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As resistance mounts, Trump reaches for a familiar shield: national security

As resistance mounts, Trump reaches for a familiar shield: national security

By Nandita Bose and Joseph Ax WASHINGTON, Sept 22 (Reuters) - As President Donald Trump's agenda has increasingly encountered resistance, he has turned to a familiar strategy: invoking national security.

Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao Leads Wartime Efforts and Maritime Restoration Amidst Congressional Nomination Process

Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao Leads Wartime Efforts and Maritime Restoration Amidst Congressional Nomination Process

Hung Cao is currently serving as the Acting Secretary of the Navy, having assumed the role on April 22. His nomination by President Trump to become the 80th Secretary of the Navy was formally transmitted to the Senate on September 14. Cao's tenure as Acting Secretary has coincided with U.S. forces conducting combat operations against Iran in 'Operation Epic Fury,' which includes a naval blockade of Iranian ports and other combat activities. During this period, Cao has focused on maintaining combat power at sea, replacing expended weapons, and sustaining Sailors and Marines. His priorities, as stated to the Senate Armed Services Committee, include taking care of service members, advancing shipbuilding, and defending the homeland. The fiscal year 2027 Shipbuilding Plan, defended by Cao, emphasizes disciplined execution, expanding shipyard and workforce capacity, revitalizing the industrial base, and reforming acquisition processes. He has also made key leadership appointments, including William Toti as Under...

President Trump's Approval Rating Hits Career Low Amid Economic Concerns and Iran War

President Trump's Approval Rating Hits Career Low Amid Economic Concerns and Iran War

President Trump's approval rating has fallen to 32%, marking the lowest point of his political career, according to a recent Reuters/Ipsos poll. This represents a three-point drop from the previous week's poll. The survey, conducted over four days and involving 1,277 U.S. adults, indicates widespread dissatisfaction with the President's performance. A significant factor contributing to this decline is the public's perception of his handling of the cost of living, with only 17% of respondents approving of his approach to this issue. Furthermore, the ongoing war in Iran has also negatively impacted his approval, with only 34% of respondents approving of the strikes on Iran. This conflict has led to increased gasoline and diesel prices, further exacerbating concerns about the cost of living. Even among Republicans, support for President Trump has decreased, with 73% approving of his job performance, a nine-percentage-point drop from the previous week. For the first time, a majority of Republicans (51%) disapp...

Jake and Logan Paul Visit Pentagon, Sparking Debate on Influencer Engagement with Military

Jake and Logan Paul Visit Pentagon, Sparking Debate on Influencer Engagement with Military

Internet influencers and professional boxers Jake Paul and his brother Logan Paul visited the Pentagon in September 2026. During their visit, they met with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and addressed military personnel. This engagement generated considerable discussion and criticism from some who questioned the appropriateness of having social media personalities speak to service members. Despite the backlash, Jake Paul publicly defended his actions on social media, asserting his dedication to supporting Americans and highlighting the opportunities available through the American Dream. The visit aimed to connect with military members, though the choice of speakers led to varied reactions regarding the intersection of celebrity influence and military outreach.

Senate Armed Services Committee to Address Pentagon's FY2026 Budget Crisis

Senate Armed Services Committee to Address Pentagon's FY2026 Budget Crisis

The Senate Armed Services Committee is scheduled to hold a closed hearing on September 24 to examine an update on the Department of Defense's budget. Chaired by Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS) with Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) as Ranking Member, the hearing will address the Pentagon's ongoing fiscal crisis. This crisis stems from structural pressures throughout the year, including a July request by the Pentagon to reallocate approximately $4.3 billion from fiscal year 2026 funds. This reallocation was intended to cover higher-than-expected personnel and operational costs globally, shifting funds away from weapons and technology programs. The Pentagon is grappling with mounting FY2026 operational costs and limited options to cover them, as Congress races to pass fiscal year 2027 funding before October 1.

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth Hosts Logan and Jake Paul at Pentagon

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth Hosts Logan and Jake Paul at Pentagon

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth recently hosted internet personalities and boxers Logan and Jake Paul at the Pentagon. The brothers were given a tour of the premises, including a visit to the 9/11 memorial, and delivered a speech to military personnel and civil staff. The Department of Defense released a video of the visit, which featured dramatic music and showed the Paul brothers interacting with military members and Hegseth. During their visit, Logan Paul emphasized the commitment and sacrifice of those who serve their country. Jake Paul also met with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who praised Jake's journey from content creator to entrepreneur and professional boxer as a distinctly American story. This event follows a trend of combat sports figures, often associated with President Trump, engaging with government officials and institutions.

