Trump calls for F-35 to be manufactured entirely in US
Republican presidential nominee and former President Donald Trump speaks at the Economic Club of New York in New York City on Thursday. (Photo by Brendan McDermid via Reuters)
United State’s former President Donald Trump has called for all components of the F-35 fighter jet to be manufactured within the U.S., citing national security concerns.
Speaking at an event hosted by the New York Economic Club, Trump outlined his vision for reshoring the production of key defense assets if he is elected in the upcoming presidential election.
“If elected, we will insist that all materials necessary for our national security are produced right here in the U.S. This will create millions of new manufacturing jobs,” Trump said.
F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program under scrutiny?
Using the F-35 fighter jet program as an example, Trump criticized the current multi-national production model, which involves multiple countries such as the United Kingdom, Italy, Canada, and Australia.
“You know, we’re making the wings in one country, the tail rudders in another, the seats in yet another, and electronics in seven different countries,” Trump remarked. “What will we do if a war breaks out? We will eventually have to fight half of these countries.”
While stressing that the U.S. does not want conflict, Trump warned that the world is closer to a third world war than ever before.
International participation to the F-35
The F-35 Lightning II Joint Program Office (JPO) are United States Government representative and implementing agencies for the F-35 Production, Sustainment and Follow on Development Memorandum of Understanding (PSFD MOU) between the countries.
Trump proposes government efficiency commission led by Elon Musk
In addition to his statements on defense, Trump has proposed the creation of a “government efficiency commission” led by tech billionaire Elon Musk if he wins the election.
“On the suggestion of Elon Musk, who has given me his complete and total endorsement, I will create a government efficiency commission to review the financial and performance audits of the entire federal government and propose sweeping reforms,” Trump said.
Musk, in response to the proposal, tweeted, “Looking forward to serving America if the opportunity arises.”
Last month, Musk introduced the idea during a conversation with Trump on X (formerly Twitter), where he expressed his willingness to assist in such an initiative.
