WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Donald Trump on Saturday marked the sixth anniversary of the United States Space Force, praising the service’s Guardians as central to national defense as space rapidly emerges as the next frontier of modern warfare.
In a presidential message dated December 20, Trump reflected on the creation of the Space Force in 2019, calling it a decisive move by his first administration to secure American dominance beyond Earth’s atmosphere. He credited the branch with protecting U.S. interests in space while delivering critical capabilities such as satellite communications, global navigation, and missile warning systems that support both civilian life and military operations.
Trump warned that adversaries are increasingly developing counterspace weapons designed to disrupt or destroy American space assets, elevating the strategic importance of the Space Force. He said those threats have transformed space into an active domain of conflict, placing Guardians and their civilian counterparts at the center of deterrence and defense.
The president pointed to recent initiatives, including development of the Golden Dome missile defense system, a next-generation shield designed to protect the homeland and critical infrastructure from aerial attack. The project received federal funding under this year’s One Big Beautiful Bill, according to the White House.
The Space Force has also seen a surge in interest, with recruiting goals met three months ahead of schedule this year, exceeding internal expectations. Trump framed that momentum as evidence of growing recognition that space superiority is inseparable from national security and economic strength.
Established on December 20, 2019, the Space Force is the newest branch of the U.S. Armed Forces and operates as a coequal service within the Department of the Air Force. Its mission centers on securing U.S. interests in, from, and to space, with responsibilities ranging from safeguarding satellites to ensuring reliable access to orbit.
Headquartered at the Pentagon, the service is led by Chief of Space Operations Gen. B. Chance Saltzman, a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Its operations are organized under three primary field commands focused on space operations, systems development, and training and readiness.
As of late 2025, the Space Force consists of about 16,000 personnel, including active-duty Guardians and civilian employees. The branch has continued to refine its identity, training programs, and strategic posture as global competition in space accelerates.
“As Commander in Chief, I join the Nation in celebrating the sixth birthday of the United States Space Force,” Trump said in the message, thanking Guardians for safeguarding the country both on Earth and in orbit.
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