President Donald Trump has signed an executive order directing the secretary of defense to submit within 60 days a plan to reform the Department of Defense’s acquisition process.

In an assertive move aimed at overhauling the Department of Defense's (DOD) acquisition process, President Donald Trump has officially signed an executive order that mandates a reevaluation and potential cancellation of any major defense acquisition programs falling significantly behind schedule or over budget. The executive order, titled 'Modernizing Defense Acquisition and Spurring Innovation in the Defense Industrial Base,' sets a 90-day timeframe for a comprehensive review of all major defense acquisition programs that are 15% over budget or behind schedule. One of the key highlights of the executive order is its emphasis on flexibility and speed by urging the use of existing authorities and innovative procurement methods. Specifically, the secretary of defense, Pete Hegseth, is tasked with prioritizing the acquisition of commercial solutions as opposed to traditional military technologies. This directive aligns with the current geopolitical landscape, where adversaries like China and Russia continue to advance their military capabilities. Moreover, the order provides for the restructuring of the DOD's acquisition workforce, aiming to eliminate redundant processes and centralize decision-making. This could pave the way for a more efficient operations unit within the military procurement system. The order also stipulates a comprehensive review of regulatory frameworks to ease burdensome regulations that slow down acquisitions. This approach underscores the necessity for the military to adapt rapidly to modern warfare demands. The inclusion of specific deadlines - 60 days for initial reform proposals and 90 days for the review of major defense acquisition programs - indicates a sense of urgency in ensuring that U.S. forces can maintain their edge in military preparedness. The potential for cancellation of failing programs is a stark warning to contractors about the administration’s commitment to accountability and results. However, the context in which this executive order is placed should prompt scrutiny. Critics argue that rapid measures may overlook comprehensive analysis and alternative assessment, which could inadvertently compromise military readiness or shut down pivotal technology development projects. Focusing too heavily on cost metrics may result in opportunities lost for innovations that aren't economically viable in the short term but essential for long-term national security. Additionally, the balancing act of enhancing efficiency while ensuring thorough oversight of these practices is a narrow pathway to tread. Overall, while these reforms reflect aggressive steps towards modernization, the implications of their implementation will require careful monitoring to align military goals with fiscal responsibility.