Threats
Putin allies wishcast nuclear war, America in crisis, and real-estate deals
On Wednesday, they met at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum as smoke from Ukrainian drone attacks rose across the city.
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 strips civil-service protections from thousands of feds
Defense, State, DHS positions among those converted to at-will jobs.
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If William Pulte's appointment is not rescinded, Senate Democrats say, it could sink an extension of FISA Section 702.
Breaking News
Policy
Trump signs business-friendlier version of AI executive order
The order asks for just a month of pre-publication access to advanced models, not the 90 days of an earlier draft.
Breaking News
Policy
Trump appoints housing official to be acting director of national intelligence
William Pulte, who lacks experience in intelligence, will retain his current post, where he has launched investigations into the president’s political foes.
Policy
OPM proposes requiring all feds to sign an NDA
Experts warned the measure, when combined with the federal HR agency’s new power to target employees’ suitability for federal employment, creates a new pathway for Trump administration officials to purge those deemed insufficiently loyal to the president.
Policy
Gabbard to resign as director of national intelligence, citing husband’s health
Her exit marks the end of a 16-month tenure overseeing the nation’s spy agencies.
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.
Ideas
Why the Iran war is breaking the US‑European strategic alliance
The continent is learning that it must not count on Washington.
Threats
USAID’s abrupt shutdown increased violence in Africa, study shows
Such shocks motivate armed groups in ways well-planned aid reductions do not.
Ideas
Taiwan is a ‘model ally,’ not trade bait
Trading the island’s security for rhetoric from Beijing would be a strategic blunder of historic proportions.
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.
Threats
CISA's sharp reductions in election-security assistance could leave midterms vulnerable, senator says
Sen. Warner says state and local officials report getting less training, intelligence, and cybersecurity help.
Ideas
Why the War Powers Resolution deadline doesn’t actually constrain presidents
The "60‑day deadline" has a complex history.
Policy
Cyberattacks are now part of US counterterrorism strategy
The White House says it's trying to deter foreign hackers.
Threats
US escort of ships through Hormuz is a ‘gift to the world,’ Hegseth says
But secretary says the escorts are temporary, and the world should “step up.”
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.
Ideas
Trump’s assumptions are running his Iran policy aground—again
His blunders underscore the importance of a vigorous interagency process.
Threats