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House is voting on a defense bill to raise troop pay and overhaul weapons purchases

House is voting on a defense bill to raise troop pay and overhaul weapons purchases

The House is headed toward a final vote on a sweeping defense bill that authorizes $900 billion in military programs

Trump Administration to Implement Social Media Scrutiny for Foreign Visitors

Trump Administration to Implement Social Media Scrutiny for Foreign Visitors

The Trump administration is set to introduce a new requirement for travelers from over 42 countries, mandating the submission of their social media activity from the past five years as part of the electronic travel authorization process. This proposal, filed by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, aims to enhance the vetting process for visitors who can stay in the U.S. for up to 90 days without a visa. The new rule is expected to take effect early next year, coinciding with the influx of international visitors for the World Cup soccer matches. Currently, applicants from visa waiver countries must provide basic contact information and pay a $40 fee. The proposed changes will expand the information required to include personal and business phone numbers, email addresses used in the last decade, and details of immediate family members.

Admiral Holsey Briefs Lawmakers Amid Controversy Over Caribbean Military Strike

Admiral Holsey Briefs Lawmakers Amid Controversy Over Caribbean Military Strike

Admiral Alvin Holsey, recently ousted as the top U.S. military commander overseeing operations in Latin America, has privately briefed lawmakers about a controversial military strike in the Caribbean Sea. The briefing, involving key members of the Senate and House Armed Services Committees, comes amid calls for transparency regarding the September 2 boat strike, which resulted in the deaths of two individuals. The incident has raised questions about the legality of military actions in the region, prompting a bipartisan inquiry.

Analysis-Contrasting views of Russia show deepening Republican split over foreign policy

Analysis-Contrasting views of Russia show deepening Republican split over foreign policy

By Jonathan Landay and Patricia Zengerle WASHINGTON, Dec 11 (Reuters) - In the past week, President Donald Trump and senior Republican lawmakers have presented starkly different views of a top U.S. national security challenge: Russia, its war in Ukraine and the threat it poses to Europe and the

Pentagon Fails to Investigate Hegseth's Signal Disclosure, Raises Security Concerns

Pentagon Fails to Investigate Hegseth's Signal Disclosure, Raises Security Concerns

The Pentagon has not conducted a routine investigation into Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's unauthorized disclosure of sensitive military information via Signal, a messaging app. This decision has raised concerns about potential national security risks, as the information shared included details about military operations targeting Houthi rebels in Yemen. Despite the Pentagon Inspector General's report indicating that Hegseth's actions violated Department of Defense regulations, no damage assessment was initiated. This lack of action is attributed to Hegseth's refusal to authorize an investigation, focusing instead on identifying potential leakers within his staff.

House Approves Defense Bill Demanding Release of Military Strike Evidence

House Approves Defense Bill Demanding Release of Military Strike Evidence

The U.S. House of Representatives has passed a defense policy bill that seeks to compel the release of video evidence related to a controversial military strike. The bill, which passed with a vote of 312 to 112, aims to withhold 25% of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's travel budget until he discloses orders for military operations and releases unedited videos of these actions. This includes a specific incident on September 2, where a military strike killed 11 people, including two survivors of an initial attack on a suspected drug smuggling vessel. The bill also addresses broader defense reforms and renews security aid programs to Ukraine and the Baltic nations.

President Trump Clarifies Stance on Releasing Sept. 2 Boat Strikes Video

President Trump Clarifies Stance on Releasing Sept. 2 Boat Strikes Video

President Trump has clarified his position regarding the release of the remaining video footage of the September 2 boat strikes near Venezuela. Initially, there was some confusion about whether the footage would be made public. President Trump stated that the decision to release the video rests with Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. This development follows previous discussions about the incident, which involved U.S. military actions in the region. The boat strikes have been a point of contention, with various stakeholders interested in the transparency and implications of the military engagement.

Pentagon Required to Justify Future JAG Firings Under New NDAA Provision

Pentagon Required to Justify Future JAG Firings Under New NDAA Provision

A new provision in the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) mandates that the Secretary of Defense must provide Congress with notice and justification for the removal of top Judge Advocate Generals (JAGs) from the Army, Navy, and Air Force. This legislative change follows the controversial dismissal of top JAGs by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in February 2025, which he justified by labeling them as 'roadblocks to orders given by a commander in chief.' The provision, introduced by Senator Elizabeth Warren, aims to ensure transparency and accountability in the removal process of these key legal advisors. The NDAA provision requires that the Secretary of Defense submit a notice and reason for the removal to the Senate and House Armed Services Committees within five days of the dismissal. This move is seen as a response to growing concerns within the national-security legal community about the potential disregard for military legal guidance.

President Trump Denies Previous Statement on Military Strike Video Release

President Trump Denies Previous Statement on Military Strike Video Release

President Donald Trump recently denied making a statement about the release of a video related to a U.S. military strike, despite having made the comment on camera five days earlier. The incident involved a September 2 military strike against a suspected drug-smuggling boat in the Caribbean. While the initial strike video was released, the follow-up strike video has not been made public, though it has been shown to Congress. On December 3, Trump indicated he had no issue with releasing the video to the public. However, when questioned by ABC News reporter Rachel Scott about this statement, Trump denied having made it, labeling the inquiry as 'fake news.' The exchange highlighted Trump's history of denying public statements and led to a contentious interaction with the reporter.

Congress Pushes for Release of Military Video in Drug Boat Strike

Congress Pushes for Release of Military Video in Drug Boat Strike

U.S. lawmakers are advancing legislation to compel Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to release an unedited military video of a September 2 strike on a suspected drug boat in the Caribbean. The strike resulted in the deaths of 11 people, and there are allegations that it may have violated international law. The proposed legislation includes a provision to cut Hegseth's travel budget by 25% if the video is not released. The House is expected to vote on the bill soon, with the Senate to follow by the end of the month.

Trump says survivors of scrutinized US strike were trying to right boat before 2nd missile was fired

Trump says survivors of scrutinized US strike were trying to right boat before 2nd missile was fired

President Donald Trump is justifying the U.S. military's decision to fire a second missile in a heavily scrutinized U.S. attack on a boat in the Caribbean Sea

Proposed Defense Bill Allocates $900.6 Billion for Military Spending in 2026

Proposed Defense Bill Allocates $900.6 Billion for Military Spending in 2026

The proposed National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year 2026 outlines $900.6 billion in discretionary defense spending, marking an $8 billion increase from the Pentagon's previous budget request. The bill supports key defense priorities, including the Golden Dome missile defense program and next-generation fighter jets. It also allocates significant funds for shipbuilding, munitions replenishment, and aircraft modernization. The NDAA does not include a proposed name change for the Department of Defense to the War Department, a preference of President Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.