Former NASA Chief of Staff and Virgin Galactic CEO Congressman George Whitesides (CA-27) joins The Marketplace of Ideas with Rohan Radharaj for his first extended interview since taking office. Whitesides discusses his approach to defense, foreign policy, technology, and space, offering insight into how a background in management, aerospace, and innovation shapes his perspective in Congress.

Topics covered include the FY2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), the pace of U.S. military acquisition, China’s technological advances, artificial intelligence, support for Ukraine, and the importance of independent leadership at NASA. He also shares his views on how Congress can respond to modern challenges and prepare the country for future threats.

Timestamps:
0:00 – Introduction
0:16 – NDAA priorities: resources and agility
1:27 – AI and regulation
1:56 – Technology and China
2:33 – Experience from Virgin Galactic
3:34 – Youth engagement and careers in tech
3:49 – Ukraine and bipartisan support
4:51 – Aerospace and acquisition reform
5:53 – NASA leadership and Jared Isaacman
7:59 – Dollars, democracy, debt, digital, disaster, demography
9:08 – Marketplace of Ideas: creating systems for best ideas

The Marketplace of Ideas features long-form interviews with policymakers and thinkers on American power, governance, and leadership.

Congressman Adam Smith (D-WA) — Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee — joins The Marketplace of Ideas with Rohan Radharaj for a wide-ranging, in-depth conversation on U.S. defense policy, national security, and America’s role in the world.

Smith discusses defense acquisition reform, the FY2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), reports of Venezuelan maritime strikes, the proposed “Golden Dome” missile defense concept, efforts to impeach the Secretary of Defense, and the growing threat of isolationism on both the left and right.

The interview closes with a direct message to young Americans interested in public service, national security, and foreign policy.

Timestamps:

0:00 - NDAA Introduction
0:38 - VA Reform
1:02 - NDAA Ai Provision
2:12 - Ai on Force Readiness
3:18 - Ai Arms Race with China
4:40 - Sec. Hegseth on China
6:02 - Ukraine & NATO
7:12 - Golden Dome for America
9:26 - Alleged War Crimes in Venezuela
11:35 - Sen. Slotkin's Defy Orders Video
14:32 - Impeaching Sec. Hegseth, and impeachment at large
15:59 - What are we not talking about enough
17:34 - Message to Isolationist
18:42 - The Marketplace of Ideas

The Marketplace of Ideas features long-form interviews with policymakers and thinkers on power, democracy, and American leadership.

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Join The Marketplace of Ideas on an EXCLUSIVE interview with the Honorable Karl Rove, often regarded as the greatest political analyst of all time. Rohan Radharaj dives deep with Mr. Rove into modern campaign strategy, the CA Governors Race, whats next for American politics, the 2024 realignment, and the strategic lessons that still shape campaigns today.