Politics
22:20, 28-Jan-2017
Trump signs new executive order to beef up military
Updated
10:38, 28-Jun-2018
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US President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Friday to expand the country’s military in the Pentagon’s Hall of Heroes after a swearing-in ceremony for Defense Secretary James Mattis.
"I am signing an executive action to begin a great rebuilding of the armed services of the United States, developing a plan for new planes, new ships, new resources, and new tools for our men and women in uniform, and I’m very proud to be doing that,” Trump said.
US President Donald Trump holds up an executive action on rebuilding the armed forces after signing it on January 27, 2017 at the Pentagon in Washington, DC. Looking on are US Vice President Mike Pence (L) and US Defense Secretary James Mattis. /CFP Photo
US President Donald Trump holds up an executive action on rebuilding the armed forces after signing it on January 27, 2017 at the Pentagon in Washington, DC. Looking on are US Vice President Mike Pence (L) and US Defense Secretary James Mattis. /CFP Photo
The president’s hawkish national security agenda called for growing the country’s military might so as to strengthen its effort to defeat terrorism. The US military currently has about 1.3 million active duty members.
“I’m giving him [James Mattis] that power. He’s an expert,” said Trump.
According to a draft copy of the action, the Pentagon will have 30 days to put together new recommendations for fighting ISIL and one year to put together a new national security plan that will modernize the US nuclear arsenal and enhance cyber warfare capabilities.
“Our military strength will be questioned by no one and neither will our dedication to peace. We want peace,” Trump pledged.