Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has approved a significant expansion of the National Guard's equipment in the nation's capital, authorising military vehicles and boats as troops work more closely with local law enforcement, according to Pentagon memos made public this week. The two memos, signed October 29, allow up to 60 marked patrol cars, military tactical vehicles, up to 20 light towers and generators, and two Guard patrol boats. Politico reported that the vehicles include Humvees and light medium tactical vehicles, and that they are cleared for use through the end of the year. The memos also say "visibility patrols," a staple of the Guard's mission in the city, will be expanded. The documents set limits. Patrol cars must carry "National Guard" markings, and troops must wear uniforms. High-speed chases are prohibited, and troops may not pursue suspects or make arrests using the military vehicles. Guard members may carry rifles during some operations, but not in Metro rail stations. The boats are meant to provide perimeter security during police operations in Anacostia targeting suspected gang leaders and drug traffickers. They are not authorised to surveil US citizens, and federal officers must be aboard at all times to handle any arrests, including if a suspect tries to flee into the river. The Marshals Service also asked for Guard helicopters and for troops to clear abandoned tyres from parts of the city, but both requests were denied.The Pentagon confirmed that Hegseth approved the continued use of Guard personnel and capabilities for the administration's DC crime initiative. It did not explain what prompted the change.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-iran-war-strikes-nuclear-deal-midterm-elections-1793929883088">Trump signals imminent decision on resuming war with Iran after midterm defeat</a><h2>Decision comes amid reports of impeachment of Hegseth</h2>The disclosure comes as Hegseth's position looks increasingly shaky. Representative Thomas Massie, the Kentucky Republican who lost his primary and leaves Congress in January, told CNN he plans to force a House vote on impeaching Hegseth when lawmakers return next week. He introduced eight articles in September, accusing Hegseth of waging war on Iran without congressional authorisation and killing suspected drug traffickers in the Caribbean without judicial process. Speaker Mike Johnson cut the session short before a vote could happen. Massie said the only thing that would stop him is Hegseth's resignation. Multiple GOP sources told CNN they expect the measure to pass after Republican losses in Tuesday's midterms. The White House has said Trump supports Hegseth and wants him to fight, and the Pentagon said Hegseth "will not back down."&nbsp;Massie was one of the Republican congressmen pushing for the release of Epstein files and has, time and time again, been at odds with the Trump administration. In his primary, over $32 million to $37 million was poured into his opponent, former Navy SEAL Ed Gallrein. Among which, over $15 million was invested by the pro-Israel lobby.

Pete Hegseth approves Humvees, patrol cars and boats for expanded National Guard operations in Washington as a Republican lawmaker pushes impeachment.

Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has approved a significant expansion of the National Guard's equipment in the nation's capital, authorising military vehicles and boats as troops work more closely with local law enforcement, according to Pentagon memos made public this week. The two memos, signed October 29, allow up to 60 marked patrol cars, military tactical vehicles, up to 20 light towers and generators, and two Guard patrol boats. Politico reported that the vehicles include Humvees and light medium tactical vehicles, and that they are cleared for use through the end of the year. The memos also say "visibility patrols," a staple of the Guard's mission in the city, will be expanded. The documents set limits. Patrol cars must carry "National Guard" markings, and troops must wear uniforms. High-speed chases are prohibited, and troops may not pursue suspects or make arrests using the military vehicles. Guard members may carry rifles during some operations, but not in Metro rail stations. The boats are meant to provide perimeter security during police operations in Anacostia targeting suspected gang leaders and drug traffickers. They are not authorised to surveil US citizens, and federal officers must be aboard at all times to handle any arrests, including if a suspect tries to flee into the river. The Marshals Service also asked for Guard helicopters and for troops to clear abandoned tyres from parts of the city, but both requests were denied. The Pentagon confirmed that Hegseth approved the continued use of Guard personnel and capabilities for the administration's DC crime initiative. It did not explain what prompted the change. Also Read: Trump signals imminent decision on resuming war with Iran after midterm defeat Decision comes amid reports of impeachment of Hegseth The disclosure comes as Hegseth's position looks increasingly shaky. Representative Thomas Massie, the Kentucky Republican who lost his primary and leaves Congress in January, told CNN he plans to force a House vote on impeaching Hegseth when lawmakers return next week. He introduced eight articles in September, accusing Hegseth of waging war on Iran without congressional authorisation and killing suspected drug traffickers in the Caribbean without judicial process. Speaker Mike Johnson cut the session short before a vote could happen. Massie said the only thing that would stop him is Hegseth's resignation. Multiple GOP sources told CNN they expect the measure to pass after Republican losses in Tuesday's midterms. The White House has said Trump supports Hegseth and wants him to fight, and the Pentagon said Hegseth "will not back down." Massie was one of the Republican congressmen pushing for the release of Epstein files and has, time and time again, been at odds with the Trump administration. In his primary, over $32 million to $37 million was poured into his opponent, former Navy SEAL Ed Gallrein. Among which, over $15 million was invested by the pro-Israel lobby.

Pete Hegseth approves Humvees, patrol cars and boats for expanded National Guard operations in Washington as a Republican lawmaker pushes impeachment.

Hegseth expands National Guard's presence in Washington amid impeachment threat

US President Donald Trump may have taken the decision to launch the war that resulted in an electoral debacle for Republicans in the midterms, but this has accelerated a push for someone else to take the fall: US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth. On the face of it, Trump denied that he was considering replacing Hegseth, citing that he was doing a very good job. However, reports suggest that Trump is still consulting his advisors on this, as someone needs to be blamed for the Iran war debacle. Notably, in March itself, the US president had described Hegseth as the main proponent of the Iran war.&nbsp;There is a precedent for this. Twenty years ago, then-President George Bush fired his Secretary of Defence, Donald Rumsfeld, immediately after the midterm polls, when voter discontent over the Iraq war led to a Democratic sweep in the US Congress. Now, knives are out for Hegseth within his own party as well. Republican lawmaker Thomas Massie has warned that he will renew his effort to impeach Hegseth unless he resigns. An impeachment resolution is likely to be introduced in the US House of Representatives next week. Even if it is passed there, it will then go to the Senate, where a two-thirds majority will be required.&nbsp;On the other hand, Democrats have promised to investigate Hegseth over his handling of the Iran war, as well as his purge of over twenty top military officials. He could also face scrutiny over his Ukraine policy and US strikes on suspected drug-trafficking boats in South America. Will Hegseth be accommodated in the US Senate as a compromise formula? Interestingly, Trump didn’t entirely rule out that possibility.&nbsp;Now, even as calls for introspection increased after the power shift in US Congress, Trump’s first post-poll public appearance gave little indication that he wanted to change course. During the twenty-minute event, he chose to focus on the White House ballroom. Reflecting on the midterm results thereafter, he stressed that any effort to impeach him would destroy the Democratic Party. Trump also claimed that Republicans lost because he was not on the ballot.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/gravitas/defeat-of-alt-president-elon-musk-will-spacex-shift-its-hq-from-texas-us-midterms-2026-gravitas-1793899914150">Defeat of 'Alt President' Elon Musk: Will SpaceX shift its HQ from Texas? | Gravitas</a>&nbsp;Now, will the midterms have any bearing on Trump’s Iran strategy? Well, his administration is divided on this. According to reports, some officials are pushing Trump to launch fresh military strikes on Iran and then push for peace, in order to extricate himself from the war. The Pentagon has been preparing to resume major combat operations for weeks, moving a third aircraft carrier strike group towards West Asia. However, other officials are reportedly of the view that the US should cut down its losses and wind up the war. The other option remains sticking with the naval blockade, coupled with crippling economic sanctions, that may eventually compel Iran to settle for a deal.&nbsp;While Trump continues to threaten strikes on Iran, US Vice President JD Vance openly blamed the Iran war for the midterm debacle. Signalling his displeasure with the Iran war, Vance said, “If you would like to argue it was worth it, that losing the Senate for the next six years was worth it, then do so.” Although Trump agreed with his assessment, he justified starting the war against Iran.&nbsp;Now, even as diplomacy continues, Iran continues to push back against US pressure. During a rally in Tehran’s Enghelab Square, Iranians burned a banner depicting Trump, Vance, US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, and Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu. Additionally, a mock execution of Trump was held on the streets of Tehran. Mohsen Rezaei, who heads the country’s Supreme National Security Council, said that Iran handed Trump a strategic defeat on the battlefield and a political defeat in Washington. Also, Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei warned that the war could widen if U.S. attacks resume.&nbsp;Amid this, Iran continues to assert its stranglehold over the Strait of Hormuz. The IRGC stated that two oil tankers and a tugboat caught fire in this strategic waterway after attempting to navigate an unauthorised route. With top Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer indicating that his party would push for an end to the Iran war, it is clear that Trump has some tough decisions to make moving forward.

Trump denied that he was considering replacing Hegseth, citing that he was doing a very good job. However, reports suggest that Trump is still consulting his advisors on this, as someone needs to be blamed for the Iran war debacle.

US President Donald Trump may have taken the decision to launch the war that resulted in an electoral debacle for Republicans in the midterms, but this has accelerated a push for someone else to take the fall: US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth. On the face of it, Trump denied that he was considering replacing Hegseth, citing that he was doing a very good job. However, reports suggest that Trump is still consulting his advisors on this, as someone needs to be blamed for the Iran war debacle. Notably, in March itself, the US president had described Hegseth as the main proponent of the Iran war. There is a precedent for this. Twenty years ago, then-President George Bush fired his Secretary of Defence, Donald Rumsfeld, immediately after the midterm polls, when voter discontent over the Iraq war led to a Democratic sweep in the US Congress. Now, knives are out for Hegseth within his own party as well. Republican lawmaker Thomas Massie has warned that he will renew his effort to impeach Hegseth unless he resigns. An impeachment resolution is likely to be introduced in the US House of Representatives next week. Even if it is passed there, it will then go to the Senate, where a two-thirds majority will be required. On the other hand, Democrats have promised to investigate Hegseth over his handling of the Iran war, as well as his purge of over twenty top military officials. He could also face scrutiny over his Ukraine policy and US strikes on suspected drug-trafficking boats in South America. Will Hegseth be accommodated in the US Senate as a compromise formula? Interestingly, Trump didn’t entirely rule out that possibility. Now, even as calls for introspection increased after the power shift in US Congress, Trump’s first post-poll public appearance gave little indication that he wanted to change course. During the twenty-minute event, he chose to focus on the White House ballroom. Reflecting on the midterm results thereafter, he stressed that any effort to impeach him would destroy the Democratic Party. Trump also claimed that Republicans lost because he was not on the ballot. Also read: Defeat of 'Alt President' Elon Musk: Will SpaceX shift its HQ from Texas? | Gravitas Now, will the midterms have any bearing on Trump’s Iran strategy? Well, his administration is divided on this. According to reports, some officials are pushing Trump to launch fresh military strikes on Iran and then push for peace, in order to extricate himself from the war. The Pentagon has been preparing to resume major combat operations for weeks, moving a third aircraft carrier strike group towards West Asia. However, other officials are reportedly of the view that the US should cut down its losses and wind up the war. The other option remains sticking with the naval blockade, coupled with crippling economic sanctions, that may eventually compel Iran to settle for a deal. While Trump continues to threaten strikes on Iran, US Vice President JD Vance openly blamed the Iran war for the midterm debacle. Signalling his displeasure with the Iran war, Vance said, “If you would like to argue it was worth it, that losing the Senate for the next six years was worth it, then do so.” Although Trump agreed with his assessment, he justified starting the war against Iran. Now, even as diplomacy continues, Iran continues to push back against US pressure. During a rally in Tehran’s Enghelab Square, Iranians burned a banner depicting Trump, Vance, US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, and Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu. Additionally, a mock execution of Trump was held on the streets of Tehran. Mohsen Rezaei, who heads the country’s Supreme National Security Council, said that Iran handed Trump a strategic defeat on the battlefield and a political defeat in Washington. Also, Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei warned that the war could widen if U.S. attacks resume. Amid this, Iran continues to assert its stranglehold over the Strait of Hormuz. The IRGC stated that two oil tankers and a tugboat caught fire in this strategic waterway after attempting to navigate an unauthorised route. With top Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer indicating that his party would push for an end to the Iran war, it is clear that Trump has some tough decisions to make moving forward.

Trump denied that he was considering replacing Hegseth, citing that he was doing a very good job. However, reports suggest that Trump is still consulting his advisors on this, as someone needs to be blamed for the Iran war debacle.

Trump prepares for next Iran war, with Hegseth as scapegoat for defeat | Gravitas

US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth is facing growing calls for his removal following the Republican Party's midterm election defeat, raising questions over whether he will be made to bear the political cost of President Donald Trump's loss.Trump has already shifted some of the blame onto Republican candidates, saying they would have won if he had been on the ballot. He also pointed to the impact of the Iran war. Vice President JD Vance, meanwhile, has said the war was the reason Republicans lost.And now, the political knives are out for Hegseth.Republicans who once backed Trump's War Secretary are questioning whether Hegseth helped lead the US into a war and the party into an electoral disaster. Voices within the party are increasingly calling for his removal, accusing him of pushing Trump towards military action without a clear strategy.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/race-to-power/the-verdict-trump-s-final-two-years-can-he-repair-america-s-fractured-global-relationships-1793808968355">The Verdict | Trump’s final two years: Can he repair America’s fractured global relationships?</a><h2>Calls for Hegseth's removal grow</h2>Congressman Thomas Massie has even threatened to impeach Hegseth unless he resigns. A House vote could come as early as next week.The developments have raised a central question: Is Hegseth responsible for Trump's historic defeat, or is he simply the most convenient person to blame?Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/race-to-power/the-verdict-trump-vs-the-presidential-midterm-curse-will-congress-limit-his-power-1793721724616">The Verdict | Trump vs the presidential midterm curse: Will Congress limit his power?</a><h2>Who should be held accountable for the Iran war?</h2>The war was not started by Hegseth alone. The final decision clearly came from the White House.There can be different opinions about Hegseth, whether people like him or dislike him. But the central issue is accountability and who should be held responsible for the decisions that led to the conflict.From former press secretary Karoline Leavitt to President Trump, members of the administration defended the Iran war.Republicans can continue to fight among themselves, but they must remember that American voters have judged their performance so far. That is what needs course correction.A blame game may help the party deflect attention from its defeat, but it will not win back the trust of voters.

Pete Hegseth is facing growing calls for his removal after the Republican Party's midterm defeat. With Trump and JD Vance pointing to the Iran war, questions are mounting over the War Secretary's role and who should be held accountable. Here's The Verdict.

US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth is facing growing calls for his removal following the Republican Party's midterm election defeat, raising questions over whether he will be made to bear the political cost of President Donald Trump's loss. Trump has already shifted some of the blame onto Republican candidates, saying they would have won if he had been on the ballot. He also pointed to the impact of the Iran war. Vice President JD Vance, meanwhile, has said the war was the reason Republicans lost. And now, the political knives are out for Hegseth. Republicans who once backed Trump's War Secretary are questioning whether Hegseth helped lead the US into a war and the party into an electoral disaster. Voices within the party are increasingly calling for his removal, accusing him of pushing Trump towards military action without a clear strategy. Also read | The Verdict | Trump’s final two years: Can he repair America’s fractured global relationships? Calls for Hegseth's removal grow Congressman Thomas Massie has even threatened to impeach Hegseth unless he resigns. A House vote could come as early as next week. The developments have raised a central question: Is Hegseth responsible for Trump's historic defeat, or is he simply the most convenient person to blame? Also read | The Verdict | Trump vs the presidential midterm curse: Will Congress limit his power? Who should be held accountable for the Iran war? The war was not started by Hegseth alone. The final decision clearly came from the White House. There can be different opinions about Hegseth, whether people like him or dislike him. But the central issue is accountability and who should be held responsible for the decisions that led to the conflict. From former press secretary Karoline Leavitt to President Trump, members of the administration defended the Iran war. Republicans can continue to fight among themselves, but they must remember that American voters have judged their performance so far. That is what needs course correction. A blame game may help the party deflect attention from its defeat, but it will not win back the trust of voters.

