Trump says US ‘trying’ to get Bagram airbase back

By: By Paul McLeary

19 September 2025 at 00:20

The first Trump administration negotiated an American withdrawal from the country by 2021 and didn’t mention keeping the base.

President Donald Trump gestures next to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer during a press conference at Chequers near Aylesbury, England, Sept. 18, 2025.

Politico | Defense
Pentagon’s crackdown on Kirk comments stirs fears among troops
18 September 2025 at 06:30

Pentagon’s crackdown on Kirk comments stirs fears among troops

Politico | Defense

By: By Paul McLeary and Jack Detsch

18 September 2025 at 06:30

Some troops and Defense Department employees worry they will face politically motivated punishments for social media posts that are seen as disloyal to President Donald Trump.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chair Gen. Dan Caine attend a ceremony at the Pentagon to commemorate the 24th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.

The quantum race: So hot right now

Politico | Defense

By: By Joe Gould

17 September 2025 at 17:30

Quantum computing exploits the physics of subatomic particles to perform speedier calculations than classical computers, with huge implications for technological innovation in defense and beyond.

Politico | Defense
The Future of Defense Innovation Panel Full Interview | POLITICO AI & Tech Summit
17 September 2025 at 02:18

The Future of Defense Innovation Panel Full Interview | POLITICO AI & Tech Summit

Politico | Defense

17 September 2025 at 02:18

Politico | Defense
Pentagon officials fume over Trump's Department of War rebrand
6 September 2025 at 06:45

Pentagon officials fume over Trump's Department of War rebrand

Politico | Defense

By: By Jack Detsch， Paul McLeary and Joe Gould

6 September 2025 at 06:45

Employees could find themselves changing Defense Department seals on more than 700,000 facilities around the world.

President Donald Trump speaks to the media while signing executive orders, including the renaming of the Department of Defense to the Department of War,. as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine look on during a press availability in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, on Sept. 5, 2025.

Politico | Defense
Pentagon plan prioritizes homeland over China threat
6 September 2025 at 01:39

Pentagon plan prioritizes homeland over China threat

Politico | Defense

By: By Paul McLeary and Daniel Lippman

6 September 2025 at 01:39

This marks a major departure from the first Trump administration, which emphasized deterring Beijing.

Chinese female troops march during a military parade marking the 80th anniversary of victory over Japan and the end of World War II, in Beijing's Tiananmen Square on September 3, 2025.

Politico | Defense
White House to rebrand Pentagon the Department of War
5 September 2025 at 06:42

White House to rebrand Pentagon the Department of War

Politico | Defense

By: By Paul McLeary， Jack Detsch， Connor O'Brien and Joe Gould

5 September 2025 at 06:42

The name change would likely require an act of Congress, although the White House is looking for ways to avoid a vote.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and President Donald Trump listen during a cabinet meeting at the White House, Aug. 26, 2025.

Politico | Defense
White House to defend its drug boat strike to Congress
5 September 2025 at 01:19

White House to defend its drug boat strike to Congress

Politico | Defense

By: By Jack Detsch

5 September 2025 at 01:19

The administration has provided few details as to why it directed the military to strike a boat in the Caribbean suspected of carrying drugs.

The Navy warship USS Sampson docks in Panama City on Aug. 30, 2025. The United States has sent multiple warships to the region amid escalating tensions with Venezuela.

Politico | Defense
US, in escalation, conducts strike on drug vessel near Venezuela
3 September 2025 at 04:45

US, in escalation, conducts strike on drug vessel near Venezuela

Politico | Defense

By: By Jack Detsch and Eric Bazail-Eimil

3 September 2025 at 04:45

The move comes as the Trump administration increases the military’s presence in the region.

President Donald Trump, speaking in the Oval Office on Sept. 2, 2025, said the military attacked a "drug-carrying boat" near Venezuela.

Politico | Defense
Trump announces Space Command will move from Colorado to Alabama
2 September 2025 at 22:53

Trump announces Space Command will move from Colorado to Alabama

Politico | Defense

By: By Connor O'Brien

2 September 2025 at 22:53

The president criticized Colorado's laws on voting by mail and said they were a factor in his decision.

