Dems demand military investigation into Qatar’s plane gift to Trump
Lawmakers worry the expensive gift could create financial and legal issues for the Defense Department.
Congress
Trump requests $892.6 billion base defense budget, a real-terms cut
The administration framed the budget as a 13% increase, but that includes a spending package Congress has yet to pass.
Pentagon seeks drone-killing technology that’s safe for civilians
Low-collateral systems can take out drone threats in highly populated areas without major impacts on the environment and, critically, civilians.
GOP funding boost targets Golden Dome, high-tech fighters and ships
The House Armed Services Committee will debate the package Tuesday and House Republicans expect to pass the bill in May.
White House defends Hegseth amid new Signal accusation, staff overhaul
President Donald Trump on Monday defended his embattled defense secretary, saying he's pleased with his leadership thus far.
US Forces Korea commander defends troop levels amid talk of cuts
About 28,500 U.S. troops are stationed in South Korea, but the White House is considering changes to that military footprint.
Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll tapped as acting head of ATF operations
In an unusual move, Daniel Driscoll will serve in Defense Department and Justice Department leadership roles.
Senate confirms Trump’s nominee for top Pentagon policy job
The vote for Elbridge Colby on Tuesday was 54-45, with Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky as the only Republican voting against him.
Trump promises $1 trillion in defense spending for next year
Trump's plan for a huge increase in defense spending next fiscal year would mean billions more for equipment and training.
Trump fires 4-star general heading NSA, US Cyber Command
Gen. Tim Haugh had served as director of the National Security Agency and headed U.S. Cyber Command since 2023.
Watchdog to investigate Hegseth’s sharing of airstrike info on Signal
The Defense Inspector General's Office will look into whether the defense secretary improperly shared sensitive information on the commercial app.
Senators request inquiry into military secrets shared on Signal app
Republican and Democratic leaders on the Senate Armed Services Committee are requesting a formal investigation into the Signal chat scandal.
‘Obviously classified’: Experts say Hegseth chat leaks invited danger
Former U.S. defense officials said the unsecured messaging chain could have jeopardized the operation and put American lives at risk.
White House, DOD deny that Hegseth leaked military secrets in chat app
Administration officials acknowledged that top leaders used a non-government group chat to coordinate ahead of military airstrikes in Yemen.
Top Trump officials accidentally shared war plans with media
Hegseth reportedly assured chat participants that “we are currently clean on OPSEC” despite the accidental inclusion of a journalist.
Republicans offer defense spending tips after punting on a budget
“Good luck getting DoD to adhere to this," one analyst said of lawmakers' attempts to influence defense spending.
GOP leaders warn Trump not to abandon NATO post, Pacific buildup plans
Republican leaders are concerned about rumored plans to scale back American military involvement in Europe and Japan.
