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.
Ideas
The Problem With the SecDef Purity Test
You don’t want a general, a man, a war veteran — and everyone in the defense industry is evil?
Ideas
Congress Should Vote ‘No’ on Austin. It Likely Won’t.
It's hard to vote against a popular general. That's one reason why lawmakers barred the appointment of recently retired officers as defense secretary.
Policy
Biden Selects Retired Gen. Lloyd Austin for Defense Secretary, Reportedly
Austin, the last commander of the Iraq War, would be the nation's first Black defense secretary.
Exclusive
Policy
Trump Admin to Rename Two Bases for Space Force Over Military Objections
The Air Force had quietly agreed with Congress not to change anything until the NDAA settles a way forward on Confederate base names.
Ideas