Pete Hegseth is facing growing calls for his removal after the Republican Party's midterm defeat. With Trump and JD Vance pointing to the Iran war, questions are mounting over the War Secretary's role and who should be held accountable. Here's The Verdict.

Pete Hegseth: The fall guy for the GOP’s midterm debacle? | The Verdict

President Donald Trump may have made the decision to launch the war that damaged voter support for the Republican Party and contributed to a devastating midterm defeat. However, the historic losses have intensified efforts within the party to find someone else to hold accountable: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The House could vote as early as next week on whether to impeach the Pentagon chief.&nbsp;Several Republican lawmakers and allies, concerned by Tuesday's election results, are quickly shifting responsibility towards Hegseth. Behind closed doors, they argue that he played a major role in persuading Trump to attack Iran without a clear exit strategy or a plan to handle the political consequences. The growing effort to hold Hegseth accountable comes even as Republican strategists in both the House and Senate privately acknowledge that the party's problems went well beyond the war.&nbsp;&nbsp;The losses were comparable to those suffered in 2008 and could take years to overcome. However, party leaders and many Republican lawmakers remain reluctant to directly criticize Trump for the outcome. Even among House Republicans who managed to survive Tuesday's electoral setback, there is little expectation that they will distance themselves from the president with two years remaining in his term. Their loyalty to Trump, however, does not necessarily extend to Hegseth, the combative defense secretary who has struggled to build relationships on Capitol Hill since taking charge of the Pentagon.&nbsp;House Republicans are expected to vote on a measure directly condemning the defense secretary within days. Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky, a well-known anti-Trump Republican, told CNN that he intends to initiate a vote to impeach Hegseth when Congress returns next week. Several Republicans have accused Hegseth, an outspoken supporter of the war, of exaggerating America's ability to secure a quick and easy victory.&nbsp;<h2>‘The real reason we lost is the war’: JD Vance</h2>On Wednesday, Vice President JD Vance made an unusual statement, saying that “the reason we lost is the war,” although he did not directly blame any individual for the decision to launch the conflict. “The pivot is starting” on the war and Hegseth, a former senior Pentagon official said. “This has been primarily a Department of War-led effort because you chose to take military action to resolve a foreign policy matter.”&nbsp;Despite the growing pressure against Hegseth, Trump's confidence in his defense secretary has not visibly weakened. Multiple White House officials told CNN that the president has continued asking allies about Hegseth's performance.Trump personally likes Hegseth and has told aides that he believes the defense secretary should resist efforts to impeach him or investigate his decision-making. “Just two days ago the president was in the room with him, telling him, ‘You’re my best guy. You’re the best guy I have,’” one of the officials said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-s-behind-the-wave-of-doctors-and-nurses-winning-congressional-seats-in-the-us-midterms-1793835693448">What's behind the wave of doctors and nurses winning congressional seats in the US midterms?</a><h2>Trump defends Hegseth, says ‘doing a very good job’</h2>Trump may also have another reason to retain Hegseth if he decides to pursue additional strikes against Iran. A source familiar with the president's thinking told CNN that Democrats' new majority in the Senate could make it more difficult for the administration to secure confirmation for replacement Cabinet officials. When questioned Wednesday about Hegseth's position, Trump defended the military campaign and dismissed suggestions that he intended to remove the defense secretary, saying he believed Hegseth was “doing a very good job.” “If I had it to do again, I’d have to do it again,” Trump said of his decision to go to war.&nbsp;Trump has not announced any plans to dismiss senior administration officials. Nevertheless, following the GOP's disappointing midterm performance, several allies and advisers expect him to eventually make changes within his administration. Some people within Trump's circle are already viewing the potential impeachment effort against Hegseth as another reason to make him the administration's fall guy. They argue that he is likely to become a primary target of Democratic scrutiny over the war regardless.

Pete Hegseth faces a potential impeachment vote as Republicans blame his role in the Iran war for the GOP's devastating midterm election losses

President Donald Trump may have made the decision to launch the war that damaged voter support for the Republican Party and contributed to a devastating midterm defeat. However, the historic losses have intensified efforts within the party to find someone else to hold accountable: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The House could vote as early as next week on whether to impeach the Pentagon chief. Several Republican lawmakers and allies, concerned by Tuesday's election results, are quickly shifting responsibility towards Hegseth. Behind closed doors, they argue that he played a major role in persuading Trump to attack Iran without a clear exit strategy or a plan to handle the political consequences. The growing effort to hold Hegseth accountable comes even as Republican strategists in both the House and Senate privately acknowledge that the party's problems went well beyond the war. The losses were comparable to those suffered in 2008 and could take years to overcome. However, party leaders and many Republican lawmakers remain reluctant to directly criticize Trump for the outcome. Even among House Republicans who managed to survive Tuesday's electoral setback, there is little expectation that they will distance themselves from the president with two years remaining in his term. Their loyalty to Trump, however, does not necessarily extend to Hegseth, the combative defense secretary who has struggled to build relationships on Capitol Hill since taking charge of the Pentagon. House Republicans are expected to vote on a measure directly condemning the defense secretary within days. Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky, a well-known anti-Trump Republican, told CNN that he intends to initiate a vote to impeach Hegseth when Congress returns next week. Several Republicans have accused Hegseth, an outspoken supporter of the war, of exaggerating America's ability to secure a quick and easy victory. ‘The real reason we lost is the war’: JD Vance On Wednesday, Vice President JD Vance made an unusual statement, saying that “the reason we lost is the war,” although he did not directly blame any individual for the decision to launch the conflict. “The pivot is starting” on the war and Hegseth, a former senior Pentagon official said. “This has been primarily a Department of War-led effort because you chose to take military action to resolve a foreign policy matter.” Despite the growing pressure against Hegseth, Trump's confidence in his defense secretary has not visibly weakened. Multiple White House officials told CNN that the president has continued asking allies about Hegseth's performance. Trump personally likes Hegseth and has told aides that he believes the defense secretary should resist efforts to impeach him or investigate his decision-making. “Just two days ago the president was in the room with him, telling him, ‘You’re my best guy. You’re the best guy I have,’” one of the officials said. Also Read: What's behind the wave of doctors and nurses winning congressional seats in the US midterms? Trump defends Hegseth, says ‘doing a very good job’ Trump may also have another reason to retain Hegseth if he decides to pursue additional strikes against Iran. A source familiar with the president's thinking told CNN that Democrats' new majority in the Senate could make it more difficult for the administration to secure confirmation for replacement Cabinet officials. When questioned Wednesday about Hegseth's position, Trump defended the military campaign and dismissed suggestions that he intended to remove the defense secretary, saying he believed Hegseth was “doing a very good job.” “If I had it to do again, I’d have to do it again,” Trump said of his decision to go to war. Trump has not announced any plans to dismiss senior administration officials. Nevertheless, following the GOP's disappointing midterm performance, several allies and advisers expect him to eventually make changes within his administration. Some people within Trump's circle are already viewing the potential impeachment effort against Hegseth as another reason to make him the administration's fall guy. They argue that he is likely to become a primary target of Democratic scrutiny over the war regardless.

Republicans turn against Pete Hegseth over the Iran war as Representative Thomas Massie prepares an impeachment push following major GOP midterm losses

Trump's 'best guy' Pete Hegseth on the chopping block? Why Republicans are now turning against him after midterms disaster

While US President Donald Trump is facing heat over the protracted Iran war, the purge within the Pentagon is intensifying. At a time when the US is hinting at fresh strikes on Iran, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has sacked yet another top general.Lieutenant General Brett Sylvia, who has served as the director for strategy, plans and policy on the Joint Chiefs of Staff since 2025, has now been shown the door.Now, let’s take a brief look at his background. He graduated from the US Military Academy in 1994. Prior to his current role, he commanded the 101st Airborne Division, which is one of the US Army’s most agile and combat-ready forces. In the past, he has been deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan on multiple occasions.Sylvia has also received multiple military awards, including the Distinguished Service Medal and six Bronze Star Medals.But why was this officer fired? According to reports, he was accused of misconduct for leaking classified information related to the Iran war and the Russia-Ukraine war. He reportedly failed three polygraph tests about sharing classified information with the press.Earlier in October, Trump took a rather hard line on such leaks.Now, in September, Hegseth justified the purge by linking it to accountability. He announced that the US had slashed the number of generals, admirals and officers by 20 per cent.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/american-military-crisis-explodes-berserk-hegseth-fires-yet-another-top-general-1793294426063/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/american-military-crisis-explodes-berserk-hegseth-fires-yet-another-top-general-1793294426063/embed</a>Since Hegseth started his tenure less than two years ago, at least 26 generals and admirals have reportedly resigned or been pushed out.To begin with, General Charles Brown, who was serving as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, was fired. Hegseth had earlier hit out at his focus on diversity, equity and inclusion programmes in the military.On the very same day, Chief of Naval Operations Lisa Franchetti was also sacked.In November last year, the then Air Force chief, General David Allvin, also resigned amid reports that Hegseth planned to push him out.At the peak of the Iran war in April, US Army Chief General Randy George was removed. According to reports, his refusal to block the promotion of senior officers, despite sustained pressure from Hegseth, created a rift, leading to his exit.In the same month, Navy Secretary John Phelan also got the axe after Hegseth reportedly told Trump that he was not a team player. The delay in developing the Trump-class warships also reportedly played a role in his ouster.Most recently, US Army Secretary Dan Driscoll also resigned. He was allegedly miffed at Hegseth for firing generals responsible for modernising the Army.With growing criticism over the scale of the military purge and the handling of the Iran war, it is clear that the pressure on Hegseth is set to escalate.

In September, Hegseth justified the purge by linking it to accountability. He announced that the US had slashed the number of generals, admirals and officers by 20 per cent.

While US President Donald Trump is facing heat over the protracted Iran war, the purge within the Pentagon is intensifying. At a time when the US is hinting at fresh strikes on Iran, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has sacked yet another top general. Lieutenant General Brett Sylvia, who has served as the director for strategy, plans and policy on the Joint Chiefs of Staff since 2025, has now been shown the door. Now, let’s take a brief look at his background. He graduated from the US Military Academy in 1994. Prior to his current role, he commanded the 101st Airborne Division, which is one of the US Army’s most agile and combat-ready forces. In the past, he has been deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan on multiple occasions. Sylvia has also received multiple military awards, including the Distinguished Service Medal and six Bronze Star Medals. But why was this officer fired? According to reports, he was accused of misconduct for leaking classified information related to the Iran war and the Russia-Ukraine war. He reportedly failed three polygraph tests about sharing classified information with the press. Earlier in October, Trump took a rather hard line on such leaks. Now, in September, Hegseth justified the purge by linking it to accountability. He announced that the US had slashed the number of generals, admirals and officers by 20 per cent. https://www.wionews.com/videos/american-military-crisis-explodes-berserk-hegseth-fires-yet-another-top-general-1793294426063/embed Since Hegseth started his tenure less than two years ago, at least 26 generals and admirals have reportedly resigned or been pushed out. To begin with, General Charles Brown, who was serving as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, was fired. Hegseth had earlier hit out at his focus on diversity, equity and inclusion programmes in the military. On the very same day, Chief of Naval Operations Lisa Franchetti was also sacked. In November last year, the then Air Force chief, General David Allvin, also resigned amid reports that Hegseth planned to push him out. At the peak of the Iran war in April, US Army Chief General Randy George was removed. According to reports, his refusal to block the promotion of senior officers, despite sustained pressure from Hegseth, created a rift, leading to his exit. In the same month, Navy Secretary John Phelan also got the axe after Hegseth reportedly told Trump that he was not a team player. The delay in developing the Trump-class warships also reportedly played a role in his ouster. Most recently, US Army Secretary Dan Driscoll also resigned. He was allegedly miffed at Hegseth for firing generals responsible for modernising the Army. With growing criticism over the scale of the military purge and the handling of the Iran war, it is clear that the pressure on Hegseth is set to escalate.

In September, Hegseth justified the purge by linking it to accountability. He announced that the US had slashed the number of generals, admirals and officers by 20 per cent.

Gravitas | American military crisis explodes as Hegseth fires yet another top general

At a time when U.S. is hinting at fresh strikes on Iran, U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth sacked yet another top general. According to reports, at least 26 generals and admirals have resigned or been pushed out since Hegseth started his tenure less than two years ago.


American military crisis explodes, berserk Hegseth fires yet another top general 

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has fired the Pentagon’s top military planner, Army Lieutenant General Brett Sylvia, from his role as director of strategy, plans and policy on the US Joint Staff, NBC Washington reported on Wednesday, citing a defence official. The move comes as President Donald Trump weighs possible renewed strikes on Iran, adding to a wider shake-up of senior military leadership under his administration.&nbsp;Sylvia previously commanded the US Army’s 101st Airborne Division and led a unit in Iraq. No reason was given for his removal.&nbsp;A Joint Staff spokesperson initially issued a statement that appeared to confirm Sylvia’s departure but later withdrew it. The spokesperson subsequently said: “Out of respect for the servicemember and the ongoing personnel process, we will not comment further.”<h3>Trump weighs renewed strikes on Iran</h3>Sylvia’s removal comes as Trump considers further military action against Iran after next Tuesday’s US midterm elections.&nbsp;“We may do another little Epic Fury,” Trump said last week, referring to the US-Israeli strikes on Tehran in February that triggered the eight-month-long war. He did not specify when another attack might take place.&nbsp;Neither Washington nor Tehran has carried out major attacks on land-based targets since early September. Instead, the conflict has increasingly involved strikes on commercial vessels.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/people-will-celebrate-piyush-goyal-says-india-will-have-strong-comparative-advantage-after-us-trade-deal-1793278798694">‘People will celebrate’: Piyush Goyal says India will have ‘strong comparative advantage’ after US trade deal</a>&nbsp;<h3>Trump administration’s purge of senior military officials</h3>Since returning to the White House for his second term, Trump and Hegseth have overseen a sweeping shake-up of the US military leadership. Nearly two dozen senior military and civilian defence officials have reportedly been fired, forced to retire or removed from their positions.&nbsp;Among them was General Charles “CQ” Brown, whom Trump dismissed as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in February 2025 without publicly explaining the decision. Army Chief of Staff General Randy George has also been among the senior figures affected by the administration’s changes.&nbsp;Other departures have included the heads of the US Navy and Coast Guard, the director of the National Security Agency, the US Air Force’s vice chief of staff, a Navy admiral assigned to NATO and three senior military lawyers.&nbsp;Hegseth has defended the changes, arguing that the president has the authority to choose the military leaders he wants. Democratic lawmakers, however, have raised concerns that the departures could undermine the traditionally non-partisan role of the US military.&nbsp;Last month, Hegseth said the administration had reduced the number of generals and admirals by 20 per cent, describing the move as an effort to improve “accountability”.&nbsp;He suggested the cuts targeted officers who did not support his push to prioritise war-fighting over what he called the “woke” policies of previous administrations. Hegseth described the reductions as an “accomplishment”.

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has removed a top military planner amid a wider military leadership shake-up as President Donald Trump weighs fresh strikes on Iran.

