ensuring that even as we are dominant in space today, now we’ll begin to bring all of our resources together under U.S. Space Command, which will operate under the Department of the Air Force.  And in so doing, we’ll ensure that we bring the best resources and the best minds together to protect the American people and advance our interests.

     And, Mr. President, all the members of the National Space Council and the agencies that are a part of it are gathered behind you today --

     THE PRESIDENT:  That’s right.

     THE VICE PRESIDENT:  -- and we thank you for your leadership and your support in this effort.

     THE PRESIDENT:  Some great talent, I will say that.  Would you like to say something?  You’ve helped us so much.  Please, Paul.

     GENERAL SELVA:  Sir, you’ve been incredibly supportive in bringing space to the fore as not only a domain of potential warfare, but also recognizing it as a place where a large amount of our economic power comes from.  And so our job to protect our national security includes protecting our economy as well.  And so, as your Vice Chairman, the Joint Chiefs endorse all this effort to make sure that we get the right emphasis on defending our interests and our assets in space.

     THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you very much, Paul.  Patrick?  How about you?

     ACTING SECRETARY SHANAHAN:  Yes, sir.

     THE PRESIDENT:  Mr. Secretary.

     ACTING SECRETARY SHANAHAN:  This is a historic moment.  The dawn of a new service.  I’d like to thank you for your leadership and, most importantly, the resources so that we can do our job.

     Mr. Vice President, thank you for pushing us.  We've come quite a distance in a very short period of time.

     And then to my counterparts here, thank you for all the remarkable teamwork.  We will deliver the capability better, sooner, faster so we can sustain our margin of dominance.

     Thank you.

     THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you very much.

     Maybe John Bolton -- you've been very much involved and I know how you feel about it.

     AMBASSADOR BOLTON:  Well, this is a visionary project, Mr. President -- your leadership, the Vice President, and really everybody on the Space Council.  This is not something for the next year or two, or even the next six years.  This is on into the century.  A place where, as President Kennedy once said, "I believe space is a new ocean and the United States must sail upon it."  And you're taking the steps to make sure that, from the national security perspective, the United States will be dominant on that new ocean.

     THE PRESIDENT:  And we will be.  Okay, thank you.

     Anybody have anything to say?  Huh?  Would anybody like to say?  Fine?  No?  Good.  We're all (inaudible).  (Laughter.)  Right?  We've said enough.  Let's sign.  Let's sign.  It's very exciting.

     (The directive is signed.)

     So how about we give this one to Paul?  Mike, do you want to do that?  Okay.  Come on, Paul.  That's a big deal.  (Applause.)

     It's very important.  Thank you very much.  Thank you very much, everybody.  Thank you.

     Q    Mr. President, there's another round of trade talks starting this week here in Washington.

THE PRESIDENT:  That's right.

Q    How confident are you that it will be finished by March 1?  Or are you considering extending that deadline?

     THE PRESIDENT:  Well, they are very complex talks.  They're going very well.  We're asking for everything that anybody has ever even suggested.  These are not just, you know, "let's sell corn or let's do this."  It's going to be selling corn but a lot of it -- a lot more than anyone thought possible.  And I think the talks are going very well -- with China, you're referring to?

     Q    Yes.

     THE PRESIDENT:  And the talks are going very well.

     Our group just came back and now they're coming here.  I can't tell you exactly about timing, but the date is not a magical date.  A lot of things can happen.

     The real question will be: Will we raise the tariffs?  Because they automatically kick in to 25 percent as of -- on $200 billion worth of goods that they send.  So I know that China would like not for that to happen.  So I think they're trying to move fast so that doesn't happen.  But it's -- we'll see what happens.

I can only say that the talks with China on trade have gone very, very well.  In the meantime, our economy is very strong.  We're doing well.

I don't know if you noticed, but deficits seem to be coming down.  And last month it was reported, and everybody was surprised, but I wasn't surprised.  We're taking in a lot of money coming into our Treasury from tariffs and various things, including the steel dumping.  And our steel companies are doing really well.  Aluminum companies also.  So we're very happy about that.

