Hegseth Seeks Government Housing; Faces Questions
DefSec Pete Hegseth wants $137,000 to repair a government-provided home, prompting Democrats to ask why he needs the government-provided home, why it needs to be improved, and how much he plans to pay in rent. When the query was reported by Fox News, Hegseth called a former colleague a “Trump hater” and reporting “fake news.”
Iran Praises Halt of USAID
Iranian state media says the US’s moves to freeze spending on foreign aid and maybe end the US Agency for International Development will halt funding for opponents of the Iran’s Shiite theocracy, pro-democracy activists, and other worldwide efforts to support democracy.
F-35 Crashed in Alaska, Pilot Safe
A USAF pilot crashed an F-35 on Tuesday during the landing phase of a training exercise at Eielson Air Force Base, 25 miles south of Fairbanks, AK. The pilot was able to eject from the aircraft and was in stable condition at a medical facility. The crash caused significant damage to the aircraft.
Hegseth Sworn-In as New DefSec
Pete Hegseth was confirmed as defense secretary Friday night after a 51-50 vote, reports The Washington Post. Vice President J.D. Vance cast the vote to break the Senate’s 50-50 vote.
NSC Staffers’ Politics Questioned
Trump administration officials have begun questioning career civil servants who work on the White House National Security Council about who they voted for in the 2024 election, their political contributions, and about their social media posts. Trump’s pick for national security adviser, Florida Rep. Mike Waltz, indicated his intention to ensure the council is staffed with those who support Trump’s agenda.
Musk Takes Aim at F-35
Elon Musk, soon to be in charge of cutting federal spending, wrote on his social media platform, X, “the worst military value for money in history that is the F-35 program!”
Insiders Considered for DoD’s #2 Spot
Former Deputy Secretary of Defense David Norquist and former Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert Wilkie, both serving during President-elect Donald Trump’s first term, are among names being discussed as possible choices for the Pentagon’s #2 slot in Trump’s second term.
House Wants Turkey to Cancel Missile Purchase
Steny Hoyer has joined other members of Congress to introduce legislation that calls on the government of Turkey to cancel its planned acquisition of the S-400 air and missile defense system from Russia.
