Policy
Trump fires multiple agency inspectors general—without proper notice, watchdogs say
At least a dozen were removed, including the IGs for the departments of Defense, State, and Energy, the Washington Post reported.
Policy
Hegseth confirmed as defense secretary in tie-breaker vote
The controversial Pentagon chief has pledged to be “laser-focused on warfighting.”
Policy
Memo details DOD's 10-day social-media pause
Border-related posts are excepted during the hiatus, which will be used to “refocus communications” around Trump’s priorities, the memo says.
Threats
Hegseth said he settled sexual assault accusation for $50,000
The 2020 settlement by Trump’s pick to lead the Pentagon was revealed in response to Sen. Warren’s confirmation questions.
Policy
Pentagon, agencies must end telework, remote work in 30 days, OPM says
There are exceptions for military spouses and employees with disabilities in the policy, which DOGE leaders have touted as a way to shrink the federal civilian workforce.
Policy
Trump repeals protections for transgender service members
Inauguration-day move clears way to limit their right to serve.
Ideas
Trump wants a faster security clearance process, too
But can he avoid politicizing it? On Day One, he stripped clearances from people he doesn't like and created a temporary end-run for people he does.
Policy
Everything Trump said about national security on Day 1
From reclaiming the Panama Canal to border security, President Donald Trump’s inauguration speech touched on a variety of military-related issues.
Policy
Acting chiefs named for national-security agencies
The new president has tapped career federal executives to serve until his own picks can be approved.
Business
For Trump and Musk, reforming how the Pentagon works is possible—but not easy
Fixing Pentagon acquisition will take confronting Congress, officials say.
Policy
Defense One Radio, Ep. 171: SecDef Austin’s last trip to Europe
Patrick Tucker describes a Defense Department in transition as Russia's Ukraine invasion approaches the four-year mark.
Defense Systems
Is bad data to blame for missing weapons parts?
The Army, Defense Logistics Agency, and Pentagon are working to make data-sharing easier and improve supply-chain woes.
Policy
Reported Trump ‘loyalty tests’ for national-security officials draw criticism
If career employees are removed from the National Security Council, they would return to their home agencies, but the top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee has expressed concern.
Business
Bigger, higher, cheaper: Space startup looks beyond LEO
The Pentagon’s former space policy chief joins LA-based K2 Space.
Policy
‘I know what I don’t know,’ SecDef pick says at confirmation hearing
Hegseth faced questions about his inexperience and fitness as a leader.
Science & Tech