Politico | Defense
US launches new round of air and missile strikes in Syria
20 December 2025 at 06:51

US launches new round of air and missile strikes in Syria

Politico | Defense

By: By Paul McLeary

20 December 2025 at 06:51

The attack, meant to hobble ISIS in the country, is in response to the killing of U.S. troops.

President Donald Trump salutes as a carry team moves the transfer case with the remains of civilian interpreter Ayad Mansoor Sakat, who was killed in an attack in Syria, during a casualty return, Dec. 17, 2025, at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware.

Politico | Defense
Trump lacks support or logistics for Venezuela ground invasion
10 December 2025 at 18:55

Trump lacks support or logistics for Venezuela ground invasion

Politico | Defense

By: By Paul McLeary， Jack Detsch and Joe Gould

10 December 2025 at 18:55

The president told POLITICO on Monday that he wouldn’t rule out a ground invasion of the South American country.

Supporters of Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro wave Venezuelan flags in Caracas on Aug. 11.

Politico | Defense
Hegseth declares end of US 'utopian idealism' with new military strategy
7 December 2025 at 07:11

Hegseth declares end of US 'utopian idealism' with new military strategy

Politico | Defense

By: By Paul McLeary

7 December 2025 at 07:11

The Defense secretary, speaking at the Reagan Defense Forum, outlined defense priorities that focus on the Western Hemisphere and reevaluate the U.S. relationship with Europe.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth speaks to senior military leaders at Marine Corps Base Quantico on Sept. 30, 2025, in Quantico, Virginia.

Politico | Defense
China debate delayed Trump security strategy
4 December 2025 at 10:30

China debate delayed Trump security strategy

Politico | Defense

By: By Paul McLeary and Nahal Toosi

4 December 2025 at 10:30

Two key documents laying out the administration's strategic national security priorities are now expected to be released this month.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent speaks during an event on "Trump Accounts" for kids in the Roosevelt Room of the White House, Dec. 2, 2025, in Washington.

Politico | Defense
White House says admiral approved second deadly boat strike
2 December 2025 at 05:06

White House says admiral approved second deadly boat strike

Politico | Defense

By: By Paul McLeary

2 December 2025 at 05:06

Karoline Leavitt defended the killings — and seemed to deflect any blame away from Pete Hegseth.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth speaks after a meeting with Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, on Nov. 26.

Politico | Defense
Allies worry US demands Ukraine deal before security guarantees
27 November 2025 at 05:26

Allies worry US demands Ukraine deal before security guarantees

Politico | Defense

By: By Paul McLeary and Jack Detsch

27 November 2025 at 05:26

Secretary of State Marco Rubio told European allies that President Donald Trump will negotiate long-term assurances for Ukraine’s safety.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio sits during negotiations with Ukrainians over a peace plan in Geneva on Nov. 23.

Politico | Defense
Driscoll meets with Russians in Abu Dhabi about Ukraine peace plan
25 November 2025 at 12:57

Driscoll meets with Russians in Abu Dhabi about Ukraine peace plan

Politico | Defense

By: By Paul McLeary

25 November 2025 at 12:57

The Army secretary is speaking to Russian officials on Tuesday without Secretary of State Marco Rubio or other U.S. negotiators.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy shakes hands with Army Secretary Dan Driscoll in Kyiv, Ukraine, Nov. 20, 2025.

Politico | Defense
US and Russia to meet about Ukraine as Europe races to influence deal
23 November 2025 at 03:42

US and Russia to meet about Ukraine as Europe races to influence deal

Politico | Defense

By: By Paul McLeary， Jack Detsch and Felicia Schwartz

23 November 2025 at 03:42

Army Secretary Dan Driscoll told a group of European ambassadors that the continent couldn’t match the Russian defense industry’s output, and the time for settling had arrived.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy talks with Army Secretary Dan Driscoll in Kyiv, Ukraine on Nov. 20, 2025.

Politico | Defense
Top Army officials visit Kyiv on peace and tech sharing mission
19 November 2025 at 09:11

Top Army officials visit Kyiv on peace and tech sharing mission

Politico | Defense

By: By Paul McLeary and Jack Detsch

19 November 2025 at 09:11

It's the highest-level visit by the Trump administration to the war-torn country since Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent traveled to Kyiv in February.

Army Secretary Dan Driscoll (above) and chief of staff Gen. Randy George have used Ukrainian battlefield innovations as an example the U.S. defense industry and Pentagon should emulate in weapons development.

Politico | Defense
Hegseth, in tone shift, talks nice to defense industry
8 November 2025 at 06:17

Hegseth, in tone shift, talks nice to defense industry

Politico | Defense

By: By Paul McLeary， Jack Detsch and Joe Gould

8 November 2025 at 06:17

The Pentagon chief offered a rare message of unity in a Friday speech to executives.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth salutes as he and South Korean Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back inspect a guard of honor in Seoul, South Korea, on Nov. 4.

Politico | Defense
Canada, in push away from US, aims to invest billions in defense
5 November 2025 at 05:18

Canada, in push away from US, aims to invest billions in defense

Politico | Defense

By: By Paul McLeary

5 November 2025 at 05:18

Prime Minister Mark Carney’s budget, released Tuesday, calls for a new industrial strategy and a multibillion-dollar project to bolster Ottawa’s defense spending.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is flanked by Chief of the Defence Staff Gen. Carignan, left, and Minister of National Defence, David McGuinty, as they attend a tour of the Fort York Armoury in Toronto on June 9, 2025.

