Space Force: Donald Trump's announcement of sixth branch of the armed forces 'surprised the Pentagon'

President Donald Trump’s announcement on Monday of a sixth branch of the armed services – the “space force” – was a surprise proposal issued after months of frustration at Pentagon scepticism, it has been claimed.

Mr Trump on Monday announced: “I’m hereby directing the department of defense and Pentagon to immediately begin the process necessary to establish a space force as the sixth branch of the armed forces.”

He added: “That’s a big statement.”