US EditionNominee for Air Force secretary promises focus on space innovation, pilot retention
- On Thursday, March 27, 2025, Troy Meink, President Trump's nominee for Air Force Secretary, testified before the Senate Armed Services Committee during his confirmation hearing.
- Meink's nomination follows allegations that he steered a multibillion-dollar satellite contract towards Elon Musk's SpaceX while at the National Reconnaissance Office, with some expressing alarm over a potential quid pro quo given Musk's prominent role in the Trump administration.
- During the hearing, senators questioned Meink about the allegations concerning SpaceX and also probed him on rumors of potential contract cancellations for Tranche 2 and Tranche 3 of the transport layer in the Proliferated Space Warfighter Architecture, possibly favoring a sole-source contract to SpaceX for its Starshield capability.
- Meink emphasized his commitment to improving the Air Force's innovation, acquisition processes, and workforce retention, stating, "One of the first things I plan to do is take a holistic look at all the modernization and all the readiness bills that we have coming" and that "competitors such as China are in some cases evolving faster than the U.S. And will eventually result in us losing our technological advantage."
- Despite the concerns, Meink received a positive reception from the Senate committee, with Chairman Roger Wicker praising his experience, and the Department of the Air Force spokesperson stated that no decisions have been made regarding Tranche 2 and Tranche 3 of the transport layer and that they look forward to sharing the status of their acquisition programs when the FY26 budget is delivered.
10 Articles
10 Articles
Air Force Secretary appointment is promising for Alabama, future of space defense
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WIAT) -- The nation's space defense could soon call Alabama home. President Donald Trump chose Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville as the home of Space Command under his first term. Right now, a new Air Force Secretary is moving through the confirmation process. Federal lawmakers say new leadership is promising for our state and the future of space defense. For the U.S. Space Force, a countdown is a call to action. Leaders hope Pres…
U.S. nominee highlights role of unmanned systems in deterring cross-strait conflicts - Focus Taiwan
Washington, March 27 (CNA) Troy Meink, nominated by U.S. President Donald Trump to serve as secretary of the Air Force, on Thursday emphasized the importance of unmanned systems in deterring conflicts across the Taiwan Strait.
Signal Scandal Overshadows Confirmation Hearing for Air Force Secretary, Other Top Pentagon Nominees
Four nominees, including President Donald Trump's pick to be Air Force secretary, appeared before the Senate Armed Services Committee for their confirmation hearing.
Air Force nominee Troy Meink warns U.S. risks losing edge in space
If confirmed, Meink — currently deputy director of the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) — would oversee both the Air Force and the Space Force The post Air Force nominee Troy Meink warns U.S. risks losing edge in space appeared first on SpaceNews.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 86% of the sources are Center
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
Ownership
To view ownership data please Upgrade to Vantage
