I don't think there was as much pushback about his policy as much as there was discontent with an economic slowdown and a somewhat ironic (considering where we find ourselves) frustration with his age.

1000 lbs is not a lot of troops

For 1000lb of payload

https://www.twz.com/air/new-hypersonic-strike-recon-aircraft...

Not a substantial enough speed increase to powerfully deter air defenses.

I guess the idea is that you ground transport it past air defenses and accomplish objectives?

"unexpected" only because the agencies responsible for forecasting are partisan yes men.