Trump at UN: Threats, diplomacy and 'super intelligence'

Trump at UN: Threats, diplomacy and 'super intelligence'

UNITED NATIONS, Sept 22 (Reuters) - President Donald Trump used his address to the UN General Assembly on Tuesday to defend the US-Israeli campaign against Iran while laying out his foreign policy priorities. Here are the major issues he addressed in a 37-minute speech: * IRAN.

Trump in address to world leaders at UN defends his decision to start war against Iran

Trump in address to world leaders at UN defends his decision to start war against Iran

President Donald Trump is addressing the U.N. General Assembly at a challenging moment for the world and his presidency

Senators Demand Transparency from Secretary Hegseth on Iran War Costs and Strategy

Senators Demand Transparency from Secretary Hegseth on Iran War Costs and Strategy

Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), and a bipartisan group of their colleagues, including Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), have sent a letter to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth demanding a comprehensive accounting of the costs associated with the ongoing war with Iran. The senators criticized the Department of Defense for withholding crucial budget information from Congress and the American public, despite increasing U.S. casualties and taxpayer expenses. The letter highlights that the conflict, which President Trump initially stated would last six weeks, has now extended beyond six months, resulting in 18 American servicemember deaths and over 820 wounded. More than 50,000 troops are currently deployed to the Middle East, with deployments repeatedly extended, causing concern among military families. The senators also pointed out that American taxpayers have incurred an additional $100 billion in higher gas and diesel prices and at least $60 billion in increased costs for groceries, mortgages,...

Representative Thomas Massie Introduces Impeachment Articles Against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth Over Iran War Handling

Representative Thomas Massie Introduces Impeachment Articles Against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth Over Iran War Handling

U.S. Representative Thomas Massie, a Republican from Kentucky, has introduced eight articles of impeachment against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The impeachment effort stems from Hegseth's handling of the war with Iran. Massie's resolution carries special procedural powers, which initiated a legislative clock requiring GOP leaders to schedule a vote on the matter. However, reports indicate that Republicans have found a way to postpone this vote by sending members home early for a seven-week campaigning recess ahead of the midterm elections, pushing the vote until after November. Massie has been a vocal critic of the Trump administration and previously lost his re-election bid to a candidate backed by President Trump. He asserts that Hegseth has demonstrated actions grossly incompatible with his duties and the rule of law, posing a threat to the Constitution.

U.S. Troop Deaths in Iran War Exceed Pentagon's Public Count, Washington Post Reports

U.S. Troop Deaths in Iran War Exceed Pentagon's Public Count, Washington Post Reports

The Washington Post reported on Friday that the number of U.S. troop deaths during the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran has exceeded the Pentagon's publicly disclosed count by at least four. Citing five unidentified officials, the newspaper stated that there have been a minimum of 22 military fatalities, which is four more than the figures available in the Pentagon's public database. The report also indicated, through another unidentified official, that not all of these undisclosed deaths were directly linked to the months-long conflict but involved U.S. personnel stationed in the Middle East amidst ongoing hostilities. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth publicly denied the report on X, calling it "a complete LIE." The Washington Post noted that the Pentagon declined to address its inquiries regarding the discrepancy in casualty accounting.

Over 130 Airmen and Guardians Rejoin Service After COVID-19 Vaccine Refusal

Over 130 Airmen and Guardians Rejoin Service After COVID-19 Vaccine Refusal

More than 130 Airmen and Guardians have returned to active service in the U.S. Air Force and Space Force after previously leaving due to their refusal to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. This development follows a concerted effort by the Pentagon, initiated under President Trump's administration in January 2025, to reinstate service members who departed because of the vaccine mandate. Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Manpower and Reserve Affairs, Richard Anderson, stated that as of September 15, 2026, 137 individuals had applied for reinstatement, with 48 accepted, and an additional 86 returning through the reaccession process, totaling 134 service members. The Department of the Air Force reported in December 2022 that 97.6 percent of its 490,000 members were fully vaccinated before the mandate was lifted by Congress, leaving approximately 11,700 unvaccinated. The Pentagon has extended the application deadline for returnees until April 2027 and reduced the minimum service obligation from four years to...