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has fired the Pentagon’s top military planner, Army Lieutenant General Brett Sylvia, from his role as director of strategy, plans and policy on the US Joint Staff, NBC Washington reported on Wednesday, citing a defence official. The move comes as President Donald Trump weighs possible renewed strikes on Iran, adding to a wider shake-up of senior military leadership under his administration. Sylvia previously commanded the US Army’s 101st Airborne Division and led a unit in Iraq. No reason was given for his removal. A Joint Staff spokesperson initially issued a statement that appeared to confirm Sylvia’s departure but later withdrew it. The spokesperson subsequently said: “Out of respect for the servicemember and the ongoing personnel process, we will not comment further.” Trump weighs renewed strikes on Iran Sylvia’s removal comes as Trump considers further military action against Iran after next Tuesday’s US midterm elections. “We may do another little Epic Fury,” Trump said last week, referring to the US-Israeli strikes on Tehran in February that triggered the eight-month-long war. He did not specify when another attack might take place. Neither Washington nor Tehran has carried out major attacks on land-based targets since early September. Instead, the conflict has increasingly involved strikes on commercial vessels. Also Read: ‘People will celebrate’: Piyush Goyal says India will have ‘strong comparative advantage’ after US trade deal Trump administration’s purge of senior military officials Since returning to the White House for his second term, Trump and Hegseth have overseen a sweeping shake-up of the US military leadership. Nearly two dozen senior military and civilian defence officials have reportedly been fired, forced to retire or removed from their positions. Among them was General Charles “CQ” Brown, whom Trump dismissed as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in February 2025 without publicly explaining the decision. Army Chief of Staff General Randy George has also been among the senior figures affected by the administration’s changes. Other departures have included the heads of the US Navy and Coast Guard, the director of the National Security Agency, the US Air Force’s vice chief of staff, a Navy admiral assigned to NATO and three senior military lawyers. Hegseth has defended the changes, arguing that the president has the authority to choose the military leaders he wants. Democratic lawmakers, however, have raised concerns that the departures could undermine the traditionally non-partisan role of the US military. Last month, Hegseth said the administration had reduced the number of generals and admirals by 20 per cent, describing the move as an effort to improve “accountability”. He suggested the cuts targeted officers who did not support his push to prioritise war-fighting over what he called the “woke” policies of previous administrations. Hegseth described the reductions as an “accomplishment”.

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has removed a top military planner amid a wider military leadership shake-up as President Donald Trump weighs fresh strikes on Iran.

Hegseth fires top military planner in latest purge as Trump weighs fresh Iran strikes: Report

New Delhi: US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh have held bilateral talks on the sidelines of the 13th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) in Cebu, Philippines. The meeting, which took place on Wednesday, focused on reviewing progress under the Framework for the US-India Major Defense Partnership, signed by the two leaders on 31 October 2025 during the previous ADMM-Plus in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. In a post on X, Hegseth described the bilateral as a “great meeting,” noting that the two sides “celebrated the one-year anniversary of the Framework for our Major Defense Partnership and explored ways to strengthen cooperation.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Great meeting with Indian Minister of Defence Singh. 

We celebrated the one-year anniversary of the Framework for our Major Defense Partnership and explored ways to strengthen cooperation. https://t.co/3BLUFMpaHt&mdash; Secretary of War Pete Hegseth (@SecWar) <a href="https://x.com/SecWar/status/2115295093913719293?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 28, 2026</a></blockquote>
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Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-and-us-defence-ministers-set-for-bilateral-talks-in-philippines-1793113751704">India and US defence ministers set for bilateral talks in Philippines</a>Singh, in his own post, called the discussions “excellent” and said they had reviewed the 10-year framework’s progress, “driving strategic convergence across military technology, information sharing, and co-production.” He added that the “robust partnership continues to be a cornerstone for a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Had an excellent meeting with US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth on the sidelines of the 13th ADMM-Plus. 

We reviewed the progress of our 10-year India-US Defence Framework, driving strategic convergence across military technology, information sharing, and co-production. Our robust partnership continues to be a cornerstone for a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific. @SecWar&mdash; Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) <a href="https://x.com/rajnathsingh/status/2115307392602964220?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 28, 2026</a></blockquote>
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The 2025 framework is the latest renewal of a document that has structured US-India defence ties since 2005 and was previously updated in 2015. A US Department of War fact sheet described the latest version as “the most ambitious and wide-ranging document yet", aimed at strengthening interoperability across land, sea, air, space and cyberspace, supporting maritime security, and deepening industrial collaboration, joint exercises and information sharing.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-renews-unsc-reform-push-slams-disproportionate-veto-use-says-power-must-not-be-an-instrument-of-narrow-political-expediency-1793082774993">India renews UNSC reform push, slams 'disproportionate' veto use</a> It builds on foundational agreements such as the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement, the Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement, and the Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement. While broader US-India political relations have faced strains, including trade disputes and differences over other foreign-policy issues, defence cooperation has continued steadily, with regular joint exercises, ongoing equipment deliveries such as Apache helicopters and GE engines for India’s Tejas fighter programme, and growing industrial collaboration. The talks took place during the 13th ADMM-Plus, hosted by the Philippines in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, on 28–29 October as part of Manila’s 2026 ASEAN chairmanship. The forum brings together the ASEAN member states and eight dialogue partners, India, the United States, China, Russia, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand, to discuss regional security cooperation. He is also expected to hold further bilateral meetings with counterparts from Vietnam, Australia and other participating countries. India has long viewed its engagement with ASEAN, under the Act East policy, as central to promoting stability in the Indo-Pacific. The ADMM-Plus remains the region’s primary platform for defence consultations between ASEAN and its external partners, with ministers meeting annually since 2017.

The latest US and India talks in the Philippines focused on military technology, information sharing and co-production under a 10-year framework. Here's what the two sides discussed.

New Delhi: US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh have held bilateral talks on the sidelines of the 13th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) in Cebu, Philippines. The meeting, which took place on Wednesday, focused on reviewing progress under the Framework for the US-India Major Defense Partnership, signed by the two leaders on 31 October 2025 during the previous ADMM-Plus in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. In a post on X, Hegseth described the bilateral as a “great meeting,” noting that the two sides “celebrated the one-year anniversary of the Framework for our Major Defense Partnership and explored ways to strengthen cooperation.”

The latest US and India talks in the Philippines focused on military technology, information sharing and co-production under a 10-year framework. Here's what the two sides discussed.

Hegseth and Rajnath Singh review defence ties on ADMM-Plus sidelines

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth are expected to meet on Wednesday on the sidelines of the 13th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus in Cebu, Philippines.&nbsp;The gathering, hosted in Lapu-Lapu City on 28-29 October under the Philippines’ ASEAN chairmanship, brings together defence ministers from ASEAN states and eight dialogue partners, including India and the United States.&nbsp;Mr Singh, who left New Delhi on Tuesday, is due to address a session on regional and international security issues. He has described the forum as the region’s premier platform for defence consultations and reaffirmed India’s commitment to ASEAN centrality under its Act East policy.&nbsp;The anticipated bilateral comes almost exactly a year after the two leaders signed a 10-year Framework for the US-India Major Defence Partnership on the margins of the previous ADMM-Plus in Kuala Lumpur. That document, signed on 31 October 2025, aims to guide cooperation across interoperability, information sharing, defence industrial collaboration, science and technology, and joint deterrence efforts. Both sides described it as marking a new phase in the partnership.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-charges-two-men-over-alleged-plot-to-assist-iran-in-raf-fairford-incident-1793106603899">UK charges two men over alleged plot to assist Iran in RAF Fairford incident</a>&nbsp;Since then, military-to-military engagement has continued. In September, the 22nd edition of the bilateral Exercise Yudh Abhyas brought roughly 600 personnel from each army to training sites in Uttarakhand and Rajasthan. The drills covered mountain and desert operations, combined live-fire exercises involving systems such as India’s Pinaka rocket launchers and US HIMARS, as well as drones and autonomous platforms.&nbsp;&nbsp;The relationship has also advanced through co-production discussions, including plans linked to Javelin anti-tank missiles, and the continued integration of US-origin platforms such as P-8I maritime patrol aircraft, Apache and Chinook helicopters, and C-17 transporters into Indian service.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Leaving New Delhi for Cebu, Philippines, to attend the 13th ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting Plus.

The ADMM-Plus remains the premier platform for defence and strategic consultations in the region. 

I look forward to addressing the forum on our shared regional and international security issues. India is firmly committed to ASEAN centrality and the peace, stability, and collective growth of the Indo-Pacific region under our Act East Policy.

During my visit, I will also be holding several bilateral meetings with my counterparts from participating nations. These interactions will be a great opportunity to review our ongoing defence ties and explore new avenues to strengthen our strategic partnerships.

https://t.co/R1Lf1jYThb&mdash; Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) <a href="https://x.com/rajnathsingh/status/2114930981107098079?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 27, 2026</a></blockquote>
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Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth are expected to hold bilateral talks on the sidelines of the 13th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus in the Philippines.

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth are expected to meet on Wednesday on the sidelines of the 13th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus in Cebu, Philippines. The gathering, hosted in Lapu-Lapu City on 28-29 October under the Philippines’ ASEAN chairmanship, brings together defence ministers from ASEAN states and eight dialogue partners, including India and the United States. Mr Singh, who left New Delhi on Tuesday, is due to address a session on regional and international security issues. He has described the forum as the region’s premier platform for defence consultations and reaffirmed India’s commitment to ASEAN centrality under its Act East policy. The anticipated bilateral comes almost exactly a year after the two leaders signed a 10-year Framework for the US-India Major Defence Partnership on the margins of the previous ADMM-Plus in Kuala Lumpur. That document, signed on 31 October 2025, aims to guide cooperation across interoperability, information sharing, defence industrial collaboration, science and technology, and joint deterrence efforts. Both sides described it as marking a new phase in the partnership. Also Read: UK charges two men over alleged plot to assist Iran in RAF Fairford incident Since then, military-to-military engagement has continued. In September, the 22nd edition of the bilateral Exercise Yudh Abhyas brought roughly 600 personnel from each army to training sites in Uttarakhand and Rajasthan. The drills covered mountain and desert operations, combined live-fire exercises involving systems such as India’s Pinaka rocket launchers and US HIMARS, as well as drones and autonomous platforms. The relationship has also advanced through co-production discussions, including plans linked to Javelin anti-tank missiles, and the continued integration of US-origin platforms such as P-8I maritime patrol aircraft, Apache and Chinook helicopters, and C-17 transporters into Indian service.

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth are expected to hold bilateral talks on the sidelines of the 13th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus in the Philippines.

India and US defence ministers set for bilateral talks in Philippines

US Navy and Marine Corps review boards have voted to retain transgender service members in most of the cases they have considered, defying expectations under the Trump administration's policy to remove transgender personnel from the military. In September, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth used a slur while telling an auditorium of Marines that he was removing all transgender troops from the military.&nbsp;The Pentagon had established review boards at military bases around the world, staffed by serving military personnel and given instructions that appeared designed to ensure transgender service members would be discharged. However, at Marine Corps Base Quantico in Virginia, boards tasked with implementing the policy were reaching a different conclusion. Rather than dismissing transgender Marines, they were voting to retain them. Similar outcomes emerged in the Navy, where boards instructed to discharge sailors were instead voting to let them remain in service.&nbsp;The trend extends beyond isolated cases. Navy and Marine Corps boards have voted to retain transgender service members in nine of the 12 cases considered. The Pentagon has kept the proceedings confidential, barring outsiders, including spouses, from attending. Officials have not released official figures or publicly discussed the decisions. The number of Navy and Marine Corps cases remains small and could change as additional hearings take place. A similar pattern has not emerged in the Army or Air Force, where boards have overwhelmingly voted to discharge transgender service members.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-midterms-2026-trump-administration-sues-to-block-alaska-senate-election-certification-if-republican-dan-sullivan-loses-1792786643024">US midterms 2026: Trump administration sues to block Alaska Senate election certification if Republican Dan Sullivan loses. What's happening?</a><h2>Trump's administration says transgender troops affect military effectiveness</h2>The Trump administration estimates that transgender service members account for around 4,250 people, or approximately 0.1 per cent of the military. It argues that their presence imposes costs and undermines military effectiveness, a position contradicted by military findings. During his first week in office, President Donald Trump signed an executive order barring transgender troops from serving, arguing that the measure was necessary to remove what he described as dishonourable radicals who damage morale and waste resources.&nbsp;“For the sake of our Nation and the patriotic Americans who volunteer to serve it, military service must be reserved for those mentally and physically fit for duty,” the order read. The Pentagon subsequently introduced a policy offering financial incentives to transgender service members who agreed to leave voluntarily. Hundreds of highly qualified personnel, including doctors, lawyers, pilots and nuclear technicians, departed. Those who remained to challenge their dismissal faced prolonged uncertainty, with some waiting more than a year for their cases to be heard.&nbsp;The administration then established three-member separation boards to review the remaining cases under a narrow set of instructions. Under the rules, any evidence of transgender feelings or tendencies, even without a formal transition, requires dismissal. The boards consist of officers and enlisted personnel temporarily assigned to hear individual cases, similar to civilian juries. They are not permitted to consider whether a service member is a high performer, works in a critical career field or has received decorations for combat service.&nbsp;Members receive a one-page findings sheet and are instructed to identify evidence that a service member is transgender and therefore ineligible to continue serving. However, the outcomes have not always followed the intended approach. Transgender Marines and sailors who appeared before the boards said they expected to be dismissed after months of criticism from senior government officials. Instead, they encountered fellow service members who considered their records and voted to retain them.<h2>Army boards continue to discharge transgender personnel</h2>Across the military, hearings generally follow a similar format. A government lawyer presents medical records and other documents indicating that a service member is transgender. The defence then spends hours presenting the individual's service history, achievements, awards and performance evaluations, often calling witnesses to speak about the person's character. “It all made no difference,” said Major. Kara Corcoran, an infantry officer who has served for 18 years and deployed to Afghanistan twice. An Army board voted in May to dismiss her in what she called a “kangaroo court.”&nbsp;“They cut off my character witnesses halfway through and said, ‘We get it, your service is commendable, that’s not what we’re here to decide,’” said Major Corcoran, who now heads the trans advocacy group SPARTA Pride. “The government lawyer, the board, they thought it was ridiculous, but I think they felt they had no choice.”&nbsp;Navy and Marine Corps hearings have followed a similar format, but their outcomes have differed significantly. In the Navy, which began hearings in July, nine boards have resulted in seven votes to retain sailors, according to lawyers involved in the proceedings. In the Marine Corps, which started hearings in August, three boards have resulted in two votes to retain service members. In the third case, the board voted to dismiss a Marine but recorded that its members unanimously believed the individual should be retained based on his commendable service record and unique skills.

US Navy and Marine Corps boards are resisting Trump's transgender military ban, voting to retain service members in nine of 12 reviewed cases

US Navy and Marine Corps review boards have voted to retain transgender service members in most of the cases they have considered, defying expectations under the Trump administration's policy to remove transgender personnel from the military. In September, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth used a slur while telling an auditorium of Marines that he was removing all transgender troops from the military. The Pentagon had established review boards at military bases around the world, staffed by serving military personnel and given instructions that appeared designed to ensure transgender service members would be discharged. However, at Marine Corps Base Quantico in Virginia, boards tasked with implementing the policy were reaching a different conclusion. Rather than dismissing transgender Marines, they were voting to retain them. Similar outcomes emerged in the Navy, where boards instructed to discharge sailors were instead voting to let them remain in service. The trend extends beyond isolated cases. Navy and Marine Corps boards have voted to retain transgender service members in nine of the 12 cases considered. The Pentagon has kept the proceedings confidential, barring outsiders, including spouses, from attending. Officials have not released official figures or publicly discussed the decisions. The number of Navy and Marine Corps cases remains small and could change as additional hearings take place. A similar pattern has not emerged in the Army or Air Force, where boards have overwhelmingly voted to discharge transgender service members. Also Read: US midterms 2026: Trump administration sues to block Alaska Senate election certification if Republican Dan Sullivan loses. What's happening? Trump's administration says transgender troops affect military effectiveness The Trump administration estimates that transgender service members account for around 4,250 people, or approximately 0.1 per cent of the military. It argues that their presence imposes costs and undermines military effectiveness, a position contradicted by military findings. During his first week in office, President Donald Trump signed an executive order barring transgender troops from serving, arguing that the measure was necessary to remove what he described as dishonourable radicals who damage morale and waste resources. “For the sake of our Nation and the patriotic Americans who volunteer to serve it, military service must be reserved for those mentally and physically fit for duty,” the order read. The Pentagon subsequently introduced a policy offering financial incentives to transgender service members who agreed to leave voluntarily. Hundreds of highly qualified personnel, including doctors, lawyers, pilots and nuclear technicians, departed. Those who remained to challenge their dismissal faced prolonged uncertainty, with some waiting more than a year for their cases to be heard. The administration then established three-member separation boards to review the remaining cases under a narrow set of instructions. Under the rules, any evidence of transgender feelings or tendencies, even without a formal transition, requires dismissal. The boards consist of officers and enlisted personnel temporarily assigned to hear individual cases, similar to civilian juries. They are not permitted to consider whether a service member is a high performer, works in a critical career field or has received decorations for combat service. Members receive a one-page findings sheet and are instructed to identify evidence that a service member is transgender and therefore ineligible to continue serving. However, the outcomes have not always followed the intended approach. Transgender Marines and sailors who appeared before the boards said they expected to be dismissed after months of criticism from senior government officials. Instead, they encountered fellow service members who considered their records and voted to retain them. Army boards continue to discharge transgender personnel Across the military, hearings generally follow a similar format. A government lawyer presents medical records and other documents indicating that a service member is transgender. The defence then spends hours presenting the individual's service history, achievements, awards and performance evaluations, often calling witnesses to speak about the person's character. “It all made no difference,” said Major. Kara Corcoran, an infantry officer who has served for 18 years and deployed to Afghanistan twice. An Army board voted in May to dismiss her in what she called a “kangaroo court.” “They cut off my character witnesses halfway through and said, ‘We get it, your service is commendable, that’s not what we’re here to decide,’” said Major Corcoran, who now heads the trans advocacy group SPARTA Pride. “The government lawyer, the board, they thought it was ridiculous, but I think they felt they had no choice.” Navy and Marine Corps hearings have followed a similar format, but their outcomes have differed significantly. In the Navy, which began hearings in July, nine boards have resulted in seven votes to retain sailors, according to lawyers involved in the proceedings. In the Marine Corps, which started hearings in August, three boards have resulted in two votes to retain service members. In the third case, the board voted to dismiss a Marine but recorded that its members unanimously believed the individual should be retained based on his commendable service record and unique skills.

