Trump threatens Russia with tariffs and boosts US weapons for Ukraine
Trump said European allies would buy “billions and billions” of dollars of U.S. military equipment to be transferred to Ukraine.
Pentagon & Congress
Pentagon yanks speakers from Aspen Security Forum, blasts its values
Nearly a dozen top generals and defense officials were scheduled to speak at the forum, which begins Tuesday.
Lawmakers back White House FY26 plans for more troops, 3.8% pay hike
The military's active-duty end strength would grow by about 26,000 troops next year under plans being considered in the House and Senate.
House panel to mark up annual defense authorization bill this week
Defense and veterans hearings on Capitol Hill for the week of July 14, 2025.
Iran hit dome on US air base in Qatar in June attack: Report
The Pentagon has acknowledged that an Iranian ballistic missile hit Al Udeid Air Base in June during an Iranian attack after Trump downplayed the assault.
Appeals court throws out plea deal for alleged 9/11 mastermind
Friday's decision undoes an attempt to wrap up more than two decades of military prosecution beset by legal and logistical troubles.
Proposed Senate defense bill would add $500M in long-term Ukraine aid
The Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative is one of two main ways the Pentagon has provided military support to Ukraine over the last three years.
US is selling weapons to NATO allies to give to Ukraine, Trump says
After a pause in some weapons shipment, U.S. officials said this week that 155 mm munitions and precision-guided rockets were on their way.
Delays in Navy’s next-gen submarine threaten US seapower, report says
The delay could have an impact on the country's warfighting capabilities and ability to maintain undersea superiority, a new report to Congress says.
US commander says China has failed to coerce rivals in South China Sea
Adm. Stephen Koehler gave assurances of U.S. commitment to help defend freedom of passage and the rule of law in the Indo-Pacific region.
Hegseth calls for extensive reforms to Pentagon drone-buying practices
The memo directs the military services to create active duty formations by September, built for the sole purpose of scaling the use of drones across DOD.
USS Michael Monsoor arrives in Japan for port visit
The stealth destroyer is slated to be upgraded with a hypersonic missile system that the Navy plans to field by the mid-2020s, the service said.
US resumes sending some weapons to Ukraine after Pentagon pause
The defense secretary directed the pause last week to allow DOD to assess its weapons stockpiles, in a move that caught the White House by surprise.
Navy spouse sues base officials over free speech after Facebook ban
A military spouse alleges his First Amendment rights were violated when officials banned him from the Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay’s Facebook page.
Trump’s tariffs may overshadow Rubio’s first official trip to Asia
Rubio is visiting Malaysia as the U.S. seeks to boost relations with Indo-Pacific nations to counter China’s growing influence in the region.
New aircraft carriers face years of delivery delays
Delivery of the Navy's next Ford-class aircraft carrier, the John F. Kennedy, was delayed two more years to 2027, budget documents show.
Trump caught off guard by DOD pause on Ukraine arms deliveries: Report
Trump’s decision to send more defensive weapons to Ukraine came after he privately expressed frustration over DOD's pause, The Associated Press reported.
