Pete Hegseth

Four Army helicopters performed a low flyover for spectators in South Carolina on the Fourth of July, leading to their suspension by the state's National Guard. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth intervened to lift the suspension.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is pushing to tighten grooming and fitness standards for U.S. service members. The Pentagon is taking steps to address troops who fail to adhere to these standards.

America’s top military leaders under the Trump administration have adopted a cautious approach, focusing on tactical advice while avoiding geopolitical or ethical critiques of administration actions. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has dismissed over 20 generals and admirals, including respected officers, for perceived insufficient loyalty, promoting less experienced replacements instead.

Eight South Carolina National Guard helicopter pilots have been returned to flying duties after a temporary suspension following a July 4 event where Apache helicopters flew low over crowded beaches. The Pentagon confirmed the suspension was a non-punitive safety measure, and Republican officials including Governor Henry McMaster and Rep. Russell Fry supported the pilots, criticizing the suspension as unwarranted.

Eight South Carolina National Guard helicopter pilots have been reinstated to flying duties after a suspension over a low-flying maneuver during a July 4 event. The 'Salute from the Shore' event, which included Apache helicopters flying over crowded beaches, prompted a safety review, but the suspension was later clarified as a routine, non-punitive measure. The Pentagon lifted the suspension, and political figures including Rep. Russell Fry and Gov. Henry McMaster criticized the initial action.

Eight South Carolina National Guard helicopter pilots were reinstated to flying duties after a temporary suspension following a low-flying July 4 event honoring servicemembers. The 'Salute from the Shore' event, which included Apache helicopters and military aircraft, sparked safety concerns due to low-altitude flights over crowded beaches, prompting a review and political backlash from local Republicans.

Eight South Carolina National Guard helicopter pilots had their flying duties suspended after a low-flying maneuver over crowded beaches during a July 4 event and were later reinstated. The Pentagon lifted the suspension, calling it a 'routine, non-punitive safety measure.' Political figures, including Governor Henry McMaster and Rep. Russell Fry, defended the pilots, criticizing the suspension as unnecessary.

Brig. Gen. Eric Widmar, senior legal counsel to the Joint Chiefs of Staff, is resigning nearly a year before his term ends, citing personal reasons related to family demands. His departure follows a pattern of high-ranking military officials leaving under Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, raising concerns about leadership stability and military professionalism.

Sen. Elissa Slotkin and six Democratic senators wrote to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth demanding explanations for blocking eight Navy officers from promotions, citing concerns about political motivations and demographic impacts. The blocked officers included women and Black individuals, and Hegseth allegedly prioritized someone from his inner circle. The letter requested documentation on the criteria and legal basis for the decisions.

US defence secretary Pete Hegseth has canceled an expected visit to Israel, which was intended to meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The cancellation coincides with renewed hostilities between the US and Iran and aimed to address tensions over a potential US sale of F-35 fighter jets to Turkey, a move Israel fears could undermine its regional air superiority.

U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth will meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz to discuss a potential sale of F-35 fighter jets to Turkey. The proposed sale is expected to anger Israeli officials, and Iran will also be a topic of discussion.

The US and Iran exchanged accusations following renewed attacks, with the US striking over 80 targets in Iran and Iran claiming to have hit 85 US military facilities. The US Treasury revoked a license for Iranian oil sales, and military officials indicated ongoing strikes. Meanwhile, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is set to visit Israel, and bombs near a hotel in Damascus injured 18 people during French President Emmanuel Macron's visit.

Lawmakers are urging the Department of Defense to eliminate restrictions on autism therapy coverage for military families using TRICARE insurance. In a June 26, 2026 letter to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, Senators Eric Schmitt and Kirsten Gillibrand demanded changes to TRICARE's coverage policies.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is set to visit Israel for the first time since becoming Pentagon chief, expected to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz. The visit aims to address Israeli concerns about potential US F-35 stealth fighter jet sales to Turkey.

President Trump, after returning to office, removed top military officials including Charles 'C.Q.' Brown Jr. and Admiral Lisa Franchetti, with defense secretary Pete Hegseth stating the changes aimed to align the military with a 'color-blind, gender-neutral, merit-based' approach. The article highlights concerns about the administration's rejection of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and its impact on Black service members and racial progress in the military.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth was the Trump administration’s frontman for waging war on Iran during kinetic operations aimed at decimating its nuclear threat. Since President Trump signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Iran to end the war without securing significant concessions on its missile or nuclear stockpiles, Hegseth has said little about the issue.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth was the Trump administration’s lead for military actions against Iran’s nuclear threat. After President Trump signed an MOU with Iran to end the conflict without major concessions on its nuclear or missile programs, Hegseth has remained silent.

Stars and Stripes, a military newspaper under the Department of Defense, faces restrictions on editorial independence under the Trump administration. Pentagon officials have imposed content bans and expressed intent to eliminate 'woke distractions,' raising concerns about the paper becoming a propaganda tool.

The US Department of Defense has established the Direct Reporting Portfolio Manager for Unmanned Systems (DRPM-UxS) to consolidate oversight of most military drone programs. The office aims to accelerate drone technology development and procurement, excluding exceptions like the Air Force's CCA program. It will manage systems including drones, boats, ground robots, and counter-drone technologies.

The Pentagon's weapons testing office, DOT&E, faced workforce cuts reducing civilian staff from 126 to 30, leading to increased workloads and concerns about untested weapons reaching troops. A Congressional watchdog report highlights risks of malfunctions and gaps in oversight, particularly in areas like electronic warfare.

