This week in Washington (39 images)

Trump holds up a Space Policy Directive after a signing ceremony with Vice President Mike Pence (rear) and Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao (R), as he hosts the National Space Council in the East Room of the White House on Monday. The directive reforms and modernizes US commerical space policy. Photo by Mike Theiler/UPI

"We are going to have the Air Force and we are going to have the Space Force -- separate but equal," Trump said. "It is going to be something ... Gen. [Joseph] Dunford, if you would carry that assignment out, I would be very greatly honored." Photo by Mike Theiler/UPI

"This time, we will do more than plant our flag and leave our footprints," Trump said referring to a trip to the moon. "We will establish a long-term presence, expand our economy and build the foundation for the eventual mission to Mars -- which is actually going to happen very quickly." Photo by Mike Theiler/UPI