US Navy and Marine Corps boards have voted to retain transgender troops in most reviewed cases, challenging the Trump administration's military ban

US Navy, Marine Corps boards defy Trump's transgender military ban, vote to retain troops

US President Donald Trump said on Thursday that he has called off plans to livestream the execution of former US army psychiatrist Nidal Hasan by firing squad.Trump had previously said he approved livestreaming of the Fort Hood attacker’s execution by the firing squad, but Vice-President JD Vance said he would not watch it and cast doubt on whether it would happen.&nbsp;After criticism mounted, Trump said in a post on Thursday that “many very good and well-meaning people would rather not watch him die through streaming, or through any other visual device”.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-us-trade-deal-first-phase-finalised-legal-drafting-under-way-says-piyush-goyal-1792068286962">India-US trade deal: First phase finalised, legal drafting under way, says Piyush Goyal</a>&nbsp;“I think streaming the execution for all to see might have been a strong deterrent for the World to witness how America deals with Terrorists and SCUM like Hasan,” Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social.&nbsp;“He will die, as scheduled, by firing squad, but this event will not be streamed,” the president added.&nbsp;Hasan had fatally shot 13 unarmed US soldiers at a military base in Texas in 2009, while injuring 32 others. His execution by firing squad would be the first military execution in more than 60 years.The president added that the immediate families of the victims will be able to watch the execution in person, if they wish so.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iranian-woman-23-handed-death-sentence-for-blasphemy-in-social-media-post-appeals-for-help-1792003989291">Iranian woman, 23, handed death sentence for ‘blasphemy’ in social media post; appeals for help</a>&nbsp;As per reports, as the debate progressed on whether to call off plans to livestream the execution, Trump said privately that he did not initially know that Hasan was paralysed from the waist down.The president was not aware that Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth announced last week that the administration planned to let the public watch the execution. Trump, however, firmly backed the decision to execute Hasan by the firing squad.&nbsp;The idea of the firing squad execution livestreaming was pitched last week by Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth.&nbsp;House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) warned that the footage of the execution could become a “recruiting tool for future terrorists.”

Fort Hood shooter Nidal Hasan had fatally shot 13 unarmed US soldiers at a military base in Texas in 2009, while injuring 32 others. His execution by firing squad would be the first military execution in more than 60 years.

US President Donald Trump said on Thursday that he has called off plans to livestream the execution of former US army psychiatrist Nidal Hasan by firing squad. Trump had previously said he approved livestreaming of the Fort Hood attacker’s execution by the firing squad, but Vice-President JD Vance said he would not watch it and cast doubt on whether it would happen. After criticism mounted, Trump said in a post on Thursday that “many very good and well-meaning people would rather not watch him die through streaming, or through any other visual device”. Also Read: India-US trade deal: First phase finalised, legal drafting under way, says Piyush Goyal “I think streaming the execution for all to see might have been a strong deterrent for the World to witness how America deals with Terrorists and SCUM like Hasan,” Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social. “He will die, as scheduled, by firing squad, but this event will not be streamed,” the president added. Hasan had fatally shot 13 unarmed US soldiers at a military base in Texas in 2009, while injuring 32 others. His execution by firing squad would be the first military execution in more than 60 years. The president added that the immediate families of the victims will be able to watch the execution in person, if they wish so. Also Read: Iranian woman, 23, handed death sentence for ‘blasphemy’ in social media post; appeals for help As per reports, as the debate progressed on whether to call off plans to livestream the execution, Trump said privately that he did not initially know that Hasan was paralysed from the waist down. The president was not aware that Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth announced last week that the administration planned to let the public watch the execution. Trump, however, firmly backed the decision to execute Hasan by the firing squad. The idea of the firing squad execution livestreaming was pitched last week by Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) warned that the footage of the execution could become a “recruiting tool for future terrorists.”

Fort Hood shooter Nidal Hasan had fatally shot 13 unarmed US soldiers at a military base in Texas in 2009, while injuring 32 others. His execution by firing squad would be the first military execution in more than 60 years.

Trump calls off livestream of Fort Hood shooter Nidal Hasan’s firing squad execution

The United States is set to livestream a firing squad execution, drawing attention to the use of capital punishment. The case has renewed debate over execution methods and transparency in the death penalty system. Firing squad executions remain rare in the US. Further details about the planned livestream and the execution are awaited.


Pentagon vows to livestream Fort Hood shooter Nidal Hasan's execution

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth is opening an “Office of Religious Affairs” at the Pentagon, leading to fears that he will use the office to elevate a Christian nationalist agenda and ostracise other faiths. Critics say the move violates First Amendment protections and breaks down the wall separating the church and the state. Hegseth has often said that a “spiritual battle” is being waged between Christianity and America. Hegseth has used religion and faith to defend the war against Iran and often invokes scriptures and Christian prayers while talking about adversaries.<h2>What will "Office of Religious Affairs" do?</h2> According to Pentagon memos and statements from leadership, the office will serve "several core administrative and spiritual objectives." Speaking to troops and officials from Quantico, Virginia, on Wednesday, Hegseth said that the office would serve as "a direct line to the secretary" and give military chaplains "an advocate at the highest levels."&nbsp;The office will promote "spiritual readiness" and oversee religious policy. It will work to fund them and take initiatives meant to evaluate and bolster the "spiritual fitness" and combat readiness of military service members. It places the US Military Chaplain Corps under a direct line of authority to Hegseth. The aim is to shift the focus of the chaplains away from therapeutic "self-help" towards spiritual ministry, religious doctrine, and pastoral support.&nbsp;Office of Religious Affairs also coordinates faith-based mental health and suicide-reduction initiatives and offers faith-based support programs to military families. The office has been formed at a time when the Pentagon has reduced the list of officially recognised military religious affiliations to 31 traditions. Traditional faiths take precedence, while Unitarian Universalists, pagans, Wiccans, and non-religious/atheist support groups have been removed.<h2>Criticism of Office of Religious Affairs</h2>&nbsp;First Amendment advocacy groups, secular organisations, and constitutional scholars have slammed the decision as the office centralises religious oversight within the Pentagon. This blurs the boundary between church and state and favours specific religious doctrines over others.&nbsp;“For more than 250 years, the military and its chaplains have served the diverse religious and spiritual needs of all our service members,” Americans United for Separation of Church and State president Rachel Laser said in a statement. She accused Hegseth of "abusing his government position to impose his beliefs on others", adding that “it puts the needs of America’s service members second to this administration’s Christian Nationalist agenda.”<h2>First Amendment and separating religion from state</h2>The First Amendment clause prohibits the government from establishing a national religion or favouring one over the other. Thomas Jefferson, the third US President, had stressed the need to have a wall between church and the state to avoid religious dominance in governance.&nbsp;Hegseth, a member of the Communion of Reformed Evangelical Churches denomination, promotes Christian influence within the government. Meanwhile, a memo for the office states that "nothing in this memorandum shall be construed to compel religious participation or to diminish the free exercise rights of any service member, civilian employee, or family member of any faith or no faith."

Office of Religious Affairs at the Pentagon will promote "spiritual readiness" and bolster the “spiritual fitness” of military service members. Critics claim the move will promote one religion over others and violate the First Amendment.

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth is opening an “Office of Religious Affairs” at the Pentagon, leading to fears that he will use the office to elevate a Christian nationalist agenda and ostracise other faiths. Critics say the move violates First Amendment protections and breaks down the wall separating the church and the state. Hegseth has often said that a “spiritual battle” is being waged between Christianity and America. Hegseth has used religion and faith to defend the war against Iran and often invokes scriptures and Christian prayers while talking about adversaries. What will "Office of Religious Affairs" do? According to Pentagon memos and statements from leadership, the office will serve "several core administrative and spiritual objectives." Speaking to troops and officials from Quantico, Virginia, on Wednesday, Hegseth said that the office would serve as "a direct line to the secretary" and give military chaplains "an advocate at the highest levels." The office will promote "spiritual readiness" and oversee religious policy. It will work to fund them and take initiatives meant to evaluate and bolster the "spiritual fitness" and combat readiness of military service members. It places the US Military Chaplain Corps under a direct line of authority to Hegseth. The aim is to shift the focus of the chaplains away from therapeutic "self-help" towards spiritual ministry, religious doctrine, and pastoral support. Office of Religious Affairs also coordinates faith-based mental health and suicide-reduction initiatives and offers faith-based support programs to military families. The office has been formed at a time when the Pentagon has reduced the list of officially recognised military religious affiliations to 31 traditions. Traditional faiths take precedence, while Unitarian Universalists, pagans, Wiccans, and non-religious/atheist support groups have been removed. Criticism of Office of Religious Affairs First Amendment advocacy groups, secular organisations, and constitutional scholars have slammed the decision as the office centralises religious oversight within the Pentagon. This blurs the boundary between church and state and favours specific religious doctrines over others. “For more than 250 years, the military and its chaplains have served the diverse religious and spiritual needs of all our service members,” Americans United for Separation of Church and State president Rachel Laser said in a statement. She accused Hegseth of "abusing his government position to impose his beliefs on others", adding that “it puts the needs of America’s service members second to this administration’s Christian Nationalist agenda.” First Amendment and separating religion from state The First Amendment clause prohibits the government from establishing a national religion or favouring one over the other. Thomas Jefferson, the third US President, had stressed the need to have a wall between church and the state to avoid religious dominance in governance. Hegseth, a member of the Communion of Reformed Evangelical Churches denomination, promotes Christian influence within the government. Meanwhile, a memo for the office states that "nothing in this memorandum shall be construed to compel religious participation or to diminish the free exercise rights of any service member, civilian employee, or family member of any faith or no faith."

Office of Religious Affairs at the Pentagon will promote "spiritual readiness" and bolster the “spiritual fitness” of military service members. Critics claim the move will promote one religion over others and violate the First Amendment.

Spiritual warfare or constitutional breach? Pentagon’s new religious affairs office triggers outrage

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has directed Pentagon personnel to use advanced intelligence and cyber capabilities to identify, disrupt and neutralise foreign interference targeting upcoming US elections, as per Axios. The effort marks the latest expansion of the federal government’s role in countering foreign election interference, a concern that has persisted during US election cycles for nearly a decade. Officials said the initiative will make use of some of the most advanced artificial intelligence capabilities available to the Defense Department.&nbsp;Hegseth's order does not direct military personnel to deploy at polling places. However, President Donald Trump has declined to rule out the possibility of military involvement at polling locations, an issue that has raised concerns among Democrats and critics of the administration. Under a memo authorised by Hegseth last week, the defense secretary pledged to counter foreign interference while upholding democratic freedoms. The directive establishes three primary areas of action.&nbsp;<ul><li>First, the Pentagon will prioritise its ‘intelligence and cyber capabilities to ensure foreign actors do not meddle in our democratic systems’ through US Cyber Command and the directors of the combat support agencies.</li><li>Second, the Defense Intelligence Enterprise will collect and produce information on foreign threats to our elections, in accordance with the law, regulation, executive direction.</li><li>Third, the memo calls for efforts to counter potential cyber threats from foreign actors targeting our elections through joint operations involving US Cyber Command and the Department of Homeland Security.</li></ul>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-offered-them-nothing-trump-rejects-claims-of-sanctions-relief-for-iran-confirms-us-talks-with-tehran-mediators-1790647397312">'I offered them NOTHING': Trump rejects claims of sanctions relief for Iran, confirms US talks with Tehran mediators</a>&nbsp;The directive draws on Trump's 2025 executive order, titled ‘Preserving And Protecting The Integrity Of American Elections’. Officials also said the memo was drafted in response to Trump's July remarks accusing China of interfering in the 2020 election. China has denied the allegation. The new directive follows a similar initiative undertaken ahead of the 2022 midterm elections under President Joe Biden. That effort instructed US Cyber Command and the National Security Agency to disrupt, deter, and degrade foreign adversaries' ability to interfere with and influence how US citizens vote and how those votes are counted'.&nbsp;The federal government's role in addressing foreign election threats increased after elections were designated critical infrastructure by the Department of Homeland Security in 2017. Lt. Gen. Joshua M. Rudd, Trump's nominee to lead the NSA and US Cyber Command, told senators during his confirmation hearing that election-security work was ‘fundamental’ and said he would continue to ‘safeguard’ American democracy.&nbsp;At the same time, the Trump administration has reduced or proposed reductions in some election-security resources ahead of the midterms. The administration proposed cuts to the election-security budget of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, or CISA, the primary DHS component responsible for much of the work. Staffing for other key positions was also delayed. Meanwhile, federal resources have been directed toward investigating alleged voter fraud in previous elections and reviewing voter rolls, with portions of DHS staffing assigned to those efforts.&nbsp;Following Trump's 2020 election loss, Trump allies circulated a memo urging the president to use DOD and NSA ‘unprocessed raw signals data’ in an effort to investigate alleged election fraud, according to The Washington Post. Officials identified in the memo denied seeing it at the time. Trump also considered ordering the National Guard to seize voting machines after the 2020 election and told The New York Times earlier this year that he regretted not doing so. Pentagon chief spokesperson Sean Parnell said federal, state and local officials are working in lockstep with US Cyber Command and defense intelligence teams to prevent foreign interference.

