Trump Marks Start of Space Command to Counter Russia, China

President says command will defend ‘vital’ U.S. interests
Trump touts proposed Space Force at White House ceremony

A member of the military unfurls the new U.S. Space Command flag alongside Donald Trump and Mike Pence at the White House in Washington on Aug. 29.Photographer: Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images

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By Alyza Sebenius

August 29, 2019 at 8:35 PM UTC

This article is for subscribers only.

President Donald Trump on Thursday marked the inauguration of a U.S. military command for space that’s designed to aid in missile tracking and space operations, countering what officials say are growing threats from Russia and China.

“Spacecom will defend America’s vital interests in space -- the next warfighting domain,” Trump said at a Rose Garden ceremony.