Samuel Poisik

| SAIS MASCI Candidate '26 | Focused on U.S. defense policy | Opinions are my own

[Samuel Poisik @NatSecMonitor]

The information battlefield has become a gray zone weapon, targeting everything from democratic institutions to political leaders. Russia's global disinformation campaigns, now supercharged by AI, deepfakes, and manipulated media, make every society vulnerable to deception.

[Samuel Poisik @NatSecMonitor]

In Riyadh, Trump vowed to lift Syria sanctions “to give them a chance at greatness.” He said Sec. Rubio will join the Ukraine-Russia talks. Alongside $142B in Saudi arms deals, Trump announced U.S.-Saudi deals with Amazon, Boeing & Exxon.

[Samuel Poisik @NatSecMonitor]

@mrsinha The U.S. Department of State advised citizens to avoid Kashmir and areas near the India-Pakistan border. While there were no general evacuation orders, shelter-in-place orders were issued, and contingency plans should be made in case an evacuation was announced.

[Samuel Poisik @NatSecMonitor]

Trump’s ceasefire with the Houthis, without involving Israel, signals a possible thaw with Iran amid nuclear talks. It will ease Red Sea tensions, cut shipping costs, and hint at a shift in U.S. strategy toward Tehran and its proxies.

[Samuel Poisik @NatSecMonitor]

Per DW, the U.S. and Panama signed a landmark defense deal granting U.S. warships first and free access to the Panama Canal to counter China’s growing influence. Panama rejected any return of permanent U.S. bases, citing sovereignty and the 1977 Torrijos-Carter Treaty.

[Samuel Poisik @NatSecMonitor]

According to Reuters, Australia's AUKUS Virginia-Class nuclear submarine deal faces delays due to U.S. production issues, tariffs, and concerns over Australia's commitment to deter China and protect Taiwan in the event of an invasion. Still, the two countries remain committed.

[Samuel Poisik @NatSecMonitor]

On X, Trump, alongside PM Netanyahu, announced a record $1T defense budget for FY26, a 12% increase from this year's $892B. SecDef Hegseth says spending will focus on “lethality and readiness,” with major civilian cuts and based considerations. The DOD Budget is expected in May.

[Samuel Poisik @NatSecMonitor]

7/7
The arbitrary firing of Gen. Haugh puts the U.S. at risk of a cyber attack from our adversaries. With rising tensions in the Middle East with Iran, our infrastructure and that of our allies in the region are increasingly vulnerable.

[Samuel Poisik @NatSecMonitor]

According to the NYT, Trump reportedly fired NSC and Cyber Command chief Gen. Timothy Haugh at the urging of far-right ally Laura Loomer, alleging "disloyalty."

She cited Haugh's ties to Gen. Milley and James Clapper, both Trump critics.
🧵1/7

[Samuel Poisik @NatSecMonitor]

6/7
The responsibilities of these organizations are:
— Cyber Command: Defends allied networks, hunts cyber threats from Russia, China, and others, and coordinates cyber Ops abroad

—NSA: Intercepts global communications, penetrates foreign networks, and supports intelligence Ops

[Samuel Poisik @NatSecMonitor]

6/8
The responsibilities of these organizations are:
Cyber Command: Defends allied networks, hunts cyber threats from Russia, China, and others, and coordinates cyber Ops abroad.

NSA: Intercepts global communications, penetrates foreign networks, and supports intelligence Ops.

[Samuel Poisik @NatSecMonitor]

5/8
Some Trump allies want to split the National Security Agency and U.S. Cyber Command roles, breaking from a long-standing structure. The structure is that the Director of the N.S.A., being LT Gen. William J. Hartman, oversees CYBERCOM

[Samuel Poisik @NatSecMonitor]

Sen. Wicker, Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, responded by calling it "a rookie mistake."

[Samuel Poisik @NatSecMonitor]

SecDef Hegseth will skip the Ukraine Defense Contact Group at Ramstein Airbase. Instead, Britain and Germany will lead the upcoming April 11 meeting as the Trump administration urges Europe to take more responsibility for defense. Hegseth ruled out NATO membership for Ukraine.