Trump Drone Decree Signals Arms Exports Are Now A Key Feature Of U.S. Economic Policy (From Forbes)

On April 19, the White House gave the defense industry long-sought relief from regulations limiting the export of drones.  A presidential memorandum loosened restrictions and committed the federal government to playing a more active role in promoting U.S. arms exports.  But the most important aspect of the memorandum was largely overlooked.  Arms sales are now to be treated as part of the administration’s broader effort to stimulate economic growth and shrink trade deficits.  Rather than being held at arm’s length as in the past, the defense industry will be viewed as an integral part of the nation’s technology and industrial base.  This is a big change.  I have written a commentary for Forbes here.