Politico | Defense
Pentagon officials anxious Trump may fire the military’s top general
9 November 2024 at 05:08

Pentagon officials anxious Trump may fire the military’s top general

9 November 2024 at 05:08

The president-elect has railed against “woke” generals and others who have pushed for diversity initiatives in the ranks.

Concern is beginning to bubble up that Joint Chiefs Chair Gen. C.Q. Brown (right) could be swept out by a president-elect who has promised to make the Pentagon less “woke.”

Politico | Defense
Biden allows US military contractors into Ukraine
9 November 2024 at 04:52

Biden allows US military contractors into Ukraine

Politico | Defense

By: By Jack Detsch

9 November 2024 at 04:52

The move is aimed at helping Ukraine repair Western fighter jets and air defenses.

President Joe Biden has long promised that the U.S. would not put military boots on the ground in Ukraine — other than service members detailed to the American Embassy in Kyiv.

Politico | Defense
Biden team prepares to rush last-minute aid to Ukraine
7 November 2024 at 03:03

Biden team prepares to rush last-minute aid to Ukraine

Politico | Defense

By: By Paul McLeary and Jack Detsch

7 November 2024 at 03:03

The White House wants to rush more weapons to Ukraine, but the next president could halt the shipments.

President Joe Biden directed the Pentagon to allocate the remainder of the appropriated military aid before the end of his term during President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's visit in September.

Politico | Defense
Biden team debates how to ‘Trump-proof’ foreign policy
7 November 2024 at 01:42

Biden team debates how to ‘Trump-proof’ foreign policy

Politico | Defense

By: By Nahal Toosi and Robbie Gramer

7 November 2024 at 01:42

The expectation is that the president-elect won’t hesitate to reverse any last-minute Biden moves.

Internally displaced civilians receive humanitarian aid distributed in Zaporizhzhia on Feb. 6, 2024, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Politico | Defense
Trump’s Pentagon overhaul: 8 policy changes he’s expected to make
6 November 2024 at 23:00

Trump’s Pentagon overhaul: 8 policy changes he’s expected to make

Politico | Defense

By: By Connor O’Brien and Joe Gould

6 November 2024 at 23:00

Expect the next commander in chief to quickly undo Biden-era policies.

Donald Trump’s opponents are foremost concerned that he will politicize the military and use it domestically against his political opponents.

Politico | Defense
US flies long-range bomber in drill with South Korea, Japan
3 November 2024 at 21:22

US flies long-range bomber in drill with South Korea, Japan

Politico | Defense

By: By Associated Press

3 November 2024 at 21:22

The drill was in reaction to recent North Korea's missile test.

U.S. Air Force B-1B bombers, F-16 fighter jets, South Korean Air Force F-15K fighter jets and Japanese Air Force F-2 fighter jets fly during a trilateral air drill on Nov. 3, 2024.

Politico | Defense
Top Senate Dem warns Trump will ‘act like a fascist’ and ‘purge’ military
29 October 2024 at 05:21

Top Senate Dem warns Trump will ‘act like a fascist’ and ‘purge’ military

Politico | Defense

By: By Connor O’Brien

29 October 2024 at 05:21

"He will destroy his Department of Defense, frankly,” Senate Armed Services Chair Jack Reed (D-R.I.) said of Trump.

Jack Reed speaks during a Senate Banking Committee hearing, on March 3, 2022, on Capitol Hill.

Politico | Defense
Army releases report on Trump camp’s Arlington cemetery altercation
26 October 2024 at 04:37

Army releases report on Trump camp’s Arlington cemetery altercation

Politico | Defense

By: By Paul McLeary

26 October 2024 at 04:37

The report comes as former Trump administration officials warn that the former president has authoritarian impulses and wants to use the military against his enemies.

