‘Unite for Vets’ rally calls for Trump to abandon planned cuts at VA
Thousands of veterans gathered in Washington on Friday to rally against potential cuts to veterans services and staffing.
Pentagon & Congress
Watchdog probes if aides were asked to delete Hegseth’s Signal chats
The inspector general’s investigation focuses on how information about the March 15 airstrikes on Houthi targets in Yemen was shared on the messaging app.
Advocates lament Pentagon policies targeting women’s military service
Veterans visited congressional offices this week to deliver messages of concern over recent Pentagon moves targeting the roles of women in the military.
Trump taps senior Air Force commander for European Command boss
Lt. Gen. Alexus Grynkewich would also take over as the supreme allied commander Europe if his nomination is confirmed by the Senate.
Air Force pegs cost to modify Qatar-gifted plane at ‘less than $400M’
The service, which will oversee the upgrades, hasn’t provided details on the scope or schedule of the modifications or confirmed who will perform the work.
Trump names nominees to take over Middle East, Africa commands
If confirmed, Vice Adm. Brad Cooper would be the second Navy officer to lead U.S. Central Command.
Trump’s pick for VA watchdog role promises independence, impartiality
Former Board of Veterans Appeals Chair Cheryl Mason said her work with the Trump administration should not disqualify her from a federal watchdog role.
GOP plan provides $453 billion for VA programs, benefits next year
The spending plan for Veterans Affairs next year is up significantly from current levels but is about $1 billion less than what the White House wanted.
Hegseth orders renaming of ship named for gay rights icon Harvey Milk
U.S. officials say Navy Secretary John Phelan put together a small team to rename the replenishment oiler and that a new name is expected this month.
Allvin calls Ukraine drone strikes a wake-up call for US air defense
The Air Force's top uniformed leader said that planners need to consider vulnerabilities at military sites once thought untouchable by enemy forces.
IAVA names former Marine Corps pilot Kyleanne Hunter as next CEO
Hunter becomes the second woman to lead the advocacy group's efforts in highlighting the challenges of young veterans.
House lawmakers to unveil draft budget for vets programs this week
Defense and veterans hearings for the week of June 2, 2025.
Pentagon targets fewer moves for troops to cut PCS costs
The Pentagon directed service branches to cut the amount of money spent on moving troops and their families in half by fiscal 2030.
Behemoth Golden Dome may face lackluster scrutiny in Trump’s Pentagon
Hegseth's decision to shutter DOT&E was at least partially triggered by the office's plans to oversee Golden Dome's test plans, sources told Defense News.
Advocates for homeless vets wary over proposed changes to VA programs
VA Secretary Doug Collins has promised to keep focus and funding on programs to help homeless vets, but community groups still worry about possible cuts.
Pentagon ends new radar effort meant for Guam missile defense
The Pentagon quietly directed the Missile Defense Agency to stop development of a new radar to protect Guam, according to a recent GAO report.
Top lawmaker says VA, DOD leaders continue to ignore Hill requests
Sen. Richard Blumenthal said administration officials aren't providing basic information to Congress on looming plans for massive changes.