President Donald Trump steps off Air Force One on Sept. 22, 2017, in Huntsville, Alabama. He said then that U.S. Space Command will be based in Alabama, and made that announcement formal Tuesday.

Politico | Defense
‘Grasping for straws’: Europe floats Ukraine-Russia buffer zone in push for peace
29 August 2025 at 04:30

‘Grasping for straws’: Europe floats Ukraine-Russia buffer zone in push for peace

Politico | Defense

By: By Paul McLeary and Jack Detsch

29 August 2025 at 04:30

The idea is one of several proposals European officials are considering as they scramble to establish a peace deal between Kyiv and Moscow.

Firefighters extinguish fire in a building after a Russian missile attack in Kyiv on Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025.

Politico | Defense
Lutnick says administration considering taking stakes in defense companies
26 August 2025 at 21:45

Lutnick says administration considering taking stakes in defense companies

Politico | Defense

By: By Nicole Markus

26 August 2025 at 21:45

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said Tuesday the president should consider stakes in companies where the U.S. adds “fundamental value.”

A Lockheed Martin F-35A sits on the tarmac at the Paris Air Show in Le Bourget, north of Paris, on June 21, 2023.

Politico | Defense
Pentagon’s tech innovation head abruptly steps down
26 August 2025 at 05:04

Pentagon’s tech innovation head abruptly steps down

Politico | Defense

By: By Daniel Lippman， Felicia Schwartz and Jack Detsch

26 August 2025 at 05:04

Doug Beck has been a critical link between the Defense Department and Silicon Valley.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth listens as President Donald Trump holds an executive order signing ceremony in the Oval Office on Monday, Aug. 25, 2025.

Politico | Defense
Trump hints he will change Pentagon’s name to Department of War
26 August 2025 at 02:59

Trump hints he will change Pentagon’s name to Department of War

Politico | Defense

By: By Jack Detsch

26 August 2025 at 02:59

“I don't want to be defense only,” the president said. “We want offense too.”

President Donald Trump speaks during a meeting with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung in the Oval Office, Aug. 25, 2025.

Politico | Defense
Pentagon says US will play a minimal role in Ukraine’s security guarantee
21 August 2025 at 04:55

Pentagon says US will play a minimal role in Ukraine’s security guarantee

Politico | Defense

By: By Paul McLeary， Jack Detsch， Jacopo Barigazzi and Chris Lunday

21 August 2025 at 04:55

Meetings between NATO and U.S. defense officials left allies concerned that President Donald Trump would leave Europe to ensure a lasting peace in the war-scarred country.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, left, shakes hands with Elbridge Colby, the Pentagon policy chief, as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth looks on at the Pentagon in April 2025.

Politico | Defense
Air Force chief announces he's leaving post early
19 August 2025 at 06:49

Air Force chief announces he's leaving post early

Politico | Defense

By: By Jack Detsch， Paul McLeary and Connor O'Brien

19 August 2025 at 06:49

Gen. David Allvin is the fourth top US military official to leave since Trump took office.

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin had emerged as a vocal supporter of the reforms that President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth have pledged for the military.

Politico | Defense
Pentagon belatedly defends Driscoll against Loomer attacks
15 August 2025 at 07:28

Pentagon belatedly defends Driscoll against Loomer attacks

Politico | Defense

By: By Paul McLeary and Adam Wren

15 August 2025 at 07:28

The conservative activist said Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has been receptive to her concerns.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth speaks as Army Secretary Dan Driscoll listens during a press briefing with President Donald Trump on Monday, Aug. 11, 2025, in Washington.

Politico | Defense
Trump tells European leaders US could provide security guarantees for Ukraine
14 August 2025 at 06:45

Trump tells European leaders US could provide security guarantees for Ukraine

Politico | Defense

By: By Felicia Schwartz， Jacopo Barigazzi and Esther Webber

14 August 2025 at 06:45

Still, any guarantee Trump backs is likely to fall short of what Europe and Ukraine have sought from Washington.

