Politico | Defense
In rare move, Republican senators call for Hegseth’s FBI report
19 December 2024 at 18:00

In rare move, Republican senators call for Hegseth’s FBI report

By: By Joe Gould

19 December 2024 at 18:00

The Senate Armed Services Committee usually limits who can view these types of background checks. Lawmakers want to see this one.

Pete Hegseth’s background check would likely move forward on an expedited timeline.

Politico | Defense
Pentagon report: China to build 1,000 nukes by 2030
18 December 2024 at 23:22

Pentagon report: China to build 1,000 nukes by 2030

Politico | Defense

By: By Paul McLeary

18 December 2024 at 23:22

Beijing has added at least 100 nuclear warheads to its arsenal this year, according to the Pentagon's annual report on China's military might.

By sheer numbers alone, China is out dueling the Pentagon in size.

Politico | Defense
U.S. officials worry about ISIS jailbreak in Syria: ‘Ticking time bomb’
18 December 2024 at 18:00

U.S. officials worry about ISIS jailbreak in Syria: ‘Ticking time bomb’

Politico | Defense

By: By Robbie Gramer and Paul McLeary

18 December 2024 at 18:00

Lightly armed Kurdish forces are guarding more than 9,000 Islamic State terrorists in Syria.

A torn portrait of longtime Syrian ruler Bashar Assad is seen inside the Presidential Palace. An ISIS comeback may hinge on whether the U.S. and its allies can prevent the jailbreak of thousands of terrorists in Syria in the wake of Assad's downfall.

Politico | Defense
McConnell warns Trump to rebuff ‘right-wing flirtation with isolation’
16 December 2024 at 15:01

McConnell warns Trump to rebuff ‘right-wing flirtation with isolation’

Politico | Defense

By: By Connor O’Brien and Joe Gould

16 December 2024 at 15:01

The Senate minority leader’s comments, a rare rebuke of the president-elect, set up a potential clash with the incoming administration.

Outgoing Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell delivered a rare critique of Trump in a Foreign Affairs essay and urged him to double down on U.S. alliances and military might.

Politico | Defense
House Foreign Affairs Dems: Bipartisanship is dead under Mast
16 December 2024 at 04:00

House Foreign Affairs Dems: Bipartisanship is dead under Mast

Politico | Defense

By: By Eric Bazail-Eimil

16 December 2024 at 04:00

The foreign policy panel has served as a place where Democrats and Republicans find common ground, but that could change under Brian Mast.

Rep. Brian Mast said in a statement: “I look forward to working with anyone who is proud to put America first!"

Politico | Defense
Officials downplay NJ drone concerns as online suspicion builds
15 December 2024 at 06:44

Officials downplay NJ drone concerns as online suspicion builds

Politico | Defense

By: By Giselle Ruhiyyih Ewing

15 December 2024 at 06:44

Agencies investigating the aircraft sightings said that while they still don’t know where the craft came from, they have no reason to believe at this point that they pose any national security or public safety threat.

Many reports of drone sightings are actually manned aircraft misidentified as unmanned drones, a spokesperson from the Department of Homeland Security said.

Politico | Defense
Hegseth does a 180 on women and gays in combat
13 December 2024 at 18:00

Hegseth does a 180 on women and gays in combat

Politico | Defense

By: By Joe Gould and Connor O’Brien

13 December 2024 at 18:00

The Pentagon pick backtracked after conversations with Republican senators seen as potential swing votes.

Pete Hegseth (center), President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for Defense secretary, walks with his wife, Jennifer Rauchet, while visiting the Capitol for meetings with senators.

Politico | Defense
Lawmaker accuses Pentagon of lying about New Jersey’s mysterious drones
13 December 2024 at 01:03

Lawmaker accuses Pentagon of lying about New Jersey’s mysterious drones

Politico | Defense

By: By Sam Skove

13 December 2024 at 01:03

The Defense Department has publicly rebuked Rep. Jeff Van Drew’s claims that drones spotted in the state come from an Iranian “mothership.”

The Pentagon denied New Jersey Rep. Jeff Van Drew’s claims that drones hovering over the state were launched by foreign invaders.

Politico | Defense
House passes major Pentagon bill despite Dem revolt over transgender health care
12 December 2024 at 06:22

House passes major Pentagon bill despite Dem revolt over transgender health care

Politico | Defense

By: By Connor O’Brien

12 December 2024 at 06:22

The fight over medical care for transgender children overshadowed many of the bipartisan provisions in the National Defense Authorization Act.

House Armed Services Chair Mike Rogers (R-Ala.) and ranking member Adam Smith (D-Wash.) split on the final vote for their panel's annual Pentagon policy bill.

