I worked on JWST....it was frustrating because we knew the budget and schedule was phony. We also knew that Webb was taking monies away from important research that needed to be done
Part of the problem with such programs that you might not be aware of is budget consistency.
Many times program managers will pad a budget and inflate a budget because they are expecting budget cuts. Their practice is a means of ensuring their program survives.
The JWST appears to have been a victim of erratic budgeting and scheduling as other programs vied for priority in budgeting. Telescopes would likely be the first to put on a backburner.
Let’s see how the new administration sets practice standards. Maybe we will see some welcome changes.