I think that it's -- they'll be coming very shortly.  They're going to have very detailed discussions on subjects that have never really been even discussed by people that sat in this chair and they should have been.  Very important subjects.  And I think we're doing very well.  Okay?

Q    (Inaudible) terrorists from Pakistan have been -- struck, inside India, 40 security persons last week.  How do you see this issue?  What's the message to Pakistan?

     THE PRESIDENT:  I've seen it.  I've watched.  I've gotten a lot of reports on it.  We'll have a comment at the appropriate time.  It would be wonderful if they got along.  It seems like that was a horrible situation.  But we're getting reports.  We'll have a statement to put out.  Okay?  Thank you very much.

     Q    Mr. President, did you ask Acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker to change the leadership of the investigation into your former personal attorney, Michael Cohen?

     THE PRESIDENT:  No.  Not at all.  I don't know who gave you that.  Just more fake news.  A lot of -- there's a lot of fake --
     Q    (Inaudible) story in the New York Times.

     THE PRESIDENT:  -- there's a lot of fake news out there.  No, I didn't.

     Q    What is the current status of your relationship with Mr. Whitaker?

     THE PRESIDENT:  Very good.  I have a lot of respect for Mr. Whitaker.  I think he's done a great job.  He's a very, very straight shooter.  I watched him during the hearing -- some of it.  I thought he was exceptional.  He's a very fine man and he should be given a lot of thanks by our nation. 

     Okay.  Thank you very much.

     Q    Mr. President, what's your reaction to the lawsuits yesterday filed by the states against your executive order?

     THE PRESIDENT:  Well, I think I called it exactly, right?  Including the fact that they would put them in through the Ninth Circuit.  That's where they put them in.  And I think we'll do very well.

We have absolute right to do that.  I have an absolute right to call a national security.  We need strong borders.  We have to stop drugs and crime and criminals and human trafficking.  And we have to stop all of those things that a strong wall will stop.  I could call it a barrier, but I think I don't have to do that so much anymore.  We'll call it whatever we want.

But the point is that we have to have a stoppage.  Billions and billions of dollars of illicit things are pouring through our border.  And, you know, we talk about points of entry, and one of the things that we do have is a lot of money now from points of entry, because everything was given.  The money was given -- so much that you almost don’t know what to do with it -- by Congress.  But when it came to the wall, they wanted to hold back because it was politics.  That’s all it is.

     In fact, I hear the Democrats want to take down all walls along the southern border.  And if they do that, you're going to have a very different country.  But they're not going to do that.  They wouldn’t.  First of all, they won't do it because they know it's wrong.  They know walls are necessary, maybe more than we do.  But they're playing a political game.  And their new game is, "Let's take down all walls."  I saw where Beto wanted to take down walls.  I said -- they asked me, "What do you think?"  I said, "Well, I think that’s probably the end of his political career."

     We're doing very well on the wall.  We're building a lot of wall right now.  You know that.  In the valley, we're doing tremendous work in a very important area.  We have a lot more under negotiation right now.  We're working with the Army Corps of Engineers.  They're fantastic.  And a lot of great things are happening.

I think, in the end, we're going to be very successful with the lawsuit.  So it was filed -- it was filed in the Ninth Circuit.  And I actually think we might do very well, even in the Ninth Circuit, because it's an open and closed case.

I was put here for security -- whether it's Space Force, which we're doing today, or whether it's borders.  Because if our nation doesn’t have borders, we don’t have too much of a nation, especially when drugs and all of the things that -- you know better than anybody what's happening at the border.  It's a bad situation.  So I think we're going to do very well with the lawsuit.

     Okay?

     Q    Just one more on Vietnam.  You said -- you referred earlier to your meetings in Vietnam.  What do you want to achieve during that summit?

