Trump Administration’s Efforts on GPS Resilience

The Trump administration is focused on safeguarding America’s infrastructure from threats posed by China and other entities aiming to compromise the GPS system. This endeavor is critical, yet there are significant opponents, including some in China, who are resisting these reforms.

In 2020, Trump signed a Presidential Order addressing GPS technology. He emphasized the need for broad use of Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) services, stating that disruptions could severely affect the economic and national security of the U.S. The order mandated collaboration between public and private sectors to enhance responsible usage of PNT services.

The Biden administration has made few strides on this issue, but Brendan Carr, the FCC president under Trump, is taking steps to utilize the 900 MHz lower band for technology that supports existing GPS satellite systems. On March 5, he announced plans to bolster GPS services and investigate backup alternatives. Carr pointed out that relying heavily on a single system exposes the country to risks, as GPS disruptions could threaten both the economy and national security.

Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX), who chairs the Commerce Committee, echoed the need for a reliable GPS backup during Trump’s presidency. In a statement, he warned that without a domestic backup system, critical infrastructure, from gas stations to medical devices, would face significant threats if GPS were interrupted for even a few hours. The establishment of an alternative GPS timing system is vital for national and economic security.

As the Trump administration, along with congressional allies, emphasizes the importance of not just maintaining GPS but also creating robust backup systems, it’s unsurprising that adversaries are attempting to disrupt advancements. Dana Goward, who heads a foundation promoting resilient navigation, has been a vocal opponent of these initiatives.

Interestingly, Goward and his wife have backed various Democratic campaigns, including those for the 2024 Trump PAC. He often connects his opposition to Trump with his stance on GPS backup and has written op-eds criticizing the administration’s decisions. In his articles, he discusses how “GPS is at risk due to flawed FCC decisions made during Trump’s tenure,” among other critiques that blame Trump for failing on GPS matters.

Goward has actively advocated for reviving older technologies like Loran as alternatives to GPS, attempting to rally support from companies that may not prioritize American interests, sometimes even with connections to Chinese firms. He has argued that U.S. and European nations are vulnerable due to various countries, including China and Russia, having their own alternatives.

Moreover, some Chinese companies are also lobbying against the Trump administration’s GPS backup priorities. A group representing diverse industries has voiced concerns that proposed changes could lead to systemic risks and disrupt reliable communication for millions of Americans. Among the companies involved are several based in Shenzhen, China.

The push by Democratic donors to influence companies with ties to China, alongside efforts to fortify U.S. infrastructure, raises questions about the integrity of these reforms initiated by the FCC under Carr’s leadership.