FILE - Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump, center and Misty Fuoco, left, sister of Nicole Gee, place their hands over their heart after placing a wreath in honor of Sgt. Nicole Gee at the Tomb of the Unknown Solider at Arlington National Cemetery, Aug. 26, 2024, in Arlington, Va. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)

Politico | Defense
Austin visits Ukraine, but brings a message for the GOP
22 October 2024 at 00:41

Austin visits Ukraine, but brings a message for the GOP

Politico | Defense

By: By Paul McLeary

22 October 2024 at 00:41

Republicans have said Europe should contribute more aid to Ukraine than the U.S. does.

During a surprise visit to Ukraine on Monday, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin noted Europe's contributions to Ukraine's war effort.

Politico | Defense
Chinese drone maker DJI sues Pentagon over ‘military’ designation
19 October 2024 at 23:10

Chinese drone maker DJI sues Pentagon over ‘military’ designation

Politico | Defense

By: By Phelim Kine

19 October 2024 at 23:10

The lawsuit reflects how the company is going on the offensive as it faces a congressional push to ban DJI’s drones from use in U.S. airspace.

The new suit comes in response to the Pentagon’s move to place DJI — the world’s largest drone maker — on a list of “Military Companies Operating in the United States” in 2022.

Politico | Defense
US sending air defense systems, troops to Israel
14 October 2024 at 01:51

US sending air defense systems, troops to Israel

Politico | Defense

By: By Paul McLeary

14 October 2024 at 01:51

The move “underscores the United States' ironclad commitment to the defense of Israel, and to defend Americans in Israel,” a Pentagon spokesperson said.

President Joe Biden arrives on Marine One at MacDill Air Force Base on Oct. 13, 2024, in Tampa, Florida.

Politico | Defense
Iran has a hit list of former Trump aides. The U.S. is scrambling to protect them.
12 October 2024 at 04:21

Iran has a hit list of former Trump aides. The U.S. is scrambling to protect them.

Politico | Defense

By: By John Sakellariadis

12 October 2024 at 04:21

Roughly a dozen national security aides from the Trump White House are feared to be Iran’s hit list. It’s hard to protect them all.

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi holds up a photo of Qassem Soleimani, who was killed in a U.S. attack, at U.N. headquarters in 2022 in New York City.

Politico | Defense
Russia gains ground in Ukraine, but at steep cost
10 October 2024 at 06:30

Russia gains ground in Ukraine, but at steep cost

Politico | Defense

By: By Paul McLeary

10 October 2024 at 06:30

Russia is trading bodies for ground in Ukraine with no end in sight.

A Ukrainian serviceman of the 126th brigade air-defense unit fires a machine gun during training in Kherson region, Ukraine, on Oct. 4, 2024.

Politico | Defense
Lawmakers vow to fight Trump if he restores Confederate base names
10 October 2024 at 02:53

Lawmakers vow to fight Trump if he restores Confederate base names

Politico | Defense

By: By Joe Gould， Connor O’Brien and Paul McLeary

10 October 2024 at 02:53

“The law was passed, it’s not going to go backward," GOP Rep. Don Bacon said.

Former President Donald Trump said on Friday that he would change Fort Liberty's name back to Fort Bragg if he is reelected president, reversing the move of a bipartisan commission.

Politico | Defense
White House: Iran preparing to launch ballistic missile attack against Israel
1 October 2024 at 21:53

White House: Iran preparing to launch ballistic missile attack against Israel

Politico | Defense

By: By Erin Banco

1 October 2024 at 21:53

A spokesperson for Iran’s mission to the United Nations did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

A spokesperson for Israel’s embassy in Washington declined to offer immediate comment.

Politico | Defense
US officials quietly backed Israel’s military push against Hezbollah
1 October 2024 at 10:07

US officials quietly backed Israel’s military push against Hezbollah

Politico | Defense

By: By Erin Banco and Nahal Toosi

1 October 2024 at 10:07

The officials urged caution and stressed the need for diplomacy. But the timing was right for such a military shift, they concluded.

Some in the administration say that what looks like a rift is just the United States pursuing multiple routes at once.

Politico | Defense
Austin orders US forces to be ready to deploy as Middle East heats up
30 September 2024 at 04:31

Austin orders US forces to be ready to deploy as Middle East heats up

Politico | Defense

By: By Paul McLeary

30 September 2024 at 04:31

The aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln will remain in the region after Israel kills Hezbollah leader.