Pete Hegseth directs Pentagon intelligence and cyber teams to counter foreign election interference as the US prepares for upcoming midterm elections

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has directed Pentagon personnel to use advanced intelligence and cyber capabilities to identify, disrupt and neutralise foreign interference targeting upcoming US elections, as per Axios. The effort marks the latest expansion of the federal government’s role in countering foreign election interference, a concern that has persisted during US election cycles for nearly a decade. Officials said the initiative will make use of some of the most advanced artificial intelligence capabilities available to the Defense Department. Hegseth's order does not direct military personnel to deploy at polling places. However, President Donald Trump has declined to rule out the possibility of military involvement at polling locations, an issue that has raised concerns among Democrats and critics of the administration. Under a memo authorised by Hegseth last week, the defense secretary pledged to counter foreign interference while upholding democratic freedoms. The directive establishes three primary areas of action. First, the Pentagon will prioritise its ‘intelligence and cyber capabilities to ensure foreign actors do not meddle in our democratic systems’ through US Cyber Command and the directors of the combat support agencies. Second, the Defense Intelligence Enterprise will collect and produce information on foreign threats to our elections, in accordance with the law, regulation, executive direction. Third, the memo calls for efforts to counter potential cyber threats from foreign actors targeting our elections through joint operations involving US Cyber Command and the Department of Homeland Security. Also Read: 'I offered them NOTHING': Trump rejects claims of sanctions relief for Iran, confirms US talks with Tehran mediators The directive draws on Trump's 2025 executive order, titled ‘Preserving And Protecting The Integrity Of American Elections’. Officials also said the memo was drafted in response to Trump's July remarks accusing China of interfering in the 2020 election. China has denied the allegation. The new directive follows a similar initiative undertaken ahead of the 2022 midterm elections under President Joe Biden. That effort instructed US Cyber Command and the National Security Agency to disrupt, deter, and degrade foreign adversaries' ability to interfere with and influence how US citizens vote and how those votes are counted'. The federal government's role in addressing foreign election threats increased after elections were designated critical infrastructure by the Department of Homeland Security in 2017. Lt. Gen. Joshua M. Rudd, Trump's nominee to lead the NSA and US Cyber Command, told senators during his confirmation hearing that election-security work was ‘fundamental’ and said he would continue to ‘safeguard’ American democracy. At the same time, the Trump administration has reduced or proposed reductions in some election-security resources ahead of the midterms. The administration proposed cuts to the election-security budget of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, or CISA, the primary DHS component responsible for much of the work. Staffing for other key positions was also delayed. Meanwhile, federal resources have been directed toward investigating alleged voter fraud in previous elections and reviewing voter rolls, with portions of DHS staffing assigned to those efforts. Following Trump's 2020 election loss, Trump allies circulated a memo urging the president to use DOD and NSA ‘unprocessed raw signals data’ in an effort to investigate alleged election fraud, according to The Washington Post. Officials identified in the memo denied seeing it at the time. Trump also considered ordering the National Guard to seize voting machines after the 2020 election and told The New York Times earlier this year that he regretted not doing so. Pentagon chief spokesperson Sean Parnell said federal, state and local officials are working in lockstep with US Cyber Command and defense intelligence teams to prevent foreign interference.

Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth directs US cyber and intelligence teams to counter foreign election interference ahead of the upcoming midterm elections

Pete Hegseth directs Pentagon to use AI, cyber capabilities to counter 'foreign interference' ahead of US midterm elections

The Pentagon's public tally of US troops wounded during the Iran conflict increased by 37 this week, without an explanation from the Defense Department about when or how the injuries occurred. The increase includes 29 Navy sailors and eight Marines, according to a review of the Pentagon's Defense Casualty Analysis System, or DCAS, a public database tracking US military personnel killed and wounded during overseas conflicts and operations.&nbsp;As of Wednesday, DCAS listed 861 US troops as wounded during the Iran conflict. More than half of those cases are categorized in the database under ‘Overseas Operations’ following the start of a July ceasefire between Washington and Tehran that subsequently collapsed. Earlier casualties were recorded under ‘Operation Epic Fury’, the name used by the Trump administration for the Iran conflict.<h2>Pentagon database gives no details on 37 injuries</h2>The DCAS database does not specify when or how the 37 newly listed service members were wounded. A Navy official said all 29 sailors had returned to duty following the unspecified injuries. The Pentagon has previously acknowledged that entries into the DCAS database can be delayed for days or longer. Officials have cited several reasons, including delays in reporting concussions and traumatic brain injuries because symptoms may not appear immediately.&nbsp;The Navy and Marine Corps directed questions to US Central Command, which oversees American military operations in the Middle East. A Central Command spokesman declined to comment. Military officials have not publicly identified recent attacks or other incidents involving US forces that would explain the addition of the 37 wounded personnel.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-supreme-court-backs-trump-administration-s-use-of-save-database-to-check-voter-citizenship-1790372827887">US Supreme Court backs Trump administration's use of SAVE database to check voter citizenship</a><h2>Trump administration disputes war description</h2>The casualty update comes amid continued debate over how the Trump administration describes the conflict with Iran. President Donald Trump and other senior officials have repeatedly argued since the ceasefire that the confrontation should not be characterized as a war. Vice President JD Vance told reporters on September 3, “Right now, there is no active shooting.” The latest DCAS update nevertheless adds to the publicly recorded number of US military personnel who have been wounded in connection with operations involving Iran.<h2>Pentagon casualty reporting under scrutiny</h2>The administration's handling of military casualty figures has faced increased scrutiny since earlier this year. Four US service members who died as a result of the Iran conflict were briefly absent from the Pentagon's official casualty tally. The Washington Post subsequently reported that more American service members had died in the Middle East during the conflict than had been publicly disclosed by the Pentagon.&nbsp;According to officials cited in that report, as many as five military fatalities were not reflected in the DCAS database. The discrepancy has not been resolved publicly. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth rejected the report and called it ‘disgusting’. At the time, DCAS listed 18 US personnel as having died from hostile and nonhostile causes since February 28, when the Trump administration, working with Israel, launched the military campaign against Iran.&nbsp;Not all of the deaths were directly attributed to the Iran conflict. Some involved US personnel stationed in the region while hostilities were underway. The Pentagon's fatality tally increased to 19 this week following the death of an Army officer who experienced a medical emergency on September 18 while traveling to the Middle East.<h2>What the DCAS data includes?</h2>Historically, the Pentagon's casualty database has included both hostile and nonhostile deaths. Nonhostile fatalities can include deaths resulting from accidents, sudden medical emergencies and self-inflicted injuries, including suicides. Such reporting has traditionally been intended to provide the public with a comprehensive record of the human cost borne by US service members and their families during military operations. The latest increase in the wounded tally comes as questions continue over the completeness and timing of the Pentagon's public casualty disclosures.

Pentagon data shows 37 more US troops wounded in the Iran conflict, raising the tally to 861 as questions grow over casualty reporting and disclosures

The Pentagon's public tally of US troops wounded during the Iran conflict increased by 37 this week, without an explanation from the Defense Department about when or how the injuries occurred. The increase includes 29 Navy sailors and eight Marines, according to a review of the Pentagon's Defense Casualty Analysis System, or DCAS, a public database tracking US military personnel killed and wounded during overseas conflicts and operations. As of Wednesday, DCAS listed 861 US troops as wounded during the Iran conflict. More than half of those cases are categorized in the database under ‘Overseas Operations’ following the start of a July ceasefire between Washington and Tehran that subsequently collapsed. Earlier casualties were recorded under ‘Operation Epic Fury’, the name used by the Trump administration for the Iran conflict. Pentagon database gives no details on 37 injuries The DCAS database does not specify when or how the 37 newly listed service members were wounded. A Navy official said all 29 sailors had returned to duty following the unspecified injuries. The Pentagon has previously acknowledged that entries into the DCAS database can be delayed for days or longer. Officials have cited several reasons, including delays in reporting concussions and traumatic brain injuries because symptoms may not appear immediately. The Navy and Marine Corps directed questions to US Central Command, which oversees American military operations in the Middle East. A Central Command spokesman declined to comment. Military officials have not publicly identified recent attacks or other incidents involving US forces that would explain the addition of the 37 wounded personnel. Also Read: US Supreme Court backs Trump administration's use of SAVE database to check voter citizenship Trump administration disputes war description The casualty update comes amid continued debate over how the Trump administration describes the conflict with Iran. President Donald Trump and other senior officials have repeatedly argued since the ceasefire that the confrontation should not be characterized as a war. Vice President JD Vance told reporters on September 3, “Right now, there is no active shooting.” The latest DCAS update nevertheless adds to the publicly recorded number of US military personnel who have been wounded in connection with operations involving Iran. Pentagon casualty reporting under scrutiny The administration's handling of military casualty figures has faced increased scrutiny since earlier this year. Four US service members who died as a result of the Iran conflict were briefly absent from the Pentagon's official casualty tally. The Washington Post subsequently reported that more American service members had died in the Middle East during the conflict than had been publicly disclosed by the Pentagon. According to officials cited in that report, as many as five military fatalities were not reflected in the DCAS database. The discrepancy has not been resolved publicly. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth rejected the report and called it ‘disgusting’. At the time, DCAS listed 18 US personnel as having died from hostile and nonhostile causes since February 28, when the Trump administration, working with Israel, launched the military campaign against Iran. Not all of the deaths were directly attributed to the Iran conflict. Some involved US personnel stationed in the region while hostilities were underway. The Pentagon's fatality tally increased to 19 this week following the death of an Army officer who experienced a medical emergency on September 18 while traveling to the Middle East. What the DCAS data includes? Historically, the Pentagon's casualty database has included both hostile and nonhostile deaths. Nonhostile fatalities can include deaths resulting from accidents, sudden medical emergencies and self-inflicted injuries, including suicides. Such reporting has traditionally been intended to provide the public with a comprehensive record of the human cost borne by US service members and their families during military operations. The latest increase in the wounded tally comes as questions continue over the completeness and timing of the Pentagon's public casualty disclosures.

Pentagon casualty data shows 37 more US troops wounded in the Iran conflict, taking the total to 861, without explaining the new injuries

Pentagon quietly adds 37 wounded troops to Iran war tally without explaining when or how

A US appeals court on Friday upheld the Pentagon's decision to exclude AI startup Anthropic from its supply chain after the company declined to remove certain safeguards from its Claude artificial intelligence model. The dispute started in February after Anthropic rejected a demand from Pentagon Secretary Pete Hegseth to lift restrictions on Claude's use in fully autonomous lethal weapons and mass domestic surveillance of Americans. The Pentagon formally designated Anthropic as a supply chain risk in March. The move resulted in the cancellation of the company's military contracts and prevented other Pentagon contractors from using its technology. The US military had been using Claude across a range of classified and sensitive systems.<h2>Anthropic's concerns over military use</h2>According to the court's decision, an Anthropic executive raised concerns about the use of Claude by Pentagon contractor Palantir during a military operation that captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on January 3. The objection led to alarm and raised material doubts as to whether they would cause their software to stop working or cause some other disastrous action that would put our warfighters' lives in danger, Under Secretary of Defense Emil Michael said, according to the court opinion.&nbsp;Anthropic has maintained that it cannot alter its AI models after they have been delivered to the military. However, the Washington appeals court found that Anthropic determines the behaviour of each new version of its models, while the military must continue updating its systems to use the company's latest offerings. Judge Gregory Katsas, writing for two of the three appellate judges, said in our Republic, it is the President and the Secretary of War who must determine how best to balance risks. The ruling leaves the Pentagon's supply-chain designation in place.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-xi-summit-wrap-big-pageantry-iran-talks-few-major-developments-and-more-meetings-planned-1790367651220">Trump-Xi summit wrap: Big pageantry, Iran talks, few major developments and more meetings planned</a><h2>Pentagon turns to OpenAI, xAI, Google and Microsoft</h2>The decision against Anthropic represented an unusual use of government procurement authority against a major US technology company. Following the dispute, the Pentagon turned to competing AI companies. OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, signed an agreement with the Pentagon on the same day as Anthropic's ban. Elon Musk's xAI, which develops Grok, signed an agreement in February, while Google and Microsoft followed several months later.&nbsp;The development has placed Anthropic in a difficult position in Washington despite the company's prominent role in the rapidly expanding AI industry. Anthropic, which has been valued at nearly $1 trillion, is also preparing for a major initial public offering expected in the coming weeks. The White House has separately criticized Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei's repeated warnings about the risks associated with artificial intelligence. President Donald Trump has described those warnings as a hoax.<h2>Pentagon official celebrates court ruling</h2>Emil Michael celebrated the appeals court decision in a post on X. "The hammer of justice has smashed Anthropic arguments."He added, "Warfighters will sleep better knowing that no private company will insert their opinions in the chain of command."The ruling comes amid a separate legal battle in California. A federal court there ruled last month that a broader ban imposed against Anthropic by the Trump administration was unlawful.&nbsp;The Pentagon action upheld by the appeals court on Friday was based on federal public procurement regulations and remains effective. Anthropic said it disagreed with the ruling and indicated that it could pursue additional legal options. "We respectfully disagree with the court's decision. Another federal court has already held the government's parallel designation unlawful. We remain confident in our position and are considering all options, including further review," an Anthropic spokesperson said in a statement to US media.

A US appeals court upholds the Pentagon’s Anthropic ban after the AI company refused to remove safeguards on Claude for military use

A US appeals court on Friday upheld the Pentagon's decision to exclude AI startup Anthropic from its supply chain after the company declined to remove certain safeguards from its Claude artificial intelligence model. The dispute started in February after Anthropic rejected a demand from Pentagon Secretary Pete Hegseth to lift restrictions on Claude's use in fully autonomous lethal weapons and mass domestic surveillance of Americans. The Pentagon formally designated Anthropic as a supply chain risk in March. The move resulted in the cancellation of the company's military contracts and prevented other Pentagon contractors from using its technology. The US military had been using Claude across a range of classified and sensitive systems. Anthropic's concerns over military use According to the court's decision, an Anthropic executive raised concerns about the use of Claude by Pentagon contractor Palantir during a military operation that captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on January 3. The objection led to alarm and raised material doubts as to whether they would cause their software to stop working or cause some other disastrous action that would put our warfighters' lives in danger, Under Secretary of Defense Emil Michael said, according to the court opinion. Anthropic has maintained that it cannot alter its AI models after they have been delivered to the military. However, the Washington appeals court found that Anthropic determines the behaviour of each new version of its models, while the military must continue updating its systems to use the company's latest offerings. Judge Gregory Katsas, writing for two of the three appellate judges, said in our Republic, it is the President and the Secretary of War who must determine how best to balance risks. The ruling leaves the Pentagon's supply-chain designation in place. Also Read: Trump-Xi summit wrap: Big pageantry, Iran talks, few major developments and more meetings planned Pentagon turns to OpenAI, xAI, Google and Microsoft The decision against Anthropic represented an unusual use of government procurement authority against a major US technology company. Following the dispute, the Pentagon turned to competing AI companies. OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, signed an agreement with the Pentagon on the same day as Anthropic's ban. Elon Musk's xAI, which develops Grok, signed an agreement in February, while Google and Microsoft followed several months later. The development has placed Anthropic in a difficult position in Washington despite the company's prominent role in the rapidly expanding AI industry. Anthropic, which has been valued at nearly $1 trillion, is also preparing for a major initial public offering expected in the coming weeks. The White House has separately criticized Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei's repeated warnings about the risks associated with artificial intelligence. President Donald Trump has described those warnings as a hoax. Pentagon official celebrates court ruling Emil Michael celebrated the appeals court decision in a post on X. "The hammer of justice has smashed Anthropic arguments." He added, "Warfighters will sleep better knowing that no private company will insert their opinions in the chain of command." The ruling comes amid a separate legal battle in California. A federal court there ruled last month that a broader ban imposed against Anthropic by the Trump administration was unlawful. The Pentagon action upheld by the appeals court on Friday was based on federal public procurement regulations and remains effective. Anthropic said it disagreed with the ruling and indicated that it could pursue additional legal options. "We respectfully disagree with the court's decision. Another federal court has already held the government's parallel designation unlawful. We remain confident in our position and are considering all options, including further review," an Anthropic spokesperson said in a statement to US media.

A US appeals court upholds the Pentagon’s decision to exclude Anthropic from its supply chain after a dispute over Claude AI safeguards

US court backs Pentagon's decision to exclude Anthropic over Claude AI restrictions

The Iran war has led to more casualties of the US troops than previously claimed by the Pentagon publicly. A report in the Washington Post that cites six US officials familiar with the Defense Department’s internal casualty accounting data, has put the number at 22, four ​more than were listed in the data available on the Pentagon's public database.&nbsp;However, another official said that not all of the undisclosed fatalities were directly linked to the fighting but happened during the military personnel deputation to the Middle East during the conflict.&nbsp;The official added that three US contractors in the region have also been killed since the start of the war.&nbsp;Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ​has denied the report and called it "a complete LIE."Taking to X Hegseth wrote, “This is DISGUSTING and FAKE. A complete LIE."&nbsp;He further criticised the newspaper saying, “Shame on the Washington Post — they’re worse than Iranian state media.”&nbsp;The report did not provide more details into how and when the deaths happened. It also did not reveal the identities of those "killed".&nbsp;<h2>Shortfall of munitions</h2>&nbsp;Other than human casualties, the US is also facing munition shortfall. On Spetember 14, the inspector general of the Defense Department of the United States in its report had said that the conflict with Iran has led to a shortfall of US munitions and “bottlenecks” in supply chains and that Washington is working to replenish weaponry.&nbsp;“Pentagon is working to streamline procurement processes and production lead times, and to stockpile critical materials, components, and selected munitions to respond rapidly to a contingency,” said the report.&nbsp;According to experts, it is going to take US three years to replenish advanced missiles and defensive missile interceptors to prewar levels, say experts, reported Reuters. &nbsp;

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ​has denied the report saying, “This is DISGUSTING and FAKE. A complete LIE."

