The message to despots: America is about to disarm and bend over, so have a go at her!
The same thing happened when The Peanut Man took over and cut way back on the military and defense spending. Many civilian defense programs were cut way back and our military was decimated. We were in a dangerous situation.
Then Reagan came in and built back our Defense programs. It cost a lot of money an the deficit shot up but it was necessary and it ultimately led to the defeat of the Ruskies in the Cold War.
Wait till "don't ask, don't tell" is repealed. They'll be lining up to have a go.