Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld’s approval ratings have hit a new low, according to a new Gallup Poll. The April 28-30 survey reveals that only 37 percent of Americans view Rumsfeld favorably, which is five percentage points lower than his previous rating in a poll barely four month earlier. Some 57 percent view Rumsfeld unfavorably—an increase of 12 points over a December 2005 survey.
Contracts for F-35 airframes in Lot 18 and 19 should be signed in the spring, but an engine deal is still not in hand and could take months longer. The delays don't seem to be driven by anticipation of how the new Trump administration will influence the program.