Exclusive Policy

Hegseth memo calls for sweeping, open-ended review of Pentagon's legal system

It’s the secretary's latest unusual move toward DOD’s military and civilian lawyers.

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.”

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.

Defense Systems

Golden Dome plan would cost $1.2 trillion, CBO finds

That’s seven times what Trump initially said, and almost double the congressional office’s first estimate.

Ideas

The next president must reimagine, not just restore, the administrative state

Careful calibration—not chainsaws—can produce a government that solves problems instead of getting in the way.

Business

8 AI firms cleared to provide tools for classified Pentagon networks

The wide variety—which does not include Anthropic—is intended to prevent AI-vendor lock.

Threats

Admin mum on whether Trump will seek to legalize Iran war

The 60 days allowable by the War Powers Resolution is about to run out, but the defense secretary thinks a ceasefire has paused the clock.

Policy

Sixty days in, Pentagon estimates $25B spent on Iran war

The defense secretary and Joint Chiefs chairman appeared before Congress for the first time since strikes began Feb. 28.

Defense Systems

Pentagon adds Google’s latest model to GenAI.mil as usage soars

Users have built more than 100,000 AI agents using the generative-AI platform, officials said.

Business

DOD completes $1B investment in L3Harris missile unit

L3Harris Technologies is keeping an 80% stake in the solid-rocket-motor business, which is becoming a public company.

Policy

Autonomous weapons will be 'key part' of US warfare: Joint Chiefs chairman

Gen. Dan Caine said the Pentagon is looking at autonomous tech for drones and command-and-control, but lawmakers have questions.

Policy

Hegseth orders termination of DOD union contracts

Federal court orders protect some collective-bargaining groups, but members of the American Federation of Government Employees remain vulnerable.