Trump’s National Guard deployment in Washington is expanding ahead of a holiday. A ceremony with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth was held in Washington on Thursday.

Marco Rubio's alleged secret plot against Pete Hegseth has been exposed, leading to Hegseth's humiliation over a troop scheme. The article highlights the conflict between the two figures without additional context.

US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth reportedly proposed more aggressive troop reductions in Europe beyond cancellations in Poland and Romania. The plan was blocked by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, leading the Pentagon to initiate a six-month review of its European force posture.

Rep. Susie Lee, a Nevada Democrat, emphasized bipartisan efforts during a speech but later expressed a desire to 'beat the s--- out of' Pete Hegseth. The remarks occurred as she discussed rare earth minerals and her advocacy for MP Materials, a U.S. critical minerals company, amid her re-election campaign in a closely divided district. Lee has faced prior scrutiny for profanity-laced social media posts targeting Donald Trump.

Rep. Susie Lee, a Nevada Democrat, expressed contradictory remarks during a public event, stating her commitment to bipartisanship while also declaring she wanted to 'beat the s--- out of' Pete Hegseth. The comments occurred as she discussed rare earth minerals and her advocacy for MP Materials, a U.S. company. Lee, who faces re-election in a closely divided district, has previously drawn scrutiny for profanity-laced social media posts.

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth's 2026 Brussels speech highlighted the Trump administration's perceived abandonment of U.S. commitment to European security, aiming to shift defense burden to Europe and withdraw troops despite Europe's increased military efforts. Hegseth emphasized a push for a balanced NATO alliance with Europe.

Ukraine’s commander-in-chief, Oleksandr Syrskyi, publicly thanked outgoing U.S. Army Europe and Africa commander Gen. Christopher Donahue for strengthening military support to Kyiv during the war. Donahue resigned unexpectedly after 18 months in command, with reports citing pressure from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, though the Army has not confirmed the reason. Syrskyi highlighted Donahue’s role in delivering critical systems and saving Ukrainian lives.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth established the Direct Reporting Portfolio Manager for Unmanned Systems (DRPM-UxS) to consolidate Pentagon drone and autonomous systems programs under a single office reporting to Deputy Secretary Stephen Feinberg. The office oversees development, acquisition, and deployment of unmanned systems across all domains, excluding major defense acquisition programs, and inherits a $53.6 billion budget for autonomous drone platforms.

Gen. Christopher Donahue relinquished command of U.S. Army Europe and Africa after an 18-month tenure, with Maj. Gen. Christopher Norrie named as acting commander. The Army has not disclosed the reason for the leadership change, which occurs amid broader Pentagon leadership shifts under Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Donahue, who oversaw the 2021 U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, praised the team during his departure.

A federal judge ordered the Pentagon to temporarily halt a policy requiring New York Times journalists to be accompanied by an official escort, ruling it violated the First Amendment. The decision comes amid ongoing legal battles and tensions between the media and the Trump administration over Pentagon access restrictions.

President Trump considered escalating military action against Iran but opted for continued diplomatic negotiations, with officials noting flexibility on a nuclear deal deadline. Oman proposed a voluntary fee system for shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, while Saudi Arabia blocked a U.S. operation there, prompting U.S. threats to reduce military support. In Lebanon, 400,000 displaced people have returned to southern regions amid ongoing Israeli military presence.

US President Donald Trump has reviewed military options against Iran with senior officials but opted to continue diplomatic negotiations. Discussions included Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine, with Trump favoring diplomacy over resuming military strikes to avoid disrupting nuclear talks. Indirect negotiations in Doha continue, though Iran has refused direct meetings with the US.

A federal judge blocked the Pentagon from enforcing a media escort requirement for journalists, ruling it violates the First Amendment due to retaliation and viewpoint discrimination. The decision follows the Pentagon's 2025 press policy that led to an exodus of veteran journalists, with the judge citing the importance of a free press for national security.

US Republicans, led by Rep. Don Bacon, threaten to block an $88 billion Iran war spending bill unless 4,200 American troops are redeployed to Poland. The move risks derailing the bill, which includes farm aid and Ebola funding, amid tensions between GOP lawmakers and the Trump administration over troop withdrawals from Europe.

President Trump advised against using Signal after his advisers accidentally sent war plans to The Atlantic's editor, but top officials continued using the app for group chats with auto-deletion settings. The State Department released records via FOIA litigation, revealing Signal chats between national security figures, including a group with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Dan Caine, raising concerns about compliance with federal record-keeping laws.

Defense Department morale has reached a low point as Pete Hegseth repeatedly uses the four-word phrase 'Because I said so!' to respond to critics. The article highlights a decline in morale linked to Hegseth's responses.

The article examines the removal of experienced senior military officers under Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, comparing it to the Red Army purges of 1937-1938. It argues that combat experience is a critical strategic resource and questions the impact of leadership changes on military effectiveness.

Jonathan Swan outlines three key insights for CEOs navigating Trump's presidency: Trump prioritizes being viewed as a 'Great Man' in world history, operates through a small circle of loyalists including Vance and Marco Rubio, and may pursue volatile actions like territorial deals. The article highlights strategies for engaging Trump, such as leveraging direct communication channels.

Senator Tim Kaine (D-Va.) accused Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth of holding a grudge against the Army, suggesting Hegseth's ouster of Gen. Chris Donahue is part of a pattern of targeting the Army and promoting yes-men.

Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) criticized Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth after an influenza outbreak at an Air Force base in Texas. Cassidy, a licensed gastroenterologist and chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, made the comments on CBS News’s 'Face the Nation'.