How Trump's Moves Could Change the Game
Space stocks got a nice bump heading into 2026, thanks to buzz around a potential SpaceX IPO and President Donald Trump signing an executive order aimed at boosting the sector. Now investors are wondering if this momentum can last, and one space investing expert thinks the answer is yes.
The Trump administration's recent actions, including the executive order and tapping billionaire Jared Isaacman to run NASA, could be more than just headlines. According to Andrew Chanin, CEO of Procure Holdings, having the right people in key positions means they can "pull different levers" that drive things in a particular direction. His firm manages the Procure Space ETF (UFO), which stands to benefit if those levers get pulled.
Isaacman faces an interesting challenge right out of the gate. He'll be overseeing NASA's Artemis program, which aims to put humans back on the Moon. But he'll also have to listen to SpaceX CEO Elon Musk argue that Mars should be the real focus. Isaacman has tried to downplay his business ties to SpaceX and Musk, but navigating those competing priorities won't be simple.
National Security and a Global Space Race
Here's where things get more serious. Chanin believes increased attention on defense and the emergence of a new international space race could be major tailwinds for the sector.
"I think space has been kind of recognized globally as the new military high ground," Chanin told MarketDash.
The United States is placing greater emphasis on defense and national security, which could translate into more investment and incentives flowing toward space companies. And it's not happening in a vacuum. China, Russia, and India aren't slowing down their space ambitions, which means the U.S. needs to stay competitive.
"China and Russia and India and others compete for space because they see an opportunity and no one wants to get left behind there," Chanin said.
The ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia has made the strategic importance of space even clearer. It's about secure communications, access to intelligence, and maintaining technological superiority when it matters most.
"It is a national security. It's a national defense. It's secure communications. It's having access to your communications when you need them," Chanin explained.
That reality could push the United States to keep increasing its space spending regardless of budget pressures elsewhere. As Chanin put it, "I know our adversaries will not slow down regardless of what we decide to do."
The Procure Holdings CEO sees the space sector potentially producing the "winners of this next decade" and frames it in broader terms than just returns.
"I think it's a patriotic endeavor to push our space industry forward further," he said.