[grey-area]

But intercepting military communications is what they do period.

Intercepting the communications of their allies by subverting their equipment? That seems like an incredibly foolish and short-sighted way to behave.

If the US is saying it can't be trusted because spies will be spies, they'll lose huge satellite contracts, no one will trust US companies, no-one will trust US standards, and no one will want to play along with orgs dominated by the US like NATO, the World Bank or the UN. Legitimacy and soft power is a fragile thing, and spying on your allies is a great way to lose their tacit consent.

[wil421]

We need reforms and more oversight to start. Putting backdoors in consumer devices should not be tolerated but implanting something into a military device is fair game. Let's see what France Germany China and Russia's etc govt are doing in secret.

[grey-area]

but implanting something into a military device

While I understand they'd try such things against countries they consider enemies, I disagree it's a good strategy when it involves allies - pursue such a strategy and you soon won't have any allies or respect.