‘Far too slow’: Trump tells defense contractors to make more supplies, better and faster

An Air Force crew chief guides in an F-35A Lightning II following actions in Venezuela in support of Operation Absolute Resolve, Jan. 3, 2026. (U.S. Air Force photo)

President Donald Trump has not been vague or bashful in talking about his plans for the American economy: He wants it to be the major, and only major, influence in world business activities.

He’s already used tariffs liberally to influence trades and transactions. And he assures that the military, which provides America with...