An EA-18G Growler launches from the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Sunday ordered the USS Abraham Lincoln and its attached destroyers to remain in the region.

Politico | Defense
Tuberville drops blockade of Army general’s promotion over Austin hospitalization debacle
25 September 2024 at 23:18

Tuberville drops blockade of Army general’s promotion over Austin hospitalization debacle

Politico | Defense

By: By Connor O’Brien and Joe Gould

25 September 2024 at 23:18

The Senate quietly confirmed Lt. Gen. Ronald Clark’s promotion to four-star general on Tuesday.

Alabama Sen. Tommy Tuberville has a history of stirring controversy over military personnel matters.

Politico | Defense
White House working on Plan B to extend Ukraine military aid
25 September 2024 at 04:31

White House working on Plan B to extend Ukraine military aid

Politico | Defense

By: By Paul McLeary， Joe Gould and Connor O’Brien

25 September 2024 at 04:31

Under the new method, the U.S. won’t be allowed to introduce new types of weapons that haven’t been in previous shipments.

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, right, is attending the U.N. Security Council in New York this week.

Politico | Defense
US sending ‘small number’ of troops to Middle East as attacks ramp up
24 September 2024 at 03:51

US sending ‘small number’ of troops to Middle East as attacks ramp up

Politico | Defense

By: By Paul McLeary

24 September 2024 at 03:51

The troops would add to the 40,000 American forces already in the region.

Israeli Iron Dome air defense systems intercept rockets that were launched from Lebanon, as seen from Haifa, northern Israel, on Monday.

Politico | Defense
US likely to send medium-range missiles for Ukraine’s F-16s
21 September 2024 at 04:04

US likely to send medium-range missiles for Ukraine’s F-16s

Politico | Defense

By: By Paul McLeary

21 September 2024 at 04:04

The $375 million will be the largest package the U.S. has sent Ukraine since May.

The 70-plus-mile range on the Joint Standoff Weapon would allow pilots to stay away from the front lines and Russian air defenses.

Politico | Defense
US builds up naval, troop presence near Alaska amid Russian activity
21 September 2024 at 02:40

US builds up naval, troop presence near Alaska amid Russian activity

Politico | Defense

By: By Paul McLeary and Joe Gould

21 September 2024 at 02:40

The actions follow a series of Russian air operations that skirted Alaskan airspace and as Russian and Chinese warships conducted joint exercises across the Pacific.

The guided missile destroyer USS Sterett is seen moored on Sept. 13, 2024, in Dutch Harbor, Alaska.

Politico | Defense
US to announce plan to draw down troops in Iraq
20 September 2024 at 22:49

US to announce plan to draw down troops in Iraq

Politico | Defense

By: By Paul McLeary

20 September 2024 at 22:49

Iraq has said publicly it expects all 2,500 U.S. troops to leave by 2026.

Officials acknowledged that the fight against the remnants of ISIS in Iraq and Syria isn’t over.

Politico | Defense
White House finalizing plans to expand where Ukraine can hit inside Russia
12 September 2024 at 03:53

White House finalizing plans to expand where Ukraine can hit inside Russia

Politico | Defense

By: By Erin Banco， Joe Gould and Paul McLeary

12 September 2024 at 03:53

The talks have been closely held among a small group of officials inside the White House.

Russian soldiers fire a gun toward Ukrainian positions at an undisclosed location near the Ukrainian border in the Kursk region of Russia on Aug 18.

Politico | Defense
Top Democrats call on Army to rebuke Trump over Arlington photo shoot
11 September 2024 at 03:24

Top Democrats call on Army to rebuke Trump over Arlington photo shoot

Politico | Defense

By: By Connor O’Brien

11 September 2024 at 03:24

"Failure to properly investigate this egregious incident in a timely manner and hold violators accountable undermines the integrity and honor of Arlington National Cemetery," the lawmakers said.