Policy

Donald Trump Won’t Attend Biden’s Inauguration. So How Will He Leave Washington?

The timing of the departure has numerous logistical implications, including the plane’s call sign.

Policy

Pelosi Calls Milley To Discuss Keeping Nukes From Trump

The House Speaker's public revelation of the call may have been intended to pressure members of Trump’s cabinet to invoke the 25th Amendment.

Ideas

How Will Biden’s Pentagon Handle Extreme Right-Wing Media?

The Capitol riot was just the latest tell for propaganda outlets masquerading as newsrooms.

Ideas

‘Once You Engage in Political Violence, It Becomes Easier to Do It Again’

A conversation with Ore Koren, a scholar of civil conflict and political violence.

Ideas

This is Not a Coup

The mob riot on the Capitol Building was disgusting, violent, and deadly. It’s still not a coup. And that matters.

Threats

Right-Wing Extremists Storm US Capitol

Tear gas in the Rotunda after Trump-incited insurrectionists overwhelm Capitol Police, disrupt election certification.

Ideas

Senate Joins House in Overriding Trump’s NDAA Veto

Congress’ rejection of the veto—the first in Trump’s presidency—comes during his final days in office.

Policy

House Votes to Override Trump’s Defense Authorization Veto

On Tuesday, the Senate could overturn a veto for the first time in Trump's presidency.

Ideas

Trump Signs Omnibus and COVID Relief Bill, Averting a Shutdown

After days of bluster and veto threats, the president signed the $1.4 trillion bill into law.

Policy

Trump Vetoes Defense Authorization Bill

For the Confederacy, conservative speech, and the desire to bring troops home, Trump rejected the $700 billion NDAA at the last minute before Washington breaks for Christmas.

Threats

Acting SecDef Miller Visits Troops in Afghanistan

Trump's designee returned 19 years after serving here, this time to oversee a controversial order to rush troops out before Joe Biden is sworn in.

Science & Tech

Amid Massive Hack, Lawmakers Urge Trump to Sign Defense Bill with New Cybersecurity Legislation

As the government scrambles to understand the widening compromise, legislation to shore up the nation’s cyber defenses sits unsigned on the President’s desk.

Threats

Milley Meets With Taliban In Fragile Peace Negotiations

The Joint Chiefs chairman's meeting comes at a profound moment of uncertainty for the U.S.-brokered talks on Afghanistan.

Ideas

Keep Politics Out of National-Security Advisory Boards

Trump’s appointment of loyalists to a DOD board sets a dangerous precedent.

Threats

NATO Gears Up for Biden, Big Decisions on Afghanistan, China

“We are faced with a very hard and difficult dilemma,” NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said in an exclusive interview.

Ideas

Confirm Austin, But Retire Milley

We’ve seen the harm that comes when the Pentagon’s civilian and military chiefs are too closely aligned.

Ideas

Biden’s First Move on Nuclear Weapons

When Putin calls to congratulate the new U.S. president, Biden should seize the opportunity.

Exclusive Policy

White House Shipbuilding Plan Would Shrink Ford Carrier Class Over Navy Objections

Critics say the bulked-up fleet plan would cut dangerously into Army, Air Force budgets — if Congress and the Biden administration followed it.

Ideas

This Is No Job for a General

President-elect Joe Biden should choose a civilian to lead his Department of Defense.