Policy
Ready, slash, aim: USAID-State merger proceeding without key plans, IG finds
State set hiring goals without a strategy, began the merger without finishing the plan, and is slated to dismiss an oversight board before the effort is complete, the inspector general found.
Policy
What will DOD civilians do at the border? The Pentagon won’t say.
The Defense Department declined to provide any details on Monday’s order to provide support to DHS.
Policy
Despite Golden Dome, Space Force budget would shrink again under 2026 spending plan
The White House appears to be pinning its hopes on the one-time reconciliation bill.
Policy
Pentagon won’t say how many civilians have left since February
The department has used a mix of layoffs and voluntary resignations to cut workforce.
Business
Pentagon pushes US dronemakers to innovate as quickly as Ukraine does
DIU’s Project GI initiative aims to embed frontline insights into a perpetual loop of design, testing, and deployment.
Policy
2026 budget proposal would axe one-third of CISA workforce
The White House spending proposal would cut nearly 1,000 jobs at the nation’s lead civilian cyber agency, and reduce funding for related cyber and intel programs.
Science & Tech
INDOPACOM brings AI to wargaming exercise
After nearly half a year of focusing on new tech, commanders get to pit decision-making tools against operational plans.
Science & Tech
Army scrambles to improve drone training
One unit created its own virtual trainer with software used by Ukrainian troops.
Threats
'The federal government is gone': Under Trump, fighting extremist violence is up to the states
Security officials and extremism researchers say federal coordination for preventing terrorism and targeted violence has evaporated.
Threats
Air Force Reserve faces steep fighter cuts, uncertain future
Plan to eliminate multiple squadrons “takes us out of the fight,” the Reserve’s top general said in a Pentagon interview.
Threats
AFRICOM asks for help deterring terrorism, after Trump pulls aid to allied countries
Groups like al-Shabaab see USAID withdrawal as an opportunity.
Policy
New plans detail State Department layoffs and changes
National-security offices and units that cover Asia and the Middle East will be consolidated or slashed as thousands of employees are laid off.
Policy
Pentagon aims to save money by reducing consulting contracts
SecDef Hegseth says DOD personnel should take over “system IT integration, implementation, or advisory services"—but the military's own IT agency is also bracing for cuts.
Policy
Hegseth halves staff of Pentagon’s testing-oversight office
The move may reduce the quality of DOT&E’s second opinions, but may not affect safety, former officials said.
Business