The Iran war has led to more casualties of the US troops than previously claimed by the Pentagon publicly. A report in the Washington Post that cites six US officials familiar with the Defense Department’s internal casualty accounting data, has put the number at 22, four more than were listed in the data available on the Pentagon's public database. However, another official said that not all of the undisclosed fatalities were directly linked to the fighting but happened during the military personnel deputation to the Middle East during the conflict. The official added that three US contractors in the region have also been killed since the start of the war. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has denied the report and called it "a complete LIE." Taking to X Hegseth wrote, “This is DISGUSTING and FAKE. A complete LIE." He further criticised the newspaper saying, “Shame on the Washington Post — they’re worse than Iranian state media.” The report did not provide more details into how and when the deaths happened. It also did not reveal the identities of those "killed". Shortfall of munitions Other than human casualties, the US is also facing munition shortfall. On Spetember 14, the inspector general of the Defense Department of the United States in its report had said that the conflict with Iran has led to a shortfall of US munitions and “bottlenecks” in supply chains and that Washington is working to replenish weaponry. “Pentagon is working to streamline procurement processes and production lead times, and to stockpile critical materials, components, and selected munitions to respond rapidly to a contingency,” said the report. According to experts, it is going to take US three years to replenish advanced missiles and defensive missile interceptors to prewar levels, say experts, reported Reuters.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ​has denied the report saying, “This is DISGUSTING and FAKE. A complete LIE."

US hiding troop deaths in Iran war? Toll higher than Pentagon count, claims report

The Pentagon is bringing back mandatory testing for testosterone deficiency among US service members aged 30 and above, reviving a programme that medical experts have criticised as unnecessary and potentially harmful.&nbsp;The new clinical guidance applies only to male service members and sets common procedures for screening and treating testosterone deficiency. The Pentagon said it will issue separate guidance for female service members at a later stage.&nbsp;The new rules require testosterone tests during periodic health assessments and annual physical examinations. Service members below the age of 30 can also undergo testing if they request it or if doctors believe it is medically necessary.&nbsp;“Effective immediately, this guidance addresses male testosterone deficiency, establishing uniform screening and treatment pathways,” Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said in a statement.<h3>Hegseth first announced testing plan</h3>US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth first announced the mandatory screening plan in July as he promoted testosterone use as a way to improve military readiness.&nbsp;Under the earlier guidance, women were also expected to undergo screening through a questionnaire, after which they could potentially receive treatment for conditions linked to hormonal imbalances.&nbsp;The latest guidance, however, makes clear that the mandatory testing programme currently covers only male service members. Hegseth’s July memo had called for testosterone deficiency screening for all troops, but the clinical guidance issued on Thursday specifically refers to “testosterone deficiency in the male service member”.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/drone-strikes-cooling-tower-at-russia-s-kursk-nuclear-plant-iaea-confirms-1789755853264">Drone strikes cooling tower at Russia's Kursk Nuclear Plant, IAEA confirms</a><h3>Growing interest in testosterone</h3>The Pentagon’s move comes as interest in testosterone has increased, particularly among men’s health influencers and podcasters who often promote the hormone as a way to increase energy, build muscle and make people feel younger.&nbsp;Medical experts, however, have questioned some of these wider claims, saying they are not supported by scientific evidence. Hegseth’s public messaging on testosterone has also combined established scientific information with broader claims that have less evidence behind them.&nbsp;The new guidance therefore establishes a specific screening and treatment process for male service members while leaving separate rules for female troops to be issued later.

The Pentagon has reinstated mandatory testosterone deficiency testing for male US service members aged 30 and above, with separate screening guidelines for female troops to be issued later.

The Pentagon is bringing back mandatory testing for testosterone deficiency among US service members aged 30 and above, reviving a programme that medical experts have criticised as unnecessary and potentially harmful. The new clinical guidance applies only to male service members and sets common procedures for screening and treating testosterone deficiency. The Pentagon said it will issue separate guidance for female service members at a later stage. The new rules require testosterone tests during periodic health assessments and annual physical examinations. Service members below the age of 30 can also undergo testing if they request it or if doctors believe it is medically necessary. “Effective immediately, this guidance addresses male testosterone deficiency, establishing uniform screening and treatment pathways,” Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said in a statement. Hegseth first announced testing plan US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth first announced the mandatory screening plan in July as he promoted testosterone use as a way to improve military readiness. Under the earlier guidance, women were also expected to undergo screening through a questionnaire, after which they could potentially receive treatment for conditions linked to hormonal imbalances. The latest guidance, however, makes clear that the mandatory testing programme currently covers only male service members. Hegseth’s July memo had called for testosterone deficiency screening for all troops, but the clinical guidance issued on Thursday specifically refers to “testosterone deficiency in the male service member”. Also Read: Drone strikes cooling tower at Russia's Kursk Nuclear Plant, IAEA confirms Growing interest in testosterone The Pentagon’s move comes as interest in testosterone has increased, particularly among men’s health influencers and podcasters who often promote the hormone as a way to increase energy, build muscle and make people feel younger. Medical experts, however, have questioned some of these wider claims, saying they are not supported by scientific evidence. Hegseth’s public messaging on testosterone has also combined established scientific information with broader claims that have less evidence behind them. The new guidance therefore establishes a specific screening and treatment process for male service members while leaving separate rules for female troops to be issued later.

The Pentagon has reinstated mandatory testosterone deficiency testing for male US service members aged 30 and above, with separate screening guidelines for female troops to be issued later.

Pentagon revives mandatory testosterone testing for male troops aged 30 and above

In a dramatic move on Capitol Hill, Republican Congressman Thomas Massie has introduced articles of impeachment against U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Massie accuses Hegseth of violating the War Powers Resolution by continuing military operations in Iran without congressional authorization. The effort is considered a long shot, but it highlights growing divisions within Republican ranks over U.S. military actions and executive war powers. The Pentagon has defended Hegseth's leadership and rejected the allegations.


Republican Congressman Thomas Massie moves to remove US war secretary Pete Hegseth 

The Pentagon is asking military commanders to nominate servicemembers to attend Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s “State of the Force” address on September 30, with candidates required to meet specific physical and grooming standards. According to emails reviewed by The Wall Street Journal, nominees must meet the Army’s waist-to-height requirements, pass fitness tests and maintain “impeccable” grooming and uniform standards.&nbsp;Selected servicemembers will also have an opportunity to work out with Hegseth. Candidates will be chosen based on “demonstrated leadership quality and professional character,” according to the messages sent to military commanders. The planned event comes about a year after Hegseth ordered the nation’s senior generals and admirals to gather at Marine Corps Base Quantico for an address in which he declared “no more beardos” or “fat generals.”&nbsp;Since taking over as Pentagon chief last year, Hegseth has placed a strong emphasis on physical fitness and appearance across the armed forces. He has argued that maintaining rigorous physical standards is essential to ensuring the military can effectively fight wars. Critics have questioned the emphasis, arguing that Hegseth’s focus is too narrow and warning that military personnel should not be used to advance the administration’s political priorities.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-threatens-to-keep-kennedy-center-closed-after-judge-blocks-his-name-from-iconic-memorial-s-facade-1789538127990">Trump threatens to keep Kennedy Center closed after judge blocks his name from iconic memorial's facade</a><h2>Lower-ranking troops to attend</h2>Unlike last year’s gathering, which brought together senior military leadership, this year’s audience is expected to include lower-ranking officers and enlisted servicemembers, officials said. The Wall Street Journal previously reported that Hegseth was considering holding the event again. An email dated Tuesday and sent to Army commanders said the Pentagon was seeking servicemembers who meet specific “physical standards.” Candidates must pass the Army’s waist-to-height ratio requirements and fitness tests while maintaining “impeccable grooming and uniform standards (no exception).”&nbsp;The selection criteria also require nominees to be “consistently rated as top performers within their formations,” have a “clear record of integrity, discipline and selfless service,” “demonstrate strong presence, clear communication and sound judgment under pressure,” and “serve as role models for their peers and subordinates.” Officials said other military commands received similar versions of the message. A Pentagon official declined to comment.<h2>Hegseth's focus on the ‘warrior ethos’</h2>Hegseth’s decision last fall to convene the country’s generals and admirals at Quantico surprised some senior military officers. According to the report, officers only later learned that the meeting would focus on enforcing the “warrior ethos.” During the event, Hegseth outlined his priorities, including rejecting policies from the previous administration that he has described as “woke” and placing a renewed emphasis on “warfighting” as the Pentagon’s primary mission.&nbsp;“For too long, we have simply not done that. The military has been forced by foolish and reckless politicians to focus on the wrong things,” Hegseth said. “In many ways, this speech is about fixing decades of decay, some of it obvious, some of it hidden.”The upcoming September 30 address is expected to continue Hegseth’s emphasis on military readiness, physical standards and professional conduct across the armed forces.

Pentagon seeks troops for Pete Hegseth’s September 30 'State of the Force' speech, requiring fitness tests, waist-to-height standards and strict grooming

The Pentagon is asking military commanders to nominate servicemembers to attend Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s “State of the Force” address on September 30, with candidates required to meet specific physical and grooming standards. According to emails reviewed by The Wall Street Journal, nominees must meet the Army’s waist-to-height requirements, pass fitness tests and maintain “impeccable” grooming and uniform standards. Selected servicemembers will also have an opportunity to work out with Hegseth. Candidates will be chosen based on “demonstrated leadership quality and professional character,” according to the messages sent to military commanders. The planned event comes about a year after Hegseth ordered the nation’s senior generals and admirals to gather at Marine Corps Base Quantico for an address in which he declared “no more beardos” or “fat generals.” Since taking over as Pentagon chief last year, Hegseth has placed a strong emphasis on physical fitness and appearance across the armed forces. He has argued that maintaining rigorous physical standards is essential to ensuring the military can effectively fight wars. Critics have questioned the emphasis, arguing that Hegseth’s focus is too narrow and warning that military personnel should not be used to advance the administration’s political priorities. Also Read: Trump threatens to keep Kennedy Center closed after judge blocks his name from iconic memorial's facade Lower-ranking troops to attend Unlike last year’s gathering, which brought together senior military leadership, this year’s audience is expected to include lower-ranking officers and enlisted servicemembers, officials said. The Wall Street Journal previously reported that Hegseth was considering holding the event again. An email dated Tuesday and sent to Army commanders said the Pentagon was seeking servicemembers who meet specific “physical standards.” Candidates must pass the Army’s waist-to-height ratio requirements and fitness tests while maintaining “impeccable grooming and uniform standards (no exception).” The selection criteria also require nominees to be “consistently rated as top performers within their formations,” have a “clear record of integrity, discipline and selfless service,” “demonstrate strong presence, clear communication and sound judgment under pressure,” and “serve as role models for their peers and subordinates.” Officials said other military commands received similar versions of the message. A Pentagon official declined to comment. Hegseth's focus on the ‘warrior ethos’ Hegseth’s decision last fall to convene the country’s generals and admirals at Quantico surprised some senior military officers. According to the report, officers only later learned that the meeting would focus on enforcing the “warrior ethos.” During the event, Hegseth outlined his priorities, including rejecting policies from the previous administration that he has described as “woke” and placing a renewed emphasis on “warfighting” as the Pentagon’s primary mission. “For too long, we have simply not done that. The military has been forced by foolish and reckless politicians to focus on the wrong things,” Hegseth said. “In many ways, this speech is about fixing decades of decay, some of it obvious, some of it hidden.” The upcoming September 30 address is expected to continue Hegseth’s emphasis on military readiness, physical standards and professional conduct across the armed forces.

The Pentagon seeks troops for Pet Hegseth’s September 30 speech, requiring fitness, waist-to-height compliance, leadership records and strict grooming standards

Fit and impeccable? Pentagon sets standards for Hegseth's 'State of the Force' speech attendees

It is midterm election season in the US, and President Donald Trump has't got much to show for victory in Iran war. Reports, including in Wall Street Journal, suggest that he is weighing whether to declare the Iran war over. Trump administration has meanwhile officially asked for ending the usage of the term ‘Operation Epic Fury’, which started the war on February 28. Trump's Secretary of War Pete Hegseth is planning US troops extension in the Middle East into 2027, and the Pentagon appears to be readying for a prolonged US military presence in the Gulf. Is there a gap between the thinking of the president and Hegseth on the course of the war?<h2>Operation Fury naming officially ends</h2>The Pentagon has said months ago that Operation Epic Fury officially ended on May 5. &nbsp;An August 7 Air Force email obtained by CBS News instructed military leaders to stop using the name in Iran operations, which still continued with occasional strikes from the US Central Command targeting Iranian assets. The letter told the services to use the term "overseas operations in the US Central Command Area of Responsibility." This guidance from Hegseth's public affairs office was disseminated across the Defence Department, according to officials cited by CBS News.Secretary of State Marco Rubio had said on May 5 itself that Operation Epic Fury is over.&nbsp;"The president notified Congress…we're done with that stage of it. We're now on to this Project Freedom," he had said at the time.Hegseth separately described Project Freedom as a defensive maritime mission protecting commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-targets-us-bases-in-jordan-bahrain-kuwait-erbil-1788372289618/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-targets-us-bases-in-jordan-bahrain-kuwait-erbil-1788372289618/embed</a><h2>What's in a name? The broader conflict has not ended and Pentagon is preparing for longer war</h2>Whatever name the US gives it, the reality is that the conflict is far from over. Trump notified Congress on July 7 that "military action" against Iran had restarted after talks collapsed and the April ceasefire ended. Since then, US and Iranian forces have continued exchanging fire up to this week.The WSJ report said that Hegseth is extending troop deployments into 2027. The Pentagon is maintaining about 50,000 troops and 19 warships in the region. This includes two aircraft carriers and 13 guided-missile destroyers.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rubio-on-modi-pezeshkian-meeting-no-country-should-help-iran-evade-sanctions-1788406366516">Rubio on Modi-Pezeshkian meeting: 'No country should help Iran evade sanctions'</a>&nbsp;These military assets are engaged in intercepting Iranian missiles, protecting commercial shipping across Hormuz, and blockading Iranian ports. US forces remain ready for larger strikes.Army air-defence deployments reportedly shifted from nine to 12 months.The USS Gerald R Ford spent 11 months at sea before returning in May, while the USS Theodore Roosevelt is preparing for a longer-than-normal deployment.&nbsp;The WSJ reported that elements of the Army's 82nd Airborne Division could remain in the Middle East well into 2027. It quoted Bryan Clark, a former senior Navy official, as saying: "They're setting it up to be sustained over the long haul, meaning well into next year."<h2>As midterms loom, Trump has an Iran war exit dilemma</h2>US officials told the WSJ that Trump is privately discussing with aides whether to declare the war over. Trump favours economic pressure on Iran, which he beilives can force the Islamic Republic to dismantle its nuclear programme."I like our position now much better, with almost total control of the Hormuz Strait, and their economy totally collapsing. They are just playing out the inevitable. When are the Iranian people going to rise up and fight?," Trump recently wrote on Truth Social.Some of his aides &nbsp;warned that further escalation could damage Republican prospects in the November midterm elections. Trump maintains he doesn't care about the midterms, and that the poll prospects are not influencing his decisions. The strain is already visible, even as he inisists that the US forces remain ready to strike "any time we want".Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-launches-retaliatory-strikes-with-missiles-and-drones-iranian-media-1788294861231">Iran launches retaliatory strikes with missiles and drones; Trump warns of ‘much harder’ attack</a>&nbsp;According to Tom Karako of the Center for Strategic and International Studies , a further extension of air-defence deployments could wea out troops, delay maintenance and hamper longer-term modernisation.&nbsp;But a recent military letter to families of servicemen said "a longer tour weighs heavily on every household, including our own."What are these mixed signals telling us? Trump may be looking for a political and diplomatic exit from the Iran war. But Hegseth's Pentagon is positioning US forces for a conflict that could last well into 2027. At this time, both are looking for a fig leaf, a headline that they can take to Americans and the world, to claim victory against Iran.