President Donald Trump delivers remarks during an event at the Kennedy Center in Washington, Aug. 13, 2025.

Politico | Defense
Allies, in jab at Trump, threaten not to buy F-35s
14 August 2025 at 06:15

Allies, in jab at Trump, threaten not to buy F-35s

Politico | Defense

By: By Joe Gould， Jacopo Barigazzi and Chris Lunday

14 August 2025 at 06:15

Countries are questioning their American weapons purchases, in some of their biggest pushback yet to the administration’s tariffs.

President Donald Trump stands with an F-35 at the White House during an event to showcase American-made products on July 23, 2018.

Politico | Defense
Trump will send National Guard into Washington
11 August 2025 at 22:24

Trump will send National Guard into Washington

Politico | Defense

By: By Paul McLeary and Irie Sentner

11 August 2025 at 22:24

About 800 troops will assist local law enforcement amid the president’s pledge to crack down on crime in the nation’s capital.

President Donald Trump, center, holds a press conference in the James S. Brady Press Briefing Room of the White House in Washington, August 11, 2025.

Pentagon keeps a lid on Golden Dome

Politico | Defense

By: By Joe Gould and Jack Detsch

6 August 2025 at 02:14

The department has banned officials from publicly discussing Trump’s favorite weapons project at a major missile defense conference.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth speaks about the Golden Dome initiative in the Oval Office on May 20, 2025.

Politico | Defense
Duffy to announce nuclear reactor on the moon
5 August 2025 at 04:56

Duffy to announce nuclear reactor on the moon

Politico | Defense

By: By Sam Skove

5 August 2025 at 04:56

This is the first major agency effort by the interim NASA administrator, who is also the Transportation secretary and a former Fox News host.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, who is also the interim NASA administrator, testifies during a House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure hearing on July 16, 2025.

Politico | Defense
Navy chief confirmed after Alaska senator drops last-minute block
1 August 2025 at 05:25

Navy chief confirmed after Alaska senator drops last-minute block

Politico | Defense

By: By Jack Detsch， Connor O'Brien， Joe Gould and Paul McLeary

1 August 2025 at 05:25

Dan Sullivan had planned to hold Adm. Daryl Caudle’s nomination until the Pentagon agreed to reopen a long-shuttered military base.

Rep. Dan Sullivan has said that expanding the U.S. military presence around Alaska is critical to deter Russian and Chinese incursions in the region, and he has obtained endorsements for reopening the station from some top military commanders.

Politico | Defense
MAGA is turning on Israel over Gaza, but Trump is unmoved
30 July 2025 at 07:19

MAGA is turning on Israel over Gaza, but Trump is unmoved

Politico | Defense

By: By Eric Bazail-Eimil， Connor O'Brien and Jake Traylor

30 July 2025 at 07:19

Prominent MAGA influencers have stepped up their criticism of Israel.

President Donald Trump told reporters that he doesn’t yet want to pressure Israel to come up with a longer-term solution to the conflict because “you could make the case that you’re rewarding Hamas if you do that.”

Politico | Defense
Pentagon thrown into confusion over think tank ban
29 July 2025 at 04:05

Pentagon thrown into confusion over think tank ban

Politico | Defense

By: By Jack Detsch， Paul McLeary and Felicia Schwartz

29 July 2025 at 04:05

The department’s decision not to allow employees to participate in certain events carries bigger repercussions than missed attendance.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth speaks during a meeting with the Defense Ministers of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania at the Pentagon on July 25, 2025.

Politico | Defense
Trump 2.0 Doesn’t Like Drama. So Why’s He Swallowing So Many Bad Headlines About Hegseth?
28 July 2025 at 17:56

Trump 2.0 Doesn’t Like Drama. So Why’s He Swallowing So Many Bad Headlines About Hegseth?

Politico | Defense

By: By Rachael Bade

28 July 2025 at 17:56

The White House continues to support the embattled Defense secretary — but even some Hegseth allies privately express concern that his messy management style could become his undoing.