Politico | Defense
Tech billionaires prepare to invade the Pentagon
12 December 2024 at 03:00

Tech billionaires prepare to invade the Pentagon

Politico | Defense

By: By Paul McLeary and Jack Detsch

12 December 2024 at 03:00

A handful of Silicon Valley executives could help transform the country’s largest bureaucracy — and benefit themselves while trying.

Elon Musk is one of a handful of tech billionaires who will play a role in the next administration.

Politico | Defense
Qatar open to mediation if Syrian rebels turn on each other
11 December 2024 at 02:16

Qatar open to mediation if Syrian rebels turn on each other

Politico | Defense

By: By Nahal Toosi

11 December 2024 at 02:16

The wealthy Gulf Arab state is in touch with rebel groups on the ground in Syria.

Islamist-led rebels declared that they have taken Damascus in a lightning offensive, sending President Bashar al-Assad fleeing and ending five decades of Baath rule in Syria.

Politico | Defense
US pounds ISIS camps in Syria after Assad flees
9 December 2024 at 02:39

US pounds ISIS camps in Syria after Assad flees

Politico | Defense

By: By Jack Detsch， Paul McLeary and Joe Gould

9 December 2024 at 02:39

"There should be no doubt — we will not allow ISIS to reconstitute," a top general said.

“I think leaving our forces that are there ... and ensuring they can continue to protect themselves is really important,” said Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.).

Politico | Defense
Defense bill could hit last-minute snag over transgender provision
8 December 2024 at 11:10

Defense bill could hit last-minute snag over transgender provision

Politico | Defense

By: By Connor O’Brien

8 December 2024 at 11:10

A top Democrat now says he's uncertain whether he will vote for the policy bill that he helped craft.

Rep. Adam Smith (D-Wash.) said a last-minute provision on transgender care is a sign that Republicans are taking advantage of a "wedge issue."

Politico | Defense
‘I am a survivor of sexual assault’: Ernst pledges ‘thorough vetting’ for Hegseth
8 December 2024 at 08:51

‘I am a survivor of sexual assault’: Ernst pledges ‘thorough vetting’ for Hegseth

Politico | Defense

By: By Joe Gould

8 December 2024 at 08:51

The Iowa Republican added that she's "excited" to sit down with the former Fox News and veteran host next week.

Sen. Joni Ernst is considered a pivotal vote on Pete Hegseth's bid to be the next defense secretary.

Politico | Defense
Austin announces new Ukraine aid, defends Biden’s record on national security
8 December 2024 at 07:38

Austin announces new Ukraine aid, defends Biden’s record on national security

Politico | Defense

By: By Paul McLeary

8 December 2024 at 07:38

The package won’t arrive in Ukraine immediately but will consist of contracts with U.S. defense companies to build new drones and air defense munitions.

Lloyd Austin’s speech was a recounting of the Biden administration’s work over the past four years, in which he defended its record at home and abroad.

Politico | Defense
2 Pearl Harbor survivors, ages 104 and 102, return to Hawaii to honor those killed in 1941 attack
8 December 2024 at 05:39

2 Pearl Harbor survivors, ages 104 and 102, return to Hawaii to honor those killed in 1941 attack

Politico | Defense

By: By Associated Press

8 December 2024 at 05:39

Dozens of survivors once joined the event but their attendance has declined as survivors have aged.

Pearl Harbor survivors Ken Stevens, 102, left, and Ira "Ike" Schab, 104, talk to attendees after the 83rd Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day ceremony Dec. 7, 2024, in Honolulu.

Politico | Defense
McConnell takes indirect swipe at Trump on America's role in the world
8 December 2024 at 05:19

McConnell takes indirect swipe at Trump on America's role in the world

Politico | Defense

By: By Connor O’Brien and Joe Gould

8 December 2024 at 05:19

"America will not be made great again by those who are content to manage our decline," he said.

Though Sen. Mitch McConnell is stepping aside as GOP leader, he’ll maintain a powerful perch as chair of the Senate Defense Appropriations panel, which helps dictate the Pentagon’s budget.

Politico | Defense
Military leaders are rattled by a list of ‘woke’ officers that a group urges Hegseth to fire
8 December 2024 at 04:22

Military leaders are rattled by a list of ‘woke’ officers that a group urges Hegseth to fire

Politico | Defense

By: By Associated Press

8 December 2024 at 04:22

Those on the list in many cases seem to be targeted for public comments they made either in interviews or at events on diversity, and in some cases for retweeting posts that promote diversity.

Pete Hegseth has embraced Donald Trump’s effort to end programs that promote diversity in the ranks and fire those who reflect those values.

Politico | Defense
Gabbard could be the next Trump nominee to come under fire in the Senate
7 December 2024 at 02:51

Gabbard could be the next Trump nominee to come under fire in the Senate

Politico | Defense

By: By John Sakellariadis and Robbie Gramer

7 December 2024 at 02:51

The former Democratic congressperson’s path to becoming the nation’s top spy is far from guaranteed, according to current and former Senate GOP aides.