A report claimed that Trump is weighing to end the Iran war. A military letter has asked for not using the term ‘Operation Epic Fury’ for US operations in the Gulf. But US troop deployments are being extended into 2027. Midterm concerns, economic pressure, or mixed signals?

It is midterm election season in the US, and President Donald Trump has't got much to show for victory in Iran war. Reports, including in Wall Street Journal, suggest that he is weighing whether to declare the Iran war over. Trump administration has meanwhile officially asked for ending the usage of the term ‘Operation Epic Fury’, which started the war on February 28. Trump's Secretary of War Pete Hegseth is planning US troops extension in the Middle East into 2027, and the Pentagon appears to be readying for a prolonged US military presence in the Gulf. Is there a gap between the thinking of the president and Hegseth on the course of the war? Operation Fury naming officially ends The Pentagon has said months ago that Operation Epic Fury officially ended on May 5. An August 7 Air Force email obtained by CBS News instructed military leaders to stop using the name in Iran operations, which still continued with occasional strikes from the US Central Command targeting Iranian assets. The letter told the services to use the term "overseas operations in the US Central Command Area of Responsibility." This guidance from Hegseth's public affairs office was disseminated across the Defence Department, according to officials cited by CBS News. Secretary of State Marco Rubio had said on May 5 itself that Operation Epic Fury is over. "The president notified Congress…we're done with that stage of it. We're now on to this Project Freedom," he had said at the time. Hegseth separately described Project Freedom as a defensive maritime mission protecting commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-targets-us-bases-in-jordan-bahrain-kuwait-erbil-1788372289618/embed What's in a name? The broader conflict has not ended and Pentagon is preparing for longer war Whatever name the US gives it, the reality is that the conflict is far from over. Trump notified Congress on July 7 that "military action" against Iran had restarted after talks collapsed and the April ceasefire ended. Since then, US and Iranian forces have continued exchanging fire up to this week. The WSJ report said that Hegseth is extending troop deployments into 2027. The Pentagon is maintaining about 50,000 troops and 19 warships in the region. This includes two aircraft carriers and 13 guided-missile destroyers. Also read: Rubio on Modi-Pezeshkian meeting: 'No country should help Iran evade sanctions' These military assets are engaged in intercepting Iranian missiles, protecting commercial shipping across Hormuz, and blockading Iranian ports. US forces remain ready for larger strikes. Army air-defence deployments reportedly shifted from nine to 12 months. The USS Gerald R Ford spent 11 months at sea before returning in May, while the USS Theodore Roosevelt is preparing for a longer-than-normal deployment. The WSJ reported that elements of the Army's 82nd Airborne Division could remain in the Middle East well into 2027. It quoted Bryan Clark, a former senior Navy official, as saying: "They're setting it up to be sustained over the long haul, meaning well into next year." As midterms loom, Trump has an Iran war exit dilemma US officials told the WSJ that Trump is privately discussing with aides whether to declare the war over. Trump favours economic pressure on Iran, which he beilives can force the Islamic Republic to dismantle its nuclear programme. "I like our position now much better, with almost total control of the Hormuz Strait, and their economy totally collapsing. They are just playing out the inevitable. When are the Iranian people going to rise up and fight?," Trump recently wrote on Truth Social. Some of his aides warned that further escalation could damage Republican prospects in the November midterm elections. Trump maintains he doesn't care about the midterms, and that the poll prospects are not influencing his decisions. The strain is already visible, even as he inisists that the US forces remain ready to strike "any time we want". Also read: Iran launches retaliatory strikes with missiles and drones; Trump warns of ‘much harder’ attack According to Tom Karako of the Center for Strategic and International Studies , a further extension of air-defence deployments could wea out troops, delay maintenance and hamper longer-term modernisation. But a recent military letter to families of servicemen said "a longer tour weighs heavily on every household, including our own." What are these mixed signals telling us? Trump may be looking for a political and diplomatic exit from the Iran war. But Hegseth's Pentagon is positioning US forces for a conflict that could last well into 2027. At this time, both are looking for a fig leaf, a headline that they can take to Americans and the world, to claim victory against Iran.

A report hinted that Trump is weighing to end the Iran war. A military letter has asked for not using the term ‘Operation Epic Fury’ for US operations in the Gulf. But US troop deployments are being extended into 2027. Midterm concerns, economic pressure, or mixed signals?

Is Trump ending Iran war? 'Operation Fury' naming ends, Hegseth extends troop plan to 2027 as prez appears tired ahead of midterms

Senator Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), a former member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, is urging President Trump to remove Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, sharply criticising his leadership of the Pentagon. Tillis intensified his criticism following Army Secretary Dan Driscoll’s resignation, which came after repeated disagreements with Hegseth over the removal of senior military officials, including Gen. Randy George, the former Army chief of staff.&nbsp;Tillis praised Driscoll’s tenure, describing him as “the right man at the right moment to lead our Soldiers and Army civilians,” while expressing frustration over what he sees as Hegseth’s mishandling of the Defense Department. “I have never witnessed more inept management of the brave men and women who serve our country. He is intimidated by competence and retreats to ginning up culture wars instead of soberly attending to the vital work of our national defense and the health and well-being of our fighting force,” Tillis posted on social platform X.&nbsp;Tillis’ criticism is particularly notable because he cast a pivotal vote last year in support of Hegseth’s confirmation as defense secretary. He is now asking Trump to select a new Pentagon chief. “I urge the president to find a new leader at the Pentagon who will retain and empower our military talent rather than diminish it,” Tillis said. The North Carolina Republican also accused Hegseth of weakening the military’s senior leadership by removing or pushing out a series of high-ranking officials.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rubio-on-modi-pezeshkian-meeting-no-country-should-help-iran-evade-sanctions-1788406366516">Rubio on Modi-Pezeshkian meeting: 'No country should help Iran evade sanctions'</a>&nbsp;Among those officials are Gen. Chris Donahue, the top U.S. Army commander in Europe; former Joint Chiefs of Staff Chair Gen. CQ Brown Jr.; Adm. Lisa Franchetti, the Navy’s top officer; Gen. David Allvin, Air Force chief of staff; and Gen. James Mingus, Army vice chief of staff. Tillis also highlighted Driscoll’s work with George on the Army Transformation Initiative, which aimed to accelerate the deployment and integration of unmanned aircraft systems into Army operations.&nbsp;“Our understanding and assumptions of warfare are being challenged in places like Ukraine and Iran, and Dan understands the old way of doing business no longer applies. He and General George began a transformative period of innovation in how we array our forces and equip our Soldiers. He challenged our legacy approach to manning and procurement,” Tillis wrote. “Most of all, he cared deeply about the men and women in our Army formations and quickly earned their respect,” the North Carolina senator added of Driscoll.

Sen. Thom Tillis urges President Trump to fire Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, criticizing his Pentagon leadership after Dan Driscoll’s resignation

Senator Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), a former member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, is urging President Trump to remove Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, sharply criticising his leadership of the Pentagon. Tillis intensified his criticism following Army Secretary Dan Driscoll’s resignation, which came after repeated disagreements with Hegseth over the removal of senior military officials, including Gen. Randy George, the former Army chief of staff. Tillis praised Driscoll’s tenure, describing him as “the right man at the right moment to lead our Soldiers and Army civilians,” while expressing frustration over what he sees as Hegseth’s mishandling of the Defense Department. “I have never witnessed more inept management of the brave men and women who serve our country. He is intimidated by competence and retreats to ginning up culture wars instead of soberly attending to the vital work of our national defense and the health and well-being of our fighting force,” Tillis posted on social platform X. Tillis’ criticism is particularly notable because he cast a pivotal vote last year in support of Hegseth’s confirmation as defense secretary. He is now asking Trump to select a new Pentagon chief. “I urge the president to find a new leader at the Pentagon who will retain and empower our military talent rather than diminish it,” Tillis said. The North Carolina Republican also accused Hegseth of weakening the military’s senior leadership by removing or pushing out a series of high-ranking officials. Also Read: Rubio on Modi-Pezeshkian meeting: 'No country should help Iran evade sanctions' Among those officials are Gen. Chris Donahue, the top U.S. Army commander in Europe; former Joint Chiefs of Staff Chair Gen. CQ Brown Jr.; Adm. Lisa Franchetti, the Navy’s top officer; Gen. David Allvin, Air Force chief of staff; and Gen. James Mingus, Army vice chief of staff. Tillis also highlighted Driscoll’s work with George on the Army Transformation Initiative, which aimed to accelerate the deployment and integration of unmanned aircraft systems into Army operations. “Our understanding and assumptions of warfare are being challenged in places like Ukraine and Iran, and Dan understands the old way of doing business no longer applies. He and General George began a transformative period of innovation in how we array our forces and equip our Soldiers. He challenged our legacy approach to manning and procurement,” Tillis wrote. “Most of all, he cared deeply about the men and women in our Army formations and quickly earned their respect,” the North Carolina senator added of Driscoll.

Senator Thom Tillis urges Trump to fire Pete Hegseth, accusing him of inept Pentagon management after Army Secretary Dan Driscoll’s resignation

Republican Senator Thom Tillis calls on Trump to fire Pete Hegseth over his 'inept management' of military

US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth on Aug 2 appeared to mock the appearance of a uniformed woman featured in a Canadian cadet post, sharing her image on X with a Canadian flag and the words: “(this is real).” The image, originally posted by the cadets showed the woman in Canadian military camouflage standing alongside another person in cadet attire. Hegseth did give any explanation of his comment. However, the post was interpreted as a weight-related jibe given his repeated use of the phrase “fit not fat”as Hegseth is known for pushing tougher physical standards in the US military.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/short-videos/why-did-us-army-secretary-quit-from-pete-hegseth-s-team-1788286821361">Why did US army secretary quit from Pete Hegseth's team?</a>&nbsp;At the US Army War College in April 2025, Hegseth told military leaders they needed to be “fit not fat, sharp not shabby” while discussing a force-wide review of fitness, training and physical standards. His language became more pointed at a gathering of senior US military commanders at Quantico in September 2025. “It’s completely unacceptable to see fat generals and admirals in the halls of the Pentagon,” Hegseth said while laying out stricter fitness and appearance standards. In the same speech, he also complained about seeing “fat troops” in military formations. The Pentagon subsequently issued new guidance on physical fitness and grooming standards. &nbsp;In February, Hegseth praised the US Army on X by writing: “Well done @USArmy. Merit-based &amp; Fit NOT Fat.” At West Point in May, he told graduating cadets: “You're fit, not fat. You are disciplined, not distracted.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-admin-hit-by-another-top-level-exit-as-us-army-secretary-dan-driscoll-resigns-1788227779264">Trump admin hit by another top-level exit as US Army Secretary Dan Driscoll</a>&nbsp;This comes amid trade war between Canada and the US. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney urged the Trump administration to take a more serious approach to trade negotiations, telling Washington to ‘stop doing memes, stop throwing shade and stop trying to be tough’ following another round of public attacks against Canada. Carney said trade talks could resume if US President Donald Trump and his administration approach negotiations seriously. However, he warned that some of Washington's demands could leave Canadian industries ‘gradually wound down in Canada and wiped out’. &nbsp;

US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth sparked controversy after sharing an image of a Canadian cadet with the words “this is real”, amid his repeated push for tougher military fitness standards. The post comes as US-Canada tensions rise over trade, tariffs and Canadian sovereignty.

US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth on Aug 2 appeared to mock the appearance of a uniformed woman featured in a Canadian cadet post, sharing her image on X with a Canadian flag and the words: “(this is real).” The image, originally posted by the cadets showed the woman in Canadian military camouflage standing alongside another person in cadet attire. Hegseth did give any explanation of his comment. However, the post was interpreted as a weight-related jibe given his repeated use of the phrase “fit not fat”as Hegseth is known for pushing tougher physical standards in the US military. Also Read: Why did US army secretary quit from Pete Hegseth's team? At the US Army War College in April 2025, Hegseth told military leaders they needed to be “fit not fat, sharp not shabby” while discussing a force-wide review of fitness, training and physical standards. His language became more pointed at a gathering of senior US military commanders at Quantico in September 2025. “It’s completely unacceptable to see fat generals and admirals in the halls of the Pentagon,” Hegseth said while laying out stricter fitness and appearance standards. In the same speech, he also complained about seeing “fat troops” in military formations. The Pentagon subsequently issued new guidance on physical fitness and grooming standards. In February, Hegseth praised the US Army on X by writing: “Well done @USArmy. Merit-based & Fit NOT Fat.” At West Point in May, he told graduating cadets: “You're fit, not fat. You are disciplined, not distracted.” Also Read: Trump admin hit by another top-level exit as US Army Secretary Dan Driscoll This comes amid trade war between Canada and the US. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney urged the Trump administration to take a more serious approach to trade negotiations, telling Washington to ‘stop doing memes, stop throwing shade and stop trying to be tough’ following another round of public attacks against Canada. Carney said trade talks could resume if US President Donald Trump and his administration approach negotiations seriously. However, he warned that some of Washington's demands could leave Canadian industries ‘gradually wound down in Canada and wiped out’.

US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth sparked controversy after sharing an image of a Canadian cadet with the words “this is real”, amid his repeated push for tougher military fitness standards. The post comes as US-Canada tensions rise over trade, tariffs and Canadian sovereignty.

‘This is real’: Hegseth’s post on Canadian military woman sparks controversy

US Army Secretary Dan Driscoll steps down by the end of the year after months of tensions with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

US army secretary Dan Driscoll resigns from White House 

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is considering bringing hundreds of senior military personnel back to Marine Corps Base Quantico later this year for another major address, according to US officials. The potential gathering would come nearly a year after Hegseth ordered the country’s generals and admirals to assemble at Quantico on short notice. The unusual meeting, held last September without an initial explanation, surprised senior military officers and generated concern within the ranks.&nbsp;Hegseth used that event to outline his priorities for the Pentagon, including a rejection of policies from the previous administration that he characterizes as ‘woke’. He also stressed that the military should refocus on what he describes as its central mission: warfighting. “For too long, we have simply not done that. The military has been forced by foolish and reckless politicians to focus on the wrong things,” Hegseth said. “In many ways, this speech is about fixing decades of decay, some of it obvious, some of it hidden.”&nbsp;Hegseth is expected to use the same venue again to present his priorities, according to the officials. One official said the defense secretary could also announce a new set of directives for the armed forces. The exact date of the proposed gathering has not been determined, and it remains unclear whether every serving general and admiral would be required to attend. “We have nothing to announce at this time,” said Pentagon spokesman Joel Valdez.&nbsp;Since taking over as Pentagon chief last year, Hegseth has sought to reverse diversity and inclusion initiatives associated with the previous administration. He has argued that such policies undermined military standards and has advocated for a culture placing greater emphasis on physical fitness and military readiness rather than what he calls “wokeness.” His approach has drawn criticism from military experts and former officials, who argue that Hegseth is pushing the armed services in an increasingly partisan direction.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/x-uncovers-suspected-chinese-bot-farm-targeting-us-ai-and-data-center-debate-1787986800724">X exposes suspected Chinese influence campaign over AI, energy and data centers</a>&nbsp;The response from military officers at last year’s event was notably restrained. Hegseth and President Trump, who opened the gathering, received a polite but muted reaction, with officers largely remaining stone-faced during the presentations. Strict military regulations prohibit personnel from engaging in or encouraging political activity, a factor that shaped the atmosphere during the event. Trump used his lengthy address to defend the administration’s deployment of military forces to police American cities while also warning that further action could follow.&nbsp;“What they’ve done to San Francisco, Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, they’re very unsafe places, and we’re going to straighten them out one by one,” Trump said. “And this is going to be a major part for some of the people in this room. That’s a war too. It’s a war from within.” It remains uncertain whether Trump will attend a potential second gathering at Quantico. During his address last year, Hegseth placed particular emphasis on military standards, saying service members would be evaluated on their physical fitness and appearance.&nbsp;“The era of unprofessional appearance is over,” Hegseth said. “No more beardos.” At the same time, the Pentagon released 11 memorandums detailing the administration’s priorities for the department. The measures included changes to fitness and grooming requirements. “When it comes to any job that requires physical power to perform in combat, those physical standards must be high and gender-neutral,” Hegseth said. “If that means no women qualify for some combat jobs, so be it.”

