Republicans fear Hegseth’s Democrat brushoff could backfire
GOP lawmakers are urging the Pentagon to change course, or risk alienating Democrats whose votes could prove critical for a record-breaking defense budget.
Defense
Hegseth can’t persuade Republicans to back his big budget
Senators are leaving town no closer to enacting the crown jewel of the Defense secretary’s agenda.
Pentagon policy chief can’t get invited to Beijing
Anger over U.S. arms sales to Taiwan appears to have played a role in China’s decision.
Pentagon ends leadership of Ukraine aid group as US distances from Europe
The move follows numerous changes the Trump administration has made to the decades-old alliance.
Senate Dems see momentum despite repeat losses on Iran war votes
At least one Republican, Sen. Thom Tillis, has said he will reconsider his stance in September if the war continues.
Hegseth is the new Dem campaign trail villain
The Defense secretary’s public persona and controversial decisions make him an easy, highly visible target for aspiring lawmakers.
US launches strikes on Iran in retaliation for failed attack on American troops
The Pentagon said Tuesday that it successfully intercepted an Iranian missile attack on U.S. forces stationed in the Middle East.
Momentum shifts for Zelenskyy in Washington
Senators who attended a closed-door meeting with the Ukrainian leader said his pitch is starting to have an impact.
Iran launched ‘attempted surprise attack’ on US forces, CENTCOM says
The two countries have returned to open conflict after a temporary peace framework collapsed earlier this month.
Allies shrug as US pushes for Strait of Hormuz patrol
The Trump administration is urging the U.K. and France to lead a naval coalition to secure the strait, but allies want to see a ceasefire first.