Policy
Lawmakers demand answers about $620M Pentagon loan to firm tied to Trump Jr.
In a letter, a group of Democratic Congress members wrote that ProPublica’s reporting on the deal “reveals a staggering level of corruption and influence.”
Policy
Trump's choice of acting intel chief threatens fragile surveillance-powers deal
If William Pulte's appointment is not rescinded, Senate Democrats say, it could sink an extension of FISA Section 702.
Policy
New bill aims to regulate military uses of AI
Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand also wants to establish a clear chain of human accountability for AI on the battlefield.
Policy
Ready, fire, aim: Pentagon cut workforce with little analysis before or since
Defense officials concurred with GAO that lessons should be drawn—but gave no indication they will be.
Exclusive
Policy
Cyber Force? Senator pushes to create service branch under the Army
Ideas for a cyber service have been floated before. Some experts argue now is the right time.
Threats
Data brokers are helping enemies target US troops. The Pentagon must step up, lawmakers say
Commercial location data has been used to "target or surveil U.S. personnel in theater,” CENTCOM says.
Exclusive
Policy
Iran war needs an inspector general, senator notes
The law says an IG must be appointed when an “overseas contingency operation” surpasses 60 days.
Policy
House draft of defense policy bill leaves some of Trump admin’s top priorities unfunded
The draft bill doesn’t include reconciliation dollars.
Policy
HASC still waiting for updated E-7 Wedgetail funding request
‘We would like to see that budget amendment,” one senior staffer said.
Policy
Key Army efforts pinned to lawmakers’ taste for a new reconciliation bill
White House puts funding for munitions, industrial development in precedent-breaking request.
Defense Systems
F-35, F-15 may take A-10’s combat-search-and-rescue role: USAF chief
Warthog retirements have been delayed as officials look for a replacement platform.
Threats
‘Everybody is going underground’: CENTCOM head calls for new tech to hit buried targets
Adm. Brad Cooper was praised, and grilled, by lawmakers during his first HASC hearing.
Threats
HASC leader threatens Pentagon with ‘pain’ over canceled Europe deployment
Recent Trump-administration moves may drop troop presence below legal minimums.
Threats
Golden Dome defenders push back on $1.2T cost estimate
Program leader says CBO report based on Trump’s executive order doesn’t reflect current plans.
Defense Systems
In reversal, Hegseth now backs E-7 radar plane
SecDef says previous calls to cancel the program reflected a now-discarded ”divest-to-invest mindset.”
Defense Systems
Drone boats make debut in Navy’s 30-year shipbuilding plan
Service officials envision a 450-hull fleet by 2031.
Policy
Hegseth rethinking Army reforms, cuts to aviation
One year after launching the Army Transformation Initiative, SecDef says he's reviewing the to-do list.
Policy
Congress waits on Iran-war costs while mulling $1.5T defense request
The administration’s latest estimate is $29B, but the Defense Department hasn’t answered lawmakers’ requests for details.
Policy
‘It would be insane’ for spy agencies to lack early access to AI models, lawmaker says
Commerce Department should also have a role in AI policy, top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee says.
Defense Systems