     THE PRESIDENT:  Well, I'd just like to see, ultimately, denuclearization of North Korea.  I think we will see that ultimately.  I have no pressing time schedule.  And I think a lot of people would like to see it go very quickly from the other side.

     I really believe that North Korea can be a tremendous economic power when this is solved.  Their location between Russia, China, and South Korea is unbelievable.  I think that North Korea and Chairman Kim have some very positive things in mind, and we'll soon find out.  But I'm in no rush.  There's no testing.  As long as there's not testing, I'm in no rush.  If there's testing, that’s another deal.  But there has been no testing.

If you look at the end of the Obama administration, it was a disaster what was going on.  You don’t have that right now; it's a much different feeling.  I think people have -- there's always danger, but I think people have a much different feeling.

     So I hope that very positive things are going to happen.  I think that it will be a very exciting couple of days.
     Thank you all very much.

     Q    Your reaction to Bernie Sanders running for President?

     THE PRESIDENT:  Oh, Bernie Sanders is running.  Yeah, that’s right.  Personally, I think he missed his time.  But I like Bernie because he's -- he is one person that, you know, on trade, he sort of would agree on trade.  I'm being very tough on trade.  He was tough on trade.  The problem is he doesn’t know what to do about it.  We're doing something very spectacular on trade.

But I wish Bernie well.  It will be interesting to see how he does.  I think what happened to Bernie maybe was not so nice.  I think he was taken advantage of.  He ran great four years ago, and he was not treated with respect by Clinton.  And that was too bad.  I thought what happened to Bernie Sanders four years ago was quite sad as it pertains to our country.  So we'll see how he does.

You've got a lot of people running, but only one person is going to win.  I hope you know who that person is.

     Goodbye, everybody. 

                              END                 2:31 P.M. EST


    

Text of Space Policy Directive-4: Establishment of the United States Space Force

Office of the Press Secretary

February 19, 2019

Space Policy Directive-4

 
MEMORANDUM FOR THE VICE PRESIDENT
               THE SECRETARY OF STATE
               THE SECRETARY OF DEFENSE
               THE SECRETARY OF COMMERCE
               THE SECRETARY OF LABOR
               THE SECRETARY OF TRANSPORTATION
               THE SECRETARY OF HOMELAND SECURITY
               THE DIRECTOR OF THE OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT
                 AND BUDGET
               THE DIRECTOR OF NATIONAL INTELLIGENCE
               THE ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT FOR NATIONAL
                 SECURITY AFFAIRS
               THE DIRECTOR OF THE OFFICE OF SCIENCE AND
                 TECHNOLOGY POLICY
               THE CHAIRMAN OF THE JOINT CHIEFS OF STAFF
               THE ADMINISTRATOR OF THE NATIONAL AERONAUTICS
                 AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION
               THE DEPUTY ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT FOR
                 HOMELAND SECURITY AND COUNTERTERRORISM


SUBJECT:        Establishment of the United States Space Force


    Section 1.  Introduction.  Space is integral to our way of life, our national security, and modern warfare.  Although United States space systems have historically maintained a technological advantage over those of our potential adversaries, those potential adversaries are now advancing their space capabilities and actively developing ways to deny our use of space in a crisis or conflict.  It is imperative that the United States adapt its national security organizations, policies, doctrine, and capabilities to deter aggression and protect our interests.  Toward that end, the Department of Defense shall take actions under existing authority to marshal its space resources to deter and counter threats in space, and to develop a legislative proposal to establish a United States Space Force as a sixth branch of the United States Armed Forces within the Department of the Air Force.  This is an important step toward a future military department for space.  Under this proposal, the United States Space Force would be authorized to organize, train, and equip military space forces of the United States to ensure unfettered access to, and freedom to operate in, space, and to provide vital capabilities to joint and coalition forces in peacetime and across the spectrum of conflict.

