Biden will keep the Space Force
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White House press secretary Jen Psaki said Wednesday that the U.S. Space Force "absolutely" has the "full support of the Biden administration."
Why it matters: After President Biden's election, some advocated that the incoming administration disband the newest branch of the military, first established by President Trump.
What's happening: "We are not revisiting the decision to establish the Space Force," Psaki said at a press briefing, adding that the Department of Defense's focus on securing space is a bipartisan issue.
Background: Psaki came under fire Tuesday when a top Republican lawmaker saw remarks she made in response to a question about the Space Force as dismissive of the guardians enlisted in the force.
- In response, Psaki tweeted Tuesday night that she would welcome Space Force officials to come speak to the press about their work.
- "I'm very proud of the guardians in the Space Force," Gen. John Raymond, the chief of space operations, said during a press call Wednesday morning. "I see the value of this force each and every day, and I'm happy to talk to anybody about the great work that they're doing. I would welcome the opportunity."
- Raymond also said that he has not yet spoken with President Biden about space.
The big picture: Many experts within the space industry see the Space Force as an essential means of keeping satellites and other key assets safe from attack.
- From GPS to photos of difficult-to-reach parts of Earth, the U.S. is increasingly reliant on space. This is particularly true when it comes to fighting wars, and the Space Force is expected to shore up defenses and capabilities in orbit.
