The Trump administration sees artificial intelligence as a key piece of its government efficiency agenda. Many agency leaders have talked about how AI can streamline operations and get more work done with fewer federal employees. Now the White House is officially making AI one of its science and technology priorities for fiscal year 2027. (Air Force to manage SaaS as a commodity-based subscription - LinkedIn) The Senate has confirmed Mike Dodd as the first assistant secretary of defense for critical technologies. The new role makes Dodd the Pentagon's chief advocate for unifying and advancing investments in critical defense technologies. The Defense Department created the role last year to “better position the office of the under secretary of defense for research and engineering to execute upon the mission of preserving the nation’s technological edge.” His top three priorities include reforming DoD acquisition, strengthening the adoption of critical technologies in key fields and planning for transition from the outset of each project. Dodd will also continue to serve in his current role as the Defense Innovation Unit’s acting director.