Politico | Defense
Trump’s National Guard DC deployment extended into 2026
30 October 2025 at 21:39

Trump’s National Guard DC deployment extended into 2026

Politico | Defense

By: By Paul McLeary

30 October 2025 at 21:39

The troops have been patrolling high-profile areas and collecting trash.

National Guard members are seen alongside tourists on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., Aug. 14, 2025.

Politico | Defense
Trump will arm South Korea with a nuclear submarine
30 October 2025 at 08:06

Trump will arm South Korea with a nuclear submarine

Politico | Defense

By: By Paul McLeary and Phelim Kine

30 October 2025 at 08:06

South Korea’s nuclear submarine development plans reflect Seoul’s concerns about potential Chinese and North Korean aggression.

President Donald Trump said the submarine will be built at Hanwha Philly Shipyard (above), a commercial yard purchased by a South Korean company in 2024.

Politico | Defense
Hegseth’s first dismissal with a chosen successor
25 October 2025 at 03:22

Hegseth’s first dismissal with a chosen successor

Politico | Defense

By: By Paul McLeary

25 October 2025 at 03:22

The Defense secretary’s decision to place his senior military aide in a top Army post represents a new front in his efforts to overhaul the Pentagon.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth speaks at an event to mark the upcoming Marine Corps' 250th anniversary on Oct 18, 2025, in Camp Pendleton, California.

Politico | Defense
Trump orders US carrier strike group to Caribbean
25 October 2025 at 01:05

Trump orders US carrier strike group to Caribbean

Politico | Defense

By: By Paul McLeary

25 October 2025 at 01:05

The move is a major escalation of warships in the region.

Politico | Defense
Hegseth warns of ‘costs on Russia’ in latest sign of shifting US stance
16 October 2025 at 00:58

Hegseth warns of ‘costs on Russia’ in latest sign of shifting US stance

Politico | Defense

By: By Paul McLeary and Victor Jack

16 October 2025 at 00:58

The Defense secretary spoke before a meeting of European defense leaders that he has skipped in the past.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth speaks with Britain's Defense Secretary John Healey during a meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group at NATO headquarters in Brussels on Oct. 15, 2025.

Politico | Defense
Hegseth’s firing of Navy official compounds ‘culture of fear’ inside Pentagon
9 October 2025 at 17:00

Hegseth’s firing of Navy official compounds ‘culture of fear’ inside Pentagon

Politico | Defense

By: By Paul McLeary and Daniel Lippman

9 October 2025 at 17:00

“It’s better just to keep your head down,” said one senior defense official.

There is an emerging “culture of fear; there’s a culture of intimidation and retaliation,” said a senior defense official.

Politico | Defense
Hegseth uses rare meeting of generals to announce new military standards
30 September 2025 at 22:09

Hegseth uses rare meeting of generals to announce new military standards

Politico | Defense

By: By Paul McLeary and Jack Detsch

30 September 2025 at 22:09

He warned commanders who don’t support the changes could leave the service.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth speaks to senior military leaders on Sept. 30, 2025 ,in Quantico, Virginia.

Politico | Defense
Hegseth’s mysterious meeting with generals will focus on grooming and warrior ethos
27 September 2025 at 03:55

Hegseth’s mysterious meeting with generals will focus on grooming and warrior ethos

Politico | Defense

By: By Paul McLeary

27 September 2025 at 03:55

The event, which will draw top brass from around the world, will function as a pep rally of sorts.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth speaks to reporters at the Pentagon on July 16, 2025.

Politico | Defense
Trump bills Hegseth’s unusual meeting with generals as a friendly meet-up
26 September 2025 at 06:51

Trump bills Hegseth’s unusual meeting with generals as a friendly meet-up

Politico | Defense

By: By Paul McLeary

26 September 2025 at 06:51

The Defense secretary demanded hundreds of top officials come to a base near Washington next week but did not say why.

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

Politico | Defense
Hegseth axes panel that encourages women to enter military
24 September 2025 at 02:26

Hegseth axes panel that encourages women to enter military

Politico | Defense

By: By Paul McLeary

24 September 2025 at 02:26

The advisory committee, which has existed for nearly a century, advances “a divisive feminist agenda,” a Pentagon spokesperson said.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth speaks during the POW/MIA National Recognition Day Ceremony at the Pentagon on Sept. 19, 2025.

Politico | Defense
Pentagon, amid media clampdown, codifies restrictions on think tank events
23 September 2025 at 06:56

Pentagon, amid media clampdown, codifies restrictions on think tank events

Politico | Defense

By: By Paul McLeary， Jack Detsch and Joe Gould

23 September 2025 at 06:56

A new memo further limits what military officials can say at public events.

The directive is the latest in a series of actions by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to shutter the Pentagon from public view.

Politico | Defense
Trump says US ‘trying’ to get Bagram airbase back
19 September 2025 at 00:20

Trump says US ‘trying’ to get Bagram airbase back

Politico | Defense

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.

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.

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
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
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.

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