    Sec. 2.  Definitions.  For the purposes of this memorandum and the legislative proposal directed by section 3 of this memorandum, the following definitions shall apply:
    (a)  The term "United States Space Force" refers to a new branch of the United States Armed Forces to be initially placed by statute within the Department of the Air Force.

    (b)  The term "Department of the Space Force" refers to a future military department within the Department of Defense that will be responsible for organizing, training, and equipping the United States Space Force.

    (c)  The term "United States Space Command" refers to a Unified Combatant Command to be established pursuant to the Presidential memorandum of December 18, 2018 (Establishment of United States Space Command as a Unified Combatant Command), that will be responsible for Joint Force space operations as will be assigned in the Unified Command Plan.

    Sec. 3.  Legislative Proposal and Purpose.  The Secretary of Defense shall submit a legislative proposal to the President through the Office of Management and Budget that would establish the United States Space Force as a new armed service within the Department of the Air Force.  

    The legislative proposal would, if enacted, establish the United States Space Force to organize, train, and equip forces to provide for freedom of operation in, from, and to the space domain; to provide independent military options for national leadership; and to enhance the lethality and effectiveness of the Joint Force.  The United States Space Force should include both combat and combat support functions to enable prompt and sustained offensive and defensive space operations, and joint operations in all domains.  The United States Space Force shall be organized, trained, and equipped to meet the following priorities:

    (a)  Protecting the Nation's interests in space and the peaceful use of space for all responsible actors, consistent with applicable law, including international law;

    (b)  Ensuring unfettered use of space for United States national security purposes, the United States economy, and United States persons, partners, and allies;

    (c)  Deterring aggression and defending the Nation,
United States allies, and United States interests from hostile acts in and from space;

    (d)  Ensuring that needed space capabilities are integrated and available to all United States Combatant Commands;

    (e)  Projecting military power in, from, and to space in support of our Nation's interests; and

    (f)  Developing, maintaining, and improving a community of professionals focused on the national security demands of the space domain.

    Sec. 4.  Scope.  (a)  The legislative proposal required by section 3 of this memorandum shall, in addition to the provisions required under section 3 of this memorandum, include provisions that would, if enacted:

            (i)   consolidate existing forces and authorities for military space activities, as appropriate, in order to minimize duplication of effort and eliminate bureaucratic inefficiencies; and

            (ii)  not include the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the National Reconnaissance Office, or other non-military space organizations or missions of the United States Government.

    (b)  The proposed United States Space Force should:

            (i)    include, as determined by the Secretary of Defense in consultation with the Secretaries of the military departments, the uniformed and civilian personnel conducting and directly supporting space operations from all Department of Defense Armed Forces;

            (ii)   assume responsibilities for all major military space acquisition programs; and

            (iii)  create the appropriate career tracks for military and civilian space personnel across all relevant specialties, including operations, intelligence, engineering, science, acquisition, and cyber.

    Sec. 5.  United States Space Force Budget.  In accordance with the Department of Defense budget process, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Director of the Office of Management and Budget a proposed budget for the United States Space Force to be included in the President's Fiscal Year 2020 Budget Request.

    Sec. 6.  United States Space Force Organization and Leadership.  (a)  The legislative proposal required by section 3 of this memorandum shall create a civilian Under Secretary of the Air Force for Space, to be known as the Under Secretary for Space, appointed by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate.

    (b)  The legislative proposal shall establish a Chief of Staff of the Space Force, who will be a senior military officer in the grade of General or Admiral, and who shall serve as a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

    Sec. 7.  Associated Elements.  (a)  A Unified Combatant Command for space, to be known as the United States Space Command, will be established consistent with law, as directed on December 18, 2018.  This command will have all of the responsibilities of a Unified Combatant Command in addition to the space-related responsibilities previously assigned to United States Strategic Command.  It will also have the responsibilities of the Joint Force provider and Joint Force training for space operations forces.  Moving expeditiously toward a Unified Combatant Command reflects the importance of warfighting in space to the Joint Force.  The commander of this command will lead space warfighting through global space operations that may occur in the space domain, the terrestrial domains, or through the electromagnetic spectrum.
    (b)  With forces provided by the United States Space Force and other United States Armed Forces, the United States Space Command shall ensure unfettered access to, and freedom to operate in, space and provide vital effects and capabilities to joint and coalition forces during peacetime and across the spectrum of conflict.

