Policy

Trump Wants to Overhaul Federal IT, But He’s Missing the People Who Could Help

Trump’s prepping big plans to modernize and secure government technology, but he’ll need government’s buy in to get it done.

Ideas

How Will Trump Get Us From Tomahawks to the Peace Table?

Trump called for an end to Syrian bloodshed. Tillerson was unprepared in Moscow to say how. But all roads still lead through Geneva.

Policy

It’s Too Early to See a ‘Trump Effect’ on NATO Spending

The U.S. president's rhetoric may have allies talking about their growing defense spending, but it won’t affect most budget proposals for months.

Policy

Trump Ends Federal Hiring Freeze, but Workforce Cuts Loom

In issuing guidance for reductions, OMB director tells feds not to focus on who will be fired.

Threats

‘No Doubt’ Syria Behind Chemical Attack, Mattis Says

And Trump’s rush order for a counter-ISIS plan, remains just a “skeleton,” Mattis said. "It's going to take time."

Ideas

Easy There, Blob. With Obama, We Faced A Different Syria

Four years ago, everything was different in Syria. I support these strikes, but two of our worries remain the same: escalation and loss of control.

Ideas

‘It Was High Time’

The right move, if the wrong president, for Obama's internal critics who wanted air strikes in Syria for three years.

Policy

Trump's Defense Hike Would Violate Budget Law, Congress' Analysts Confirm

An April 3 report by the Congressional Research Service says the White House’s draft 2018 request does not comply with the $549 billion cap.

Policy

The US Air Force Is Reorganizing to Fight in Space

After a scathing report, service leaders are creating a three-star czar to oversee orbital warfare.

Policy

‘General Flynn Certainly Has a Story to Tell’

The former national-security adviser has asked congressional committees and the FBI for immunity in exchange for his testimony, The Wall Street Journal reports.

Policy

Comey on the Political Firestorms His Decisions Stoke: ‘Honestly, I Don’t Care’

The FBI director talks about making hard choices and the bureau’s future at intel contractor gathering.

Policy

Would Better Messaging Help the Military Boost Its Budget?

Even if Pentagon leaders clarified their ‘readiness’ warnings, they’d still face an uphill battle for more funding in 2017.

Policy

What One Joint Chief Of Staff Thinks of Trump

Do the generals have too much influence? I asked the U.S. Air Force’s top military leader.

Policy

Once Stealthy, Russian Hackers Now Go Toe to Toe with US Defenders

Once wary of being spotted, Russian government hackers now battle with their U.S. adversaries.

Ideas

When the House of Trump Met the House of Saud

The Saudi and Trump families looked cozy in their first state visit, but beneath the gilded surface, don’t expect much to change in U.S.-Saudi relations.

Policy

GOP Lawmaker to FBI: Stop the Leaks in Russia Probe or Lose A Key Surveillance Tool

After top cop confirms investigating the Trump campaign, a House member threatens to hold investigatory powers hostage.

Policy

Trump Picks ‘Mr. Fix-It’ to Run Daily Ops at Pentagon

Patrick Shanahan’s missile-defense background could prove important in a Trump administration.

Policy

Trump Budget Would Abolish 19 Agencies, Cut Thousands of Federal Jobs

State and EPA hit hardest; performance plan would “untie” managers’ hands.

Policy

Trump Advisor Promises A Plan to Improve Federal Network Security

A top homeland security adviser says “bureaucrats” will be held accountable for breaches and other problems.