Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Small Business Administration (SBA) Administrator Kelly Loeffler have announced the formation of the Smaller War Plants Commission. This initiative is meant to increase resources and knowledge for smaller defense firms.
“Our message is clear: President Trump is ending reliance on foreign supply chains,” Hegseth stated in a brief video on platform X. “This long-term commitment boosts the industrial strength supporting our military. By empowering businesses that supply our forces, we outpace and outperform any challenger,” he emphasized.
The commission mimics the Smaller War Plants Corporation, established in 1942 to assist small firms in producing war supplies during World War II. It provided loans, secured contracts, and offered technical aid to small manufacturers.
“Our mission will enhance funding for suppliers building our supply chain,” Loeffler added. “The offshoring era is over.” She noted that small manufacturers make up 70 percent of the U.S. defense base and highlighted SBA’s oversight of nearly $500 billion in small business portfolios.
“Thanks to Trump and Hegseth, our military is backed by a nimble industrial base, enhancing our warfighters’ advantage,” Loeffler said.
In related defense news, Hegseth also mentioned the administration’s economic pressure on Iran, not dismissing potential U.S. military action if necessary. “We’ll use strikes if Iran challenges the American military,” he told reporters.
Meanwhile, legal challenges arise as a watchdog files a bar complaint against U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro, alleging misconduct in a case against Democratic lawmakers.
The USS Abraham Lincoln’s crew is set for a break in Thailand after an extended deployment in the Middle East linked to the conflict with Iran.
Senate Armed Services Committee members are urging a hearing to assess the impact of these extended deployments on U.S. troops.
Upcoming Developments: Congress is currently on recess, with the House returning at the end of August and the Senate in mid-September.
In Other News: CIA Director John Ratcliffe made a discreet visit to Russia for official discussions, as reported by CBS News.