Xi Jinping will skip UN ahead of Trump summit
Xi will forego an opportunity to speak at the U.N. General Assembly the same week that he’ll meet with President Donald Trump in Washington.
Defense
Top US Middle East commander visits long-deployed aircraft carrier
Adm. Adam Cooper met with those on board the Abraham Lincoln.
Trump has a plan to break China’s mineral grip. It needs workers first.
A White House spending pledge is no “quick fix” in reviving a worker-starved sector that’s key to challenging China’s global monopoly on critical minerals
Trump demands threaten Navy’s progress
The president’s interest in the service has brought it more attention but could also be its downfall.
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.
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.