But it isn't actually finished. SLS only now reached what is was supposed to reach in 2017. Its a far cry from the rocket that it was supposed to be. It would r

But it isn't actually finished. SLS only now reached what is was supposed to reach in 2017. Its a far cry from the rocket that it was supposed to be. It would require another decade until the EUS Upper stage was ready, many, many more billions. The next generation launch towers aren't ready either. SLS is incredibly expensive to operate, so even if it is 'finished' its cost are completely unreasonable. Keeping the program alive alone is incredibly expensive, and then you barely get any launches out of it. Lunar Gateway isn't finished and it would require lots of money, launches and a large operational budget to finish it. But you are right, all these should have never been develop and canceling them earlier is better then later. But now is better then later.