    Sec. 8.  Relationship with National Intelligence.  The Secretary of Defense and the Director of National Intelligence shall create and enhance mechanisms for collaboration between the Department of Defense and the United States Intelligence Community in order to increase unity of effort and the effectiveness of space operations.  The Secretary of Defense and the Director of National Intelligence shall provide a report to the President within 180 days of the date of this memorandum on steps they have taken and are planning to take toward these ends, including legislative proposals as necessary and appropriate.

    Sec. 9.  Operational Authorities.  In order to ensure that the United States Space Force and United States Space Command have the necessary operational authorities, the National Space Council and the National Security Council shall coordinate an accelerated review of space operational authorities.  Within 90 days of the date of this memorandum, the Secretary of Defense shall present to the National Space Council and the National Security Council proposed relevant authority changes for the President's approval.  The National Space Council and the National Security Council shall then conduct an interagency review of the Secretary's proposal and make recommendations to the President on appropriate authorities, to be completed no later than 60 days from the date the Secretary of Defense presents his proposal to the councils.

    Sec. 10.  Periodic Review.  As the United States Space Force matures, and as national security requires, it will become necessary to create a separate military department, to be known as the Department of the Space Force.  This department will take over some or all responsibilities for the United States Space Force from the Department of the Air Force.  The Secretary of Defense will conduct periodic reviews to determine when to recommend that the President seek legislation to establish such a department.

    Sec. 11.  General Provisions.  (a)  Nothing in this memorandum shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:

            (i)   the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or

            (ii)  the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.

    (b)  This memorandum shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and United States national and homeland security requirements, and subject to the availability of appropriations.

    (c)  This memorandum is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.

    (d)  The Secretary of Defense is authorized and directed to publish this memorandum in the Federal Register.



                        DONALD J. TRUMP
 
 

West Wing Reads: President Trump Vows ‘New Day’ for Venezuela

West Wing Reads

President Trump Vows ‘New Day’ for Venezuela


“The people of Venezuela are standing for freedom and democracy, and the United States of America is standing right by their side,” President Donald J. Trump said yesterday afternoon at Florida International University in Miami, Jane Timm reports.

While expressing strong support for Venezuela's interim president, Juan Guaido, President Trump urged a peaceful transition of power and condemned socialist policies. “To those who want to try to impose socialism on the United States, we again deliver a very simple message: America will never be a socialist country.”

Click here to read more.
In USA Today, retired educator Dan Ferguson writes that his beloved daughter Mandy, a 28-year-old sixth-grade teacher, was killed last year by someone who got into the United States illegally. “In his declaration of a national emergency on our southern border, President Trump recognized the Americans who experienced the consequences of that emergency firsthand: angel moms and dads. I never expected I would be one of them.”
First Lady Melania Trump “debuted a healing garden and intensive care unit for heart patients at the Nicklaus Children's Hospital in Miami Monday,” Anna Giaritelli reports for the Washington Examiner. “After the unveiling ceremony, [the First Lady] took part in a butterfly release with a young patient and then met with other patients at the hospital.”
In The Washington Times, Stephen Moore writes that “President Trump has renegotiated a new North America free trade deal — with some impressive improvements.” With the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) in the hands of Congress, Moore asks an important question: “Does anyone know where all those free trade Democrats went?” Democrats’ lack of support only stands to harm American workers.
“I believe that the president is fully within his rights to use a national emergency to protect America amid a humanitarian and security crisis at our southern border,” Boris Epshteyn writes in WJLA. “The overall result will be that the barrier will continue to be built, which is key to ending the illegal immigration, drug trade and human trafficking happening at the border.”