Policy

After delay, Trump opts for conventional FBI screenings of nominees, transition team

The president-elect's team had suggested skipping the background checks routinely used to protect secret and sensitive information.

  • Eric Katz
Ideas

What game theory says about a MAGA military

A thought experiment based on Trump’s desire for officers who obey without question.

  • Thomas Crosbie
Threats

The D Brief: Seoul declares martial law; Biden rushes to arm Ukraine; Meet Aleppo’s conqueror; Last soldier to leave Kabul will get 4th star; And a bit more.

  • Ben Watson and Bradley Peniston
Policy

Proposed rule would bar sale of Americans' financial data to adversaries

Consumer-protection agency aims to limit what data brokers can sell to foreign rivals and cybercriminals who seek intelligence and profit.

  • David DiMolfetta
Policy

Defense One Radio, Ep. 167: How U.S. Navy shipbuilding sank so low

It's a complex problem built up over decades. Our guests discuss the causes, effects, and possible solutions.

  • Ben Watson
Threats

The D Brief: Ceasefire pact in Lebanon; US strike in Syria; New SecNav tapped; Space execs’ pleas to NATO; And a bit more.

  • Ben Watson and Bradley Peniston
Threats

Ceasefire in place, Biden signals optimism for broader Middle East peace

What does that mean for Gaza and the future of the region?

  • Patrick Tucker
Policy

Agreement clears Trump transition teams to meet with Defense, other departments

But president-elect and staff are still sidestepping FBI background checks, other customary requirements.

  • Eric Katz
Threats

The D Brief: $7.3B request for sub work; New promotion hold; Musk’s conflicts of interest; Trump’s Africa policy; And a bit more.

  • Bradley Peniston and Ben Watson
Threats

The D Brief: Russia’s MIRV missile; Space Force’s naughty list; McConnell to Senate Approps; Worst telecom hack in US history; And a bit more.

  • Patrick Tucker and Ben Watson
Threats

The D Brief: DOD’s Replicator program advances; Nuclear forensics in Idaho; Austin, Milley defend women in combat; Intel watchdogs resign; And a bit more.

  • Ben Watson, Lauren C. Williams and Bradley Peniston
Policy

Intelligence IGs head for the exits ahead of Trump’s return

The president-elect fired five inspectors general during his first administration.

  • Sean Michael Newhouse
Threats

The D Brief: More long-range missiles target Russia’s Kursk; Biden authorizes anti-personnel mines for Ukraine; SecDef Austin in the South China Sea; Satellite industry delays; And a bit more.

  • Ben Watson
Policy

Women veterans react to 'ill-informed' disparagement by Trump's SecDef pick

“He keeps saying they’ve lowered standards for women [in combat roles], and that is just not true," said one policy expert.

  • Mariel Padilla
Threats

The D Brief: Biden green lights ATACMS for Kursk; SecDef Austin in Australia; Trump stands by Hegseth; Reed, Shaheen request Musk probe; And a bit more.

  • Ben Watson and Audrey Decker
Policy

Biden allows Ukraine to use ATACMS to strike Russia

The move comes after what one former Ukrainian official called a “a significant and extremely painful delay.”

  • Patrick Tucker
Threats

‘Extraordinarily dangerous’: Intelligence community insiders warn against Trump’s DNI pick

Former Rep. Tulsi Gabbard has a “history of irresponsibly promoting misinformation,” said one official.

  • Patrick Tucker
Threats

The D Brief: Trump’s DNI, AG picks; China’s improved bomber; USAF adds CCAs; Boosting US arms production; And a bit more.

  • Ben Watson and Bradley Peniston
Threats

The D Brief: TV host tapped as SecDef; Flag-officer firings, mulled; Space HQ to move?; US strikes in Syria, Yemen; And a bit more.

  • Bradley Peniston and Ben Watson
Policy

Trump taps Fox host Pete Hegseth to be defense secretary

The combat veteran and “anti-woke” crusader lacks senior military or national-security experience.

  • Bradley Peniston
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