Playing Defense

The U.S. defense sector is in the middle of a genuine strategic reset, and the window for companies to position themselves is narrowing.

Washington's priorities have shifted sharply toward homeland security, allied burden-sharing and rebuilding a domestic industrial base exposed as fragile by recent conflicts. Munitions shortfalls, brittle supply chains and a thinning skilled workforce are now shaping Pentagon budgets, driving congressional oversight and influencing where private capital flows.

For companies and investors, the opportunity is significant. But the market remains deeply political, and technical capability alone won't open doors. With that in mind, FGS Global’s geopolitical experts Laura Richardson and Chad Ensley have created a defense-sector playbook for companies and investors. In this environment, they say successful firms must focus on doing five things well: 

1. Anchor to mission and market simultaneously. Clearly articulate how commercial strategy advances national-security objectives.

2. Fully map the defense stakeholder ecosystem. Understand how Pentagon offices, Congress, allies, regulators, investors and media intersect and align your playbook to the ground truth realities of this ecosystem.

3. Engage early and shape the narrative. Influence problem definition before requirements are formalized.

4. Demonstrate industrial credibility. Show pathways to domestic production scale, workforce depth, and supply-chain resilience that directly speak to the Pentagon’s focus on revitalizing the national industrial base.

5. Build strategic communications into core operations. Treat narrative management as a growth enabler, not a defensive or reactionary function. Find and elevate your position within the themes that are driving the defense conversation.

For further guidance on navigating the evolving U.S. defense sector, read the full write-up here.

The Supreme Court just handed President Trump his most significant legal defeat in modern history. In a 6-3 ruling issued February 20, the Court struck down all of Trump's IEEPA-based tariffs, holding that the Constitution gives Congress, not the president, the exclusive power to impose tariffs and duties. Chief Justice John Roberts was direct: Tariffs are a form of taxation, and taxation is Congress's authority alone. The administration's argument that two words in a 50-year-old emergency powers statute quietly granted the president sweeping control over global trade did not hold up.

An analysis of the landmark decision by our Supreme Court experts reveals the practical implications are significant but still unfolding.  A few things businesses should know:

• The tariffs are gone, but refunds are not guaranteed. The court did not provide a clear roadmap for recovering duties already paid. Whether Customs and Border Protection issues automatic rebates or requires importers to pursue formal claims remains an open question.

• The administration has other tools. Trade law experts note that Section 122 of the 1974 Trade Act, Section 301, and Section 232 remain available to reimpose duties through different legal channels. This is unlikely to be the end of the tariff conversation.

• Congress is back in the picture. The ruling reaffirms that any broad tariff authority requires explicit congressional action. For companies, that means lawmakers are now a more important stakeholder in trade policy than it has been in years.

• Markets took it in stride. Import-heavy stocks rose and Treasury yields ticked up following the decision, suggesting investors viewed the ruling as a net positive for near-term economic stability.

Daily newsletters have become a critical channel for media outlets seeking to reach audiences directly, delivering concise updates to subscribers in a brief format. Securing coverage in a tipsheet can put your news in front of these engaged readers, but doing so requires familiarity with format and timing. Our Health Media colleagues recommend the following:

• Make it exclusive: Newsletter authors seek news they can break first to attract and retain subscribers. When appropriate, offer an exclusive to make your pitch stand out and boost the chances of prominent placement.

• Nail the timing: Know the publishing schedule for each target tipsheet and work backwards from there. With most outlets publishing between 6-6:30 AM ET on weekdays, consider pitching your news under embargo the afternoon prior – close enough to be timely, but early enough for writers to prepare coverage. For late-breaking news, or if morning newsletters pass, target afternoon tipsheets.

• Target the niche: Assess your pitch for angles that fit niche newsletters. On slow news days, outlets may cross-post stories, so landing in a specialized newsletter can lead to wider exposure in additional or higher-profile publications.

• Play the long game: Tipsheet editors receive hundreds of pitches weekly, so name recognition matters. Track key newsletter authors and consider proactive outreach—introduce your work areas and build relationships before you have a specific ask. Establishing trust can set you up for future success.

For more, subscribe to Health Media Insights by emailing the team at health@fgsglobal.com.