Pete Hegseth may gather hundreds of senior military leaders at Quantico again to outline Pentagon priorities, new directives, military standards and policies

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is considering bringing hundreds of senior military personnel back to Marine Corps Base Quantico later this year for another major address, according to US officials. The potential gathering would come nearly a year after Hegseth ordered the country’s generals and admirals to assemble at Quantico on short notice. The unusual meeting, held last September without an initial explanation, surprised senior military officers and generated concern within the ranks. Hegseth used that event to outline his priorities for the Pentagon, including a rejection of policies from the previous administration that he characterizes as ‘woke’. He also stressed that the military should refocus on what he describes as its central mission: warfighting. “For too long, we have simply not done that. The military has been forced by foolish and reckless politicians to focus on the wrong things,” Hegseth said. “In many ways, this speech is about fixing decades of decay, some of it obvious, some of it hidden.” Hegseth is expected to use the same venue again to present his priorities, according to the officials. One official said the defense secretary could also announce a new set of directives for the armed forces. The exact date of the proposed gathering has not been determined, and it remains unclear whether every serving general and admiral would be required to attend. “We have nothing to announce at this time,” said Pentagon spokesman Joel Valdez. Since taking over as Pentagon chief last year, Hegseth has sought to reverse diversity and inclusion initiatives associated with the previous administration. He has argued that such policies undermined military standards and has advocated for a culture placing greater emphasis on physical fitness and military readiness rather than what he calls “wokeness.” His approach has drawn criticism from military experts and former officials, who argue that Hegseth is pushing the armed services in an increasingly partisan direction. Also Read: X exposes suspected Chinese influence campaign over AI, energy and data centers The response from military officers at last year’s event was notably restrained. Hegseth and President Trump, who opened the gathering, received a polite but muted reaction, with officers largely remaining stone-faced during the presentations. Strict military regulations prohibit personnel from engaging in or encouraging political activity, a factor that shaped the atmosphere during the event. Trump used his lengthy address to defend the administration’s deployment of military forces to police American cities while also warning that further action could follow. “What they’ve done to San Francisco, Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, they’re very unsafe places, and we’re going to straighten them out one by one,” Trump said. “And this is going to be a major part for some of the people in this room. That’s a war too. It’s a war from within.” It remains uncertain whether Trump will attend a potential second gathering at Quantico. During his address last year, Hegseth placed particular emphasis on military standards, saying service members would be evaluated on their physical fitness and appearance. “The era of unprofessional appearance is over,” Hegseth said. “No more beardos.” At the same time, the Pentagon released 11 memorandums detailing the administration’s priorities for the department. The measures included changes to fitness and grooming requirements. “When it comes to any job that requires physical power to perform in combat, those physical standards must be high and gender-neutral,” Hegseth said. “If that means no women qualify for some combat jobs, so be it.”

As per report, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth may bring hundreds of senior military leaders to Quantico again to outline Pentagon priorities and issue new directives

Pete Hegseth may gather top military leaders again at Quantico? Here’s what report says

US Army Secretary Dan Driscoll is expected to leave his position by the end of the year amid growing tensions with Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal. Driscoll's possible departure would create another leadership gap at the top of the US Army, which has already been without a Senate-confirmed chief since Hegseth removed Army Chief of Staff General Randy George in April.&nbsp;Hegseth dismissed George without publicly giving a reason and has not yet nominated a permanent successor. General Christopher LaNeve, the Army's vice chief of staff and a former senior military aide to Hegseth, is currently serving as acting Army chief of staff. According to the report, Driscoll and his family moved out of the official family residence at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall this summer. His family has relocated to North Carolina, while Driscoll is now living in a smaller apartment on the military installation.<h2>Driscoll's relationship with Hegseth strained</h2>A former Army Ranger and long-time friend of Vice President JD Vance, Driscoll reportedly came under Hegseth's scrutiny early in the Trump administration. The tensions emerged after Driscoll attempted to arrange a visit for Vance and President Donald Trump to meet soldiers and discuss proposed reforms to the Army.&nbsp;Despite the strained relationship with Hegseth, Driscoll developed a strong partnership with George during his approximately 18 months as Army secretary. The two pushed the Army to adopt emerging technologies and argued that commercially developed innovations could have a major impact on the future of warfare. Driscoll also travelled to Ukraine alongside George and General Chris Donahue, who was then the Army's senior general in Europe. During the visit, Driscoll met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and discussed peace negotiations.&nbsp;He encouraged the Army to draw lessons from the war in Ukraine, particularly regarding the use of commercially available technology on the battlefield. During Driscoll's tenure, private companies also committed more than $25 billion to projects involving data centres, critical mineral refineries and dining facilities at Army bases across the United States.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tehran-grants-iraqi-oil-tankers-permission-to-pass-through-strait-of-hormuz-iran-state-media-1787418007916">Tehran grants Iraqi oil tankers permission to pass through Strait of Hormuz: Iran state media</a><h2>Partnership with George disrupted</h2>Driscoll's partnership with George was interrupted when Hegseth abruptly removed the Army chief in April. The decision drew criticism from members of Congress, including Republicans who expressed support for George. During a congressional hearing, Driscoll avoided directly criticising Hegseth but made his support for George clear.&nbsp;"I, too, love Gen. George," Driscoll told lawmakers, describing him as “an amazing, transformational leader.” Despite uncertainty over his own future, Driscoll received public praise from Trump at a defence conference in Pennsylvania last month.&nbsp;Trump highlighted Driscoll's presence while portraying the Army secretary as someone whose appearance did not reflect his toughness. "With that beautiful smile, but he's actually a killer. Look at that beautiful, nice face. Everything's so happy. He's a killer. Would you believe it? Those are the best guys, actually," Trump said.

Dan Driscoll may leave as US Army secretary by year-end amid tensions with Pete Hegseth, following the removal of Army chief Randy George

US Army Secretary Dan Driscoll is expected to leave his position by the end of the year amid growing tensions with Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal. Driscoll's possible departure would create another leadership gap at the top of the US Army, which has already been without a Senate-confirmed chief since Hegseth removed Army Chief of Staff General Randy George in April. Hegseth dismissed George without publicly giving a reason and has not yet nominated a permanent successor. General Christopher LaNeve, the Army's vice chief of staff and a former senior military aide to Hegseth, is currently serving as acting Army chief of staff. According to the report, Driscoll and his family moved out of the official family residence at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall this summer. His family has relocated to North Carolina, while Driscoll is now living in a smaller apartment on the military installation. Driscoll's relationship with Hegseth strained A former Army Ranger and long-time friend of Vice President JD Vance, Driscoll reportedly came under Hegseth's scrutiny early in the Trump administration. The tensions emerged after Driscoll attempted to arrange a visit for Vance and President Donald Trump to meet soldiers and discuss proposed reforms to the Army. Despite the strained relationship with Hegseth, Driscoll developed a strong partnership with George during his approximately 18 months as Army secretary. The two pushed the Army to adopt emerging technologies and argued that commercially developed innovations could have a major impact on the future of warfare. Driscoll also travelled to Ukraine alongside George and General Chris Donahue, who was then the Army's senior general in Europe. During the visit, Driscoll met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and discussed peace negotiations. He encouraged the Army to draw lessons from the war in Ukraine, particularly regarding the use of commercially available technology on the battlefield. During Driscoll's tenure, private companies also committed more than $25 billion to projects involving data centres, critical mineral refineries and dining facilities at Army bases across the United States. Also Read: Tehran grants Iraqi oil tankers permission to pass through Strait of Hormuz: Iran state media Partnership with George disrupted Driscoll's partnership with George was interrupted when Hegseth abruptly removed the Army chief in April. The decision drew criticism from members of Congress, including Republicans who expressed support for George. During a congressional hearing, Driscoll avoided directly criticising Hegseth but made his support for George clear. "I, too, love Gen. George," Driscoll told lawmakers, describing him as “an amazing, transformational leader.” Despite uncertainty over his own future, Driscoll received public praise from Trump at a defence conference in Pennsylvania last month. Trump highlighted Driscoll's presence while portraying the Army secretary as someone whose appearance did not reflect his toughness. "With that beautiful smile, but he's actually a killer. Look at that beautiful, nice face. Everything's so happy. He's a killer. Would you believe it? Those are the best guys, actually," Trump said.

As per report, Dan Driscoll may leave as US Army secretary by year-end amid tensions with Pete Hegseth, adding to uncertainty over Army leadership

Dan Driscoll to leave US Army secretary post amid tension with Hegseth? Here's what report claims

US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has faced growing criticism over the prolonged war in Iran, mounting pressure on US troops and depleted weapon stockpiles. Now, scrutiny is also growing over the role of his wife, Jennifer Hegseth, and her reported influence inside the Pentagon.&nbsp;Her role came under scrutiny last year after The Wall Street Journal reported that she attended two meetings where sensitive information was discussed.&nbsp;In February 2025, Jennifer Hegseth was reportedly present at a meeting with NATO defence ministers after the US decided to cut off military intelligence sharing with Ukraine. She was also reportedly present at a March 6 meeting involving then UK Defence Secretary John Healey and Britain's military chief. Her presence drew attention because she is not a formal employee of the US Department of War.&nbsp;Reports also said she was part of a Signal group chat where sensitive military operations were discussed. In one instance, Hegseth reportedly shared specific details about when US forces would strike Houthi targets in Yemen on March 15, 2025.&nbsp;Jennifer Hegseth has also been described in reports as a de facto producer at the Pentagon. She is believed to have attended her husband's meetings with journalists, interviewed potential staff members and helped develop ideas for department videos. Reports further suggested that she played a key role in efforts to restrict reporters' access to the Pentagon.&nbsp;Jennifer Hegseth has around three decades of experience in media and previously developed and ran several shows for Fox News. Earlier this month, President Donald Trump appointed her to lead the President's Military Spouse Commission, which focuses on issues affecting service members and their families.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cynical-and-despicable-attack-russian-drones-strike-shopping-centre-in-kryvyi-rih-killing-five-and-injuring-multiple-1787327458151">'Cynical and despicable attack': Russian drones strike shopping centre in Kryvyi Rih, killing five and injuring multiple</a>&nbsp;Her reported involvement in Pentagon affairs has drawn criticism from some former officials. Former Pentagon chief spokesperson John Ullyot, who left his position last year, expressed disbelief that Hegseth allegedly involved his wife in sensitive official duties without facing consequences.&nbsp;Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell, however, defended her involvement, describing her as a "vital asset" and "force multiplier". He also indicated that the Pentagon intends to involve her more closely in the future.&nbsp;The controversy comes as Hegseth faces separate criticism over the reported condition of US troops. Reports have claimed that sailors aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln were running short of food, toothpaste and soap, with some allegedly attempting to jump overboard. Hegseth has denied those reports.&nbsp;With questions now surrounding both his wartime leadership and his wife's reported Pentagon influence, scrutiny of the US defence secretary is likely to continue.

Pete Hegseth faces growing scrutiny over his leadership of the Iran war and his wife Jennifer Hegseth's reported involvement in sensitive Pentagon affairs.

US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has faced growing criticism over the prolonged war in Iran, mounting pressure on US troops and depleted weapon stockpiles. Now, scrutiny is also growing over the role of his wife, Jennifer Hegseth, and her reported influence inside the Pentagon. Her role came under scrutiny last year after The Wall Street Journal reported that she attended two meetings where sensitive information was discussed. In February 2025, Jennifer Hegseth was reportedly present at a meeting with NATO defence ministers after the US decided to cut off military intelligence sharing with Ukraine. She was also reportedly present at a March 6 meeting involving then UK Defence Secretary John Healey and Britain's military chief. Her presence drew attention because she is not a formal employee of the US Department of War. Reports also said she was part of a Signal group chat where sensitive military operations were discussed. In one instance, Hegseth reportedly shared specific details about when US forces would strike Houthi targets in Yemen on March 15, 2025. Jennifer Hegseth has also been described in reports as a de facto producer at the Pentagon. She is believed to have attended her husband's meetings with journalists, interviewed potential staff members and helped develop ideas for department videos. Reports further suggested that she played a key role in efforts to restrict reporters' access to the Pentagon. Jennifer Hegseth has around three decades of experience in media and previously developed and ran several shows for Fox News. Earlier this month, President Donald Trump appointed her to lead the President's Military Spouse Commission, which focuses on issues affecting service members and their families. Also Read: 'Cynical and despicable attack': Russian drones strike shopping centre in Kryvyi Rih, killing five and injuring multiple Her reported involvement in Pentagon affairs has drawn criticism from some former officials. Former Pentagon chief spokesperson John Ullyot, who left his position last year, expressed disbelief that Hegseth allegedly involved his wife in sensitive official duties without facing consequences. Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell, however, defended her involvement, describing her as a "vital asset" and "force multiplier". He also indicated that the Pentagon intends to involve her more closely in the future. The controversy comes as Hegseth faces separate criticism over the reported condition of US troops. Reports have claimed that sailors aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln were running short of food, toothpaste and soap, with some allegedly attempting to jump overboard. Hegseth has denied those reports. With questions now surrounding both his wartime leadership and his wife's reported Pentagon influence, scrutiny of the US defence secretary is likely to continue.

Pete Hegseth faces growing scrutiny over his leadership of the Iran war and his wife Jennifer Hegseth's reported involvement in sensitive Pentagon affairs.

Hegseth under fire as wife's Pentagon role adds to war leadership questions | Gravitas

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth’s wife attended a sensitive Pentagon meeting involving British officials and discussions about the risks facing UK personnel in Ukraine. Her presence at the high-level gathering has raised questions.&nbsp;Jennifer Rauchet, who had no official role in the Trump administration at the time, attended the meeting only for introductions, Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell told The Times in response to its report published on Wednesday (Aug 19). British officials reportedly waited for Rauchet to leave before discussing their officers stationed in Ukraine in greater detail, according to the newspaper.&nbsp;The meeting included senior British officials, including the then-head of the UK armed forces. The Wall Street Journal had previously reported on Rauchet’s attendance in March 2025, but The Times reported that the gathering also involved discussions about British personnel operating on the ground in Ukraine amid the war with Russia.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/never-thought-they-were-going-to-betray-me-like-this-ex-cia-informant-who-helped-in-intel-on-osama-bin-laden-faces-deportation-1787211814870">‘Never thought they were going to betray me like this’: Ex-CIA informant who helped in intel on Osama bin Laden faces deportation</a>&nbsp;The episode has drawn criticism from former Pentagon officials. John Ullyot, who previously served as the Pentagon’s chief spokesperson, told The Times that it was “bonkers” for a defence secretary to involve his wife in sensitive official duties.&nbsp;Ullyot also argued that US President Donald Trump “deserves better judgment from his national security leaders” and questioned why Hegseth had faced no apparent consequences over Rauchet’s presence at sensitive meetings.&nbsp;He also referred to other controversies involving Hegseth, including the Signal group chat incident last year in which senior Trump administration officials discussed planned US strikes on Yemen in a group that accidentally included The Atlantic’s editor-in-chief.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-natalie-harp-trump-s-human-printer-is-making-headlines-again-here-s-why-1787024735322">Who is Natalie Harp? Trump’s ‘human printer’ is making headlines again. Here’s why</a>&nbsp;The Pentagon pushed back against Ullyot’s criticism. Acting Pentagon press secretary Joel Valdez accused him of attacking Hegseth after leaving the administration, calling his comments embarrassing. Valdez also shared a post by Donald Trump J., who had previously said Ullyot was “officially exiled from our movement” after he left the Pentagon in April 2025.&nbsp;

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth faces criticism after his wife, Jennifer Rauchet, attended a sensitive Pentagon meeting with British officials regarding UK personnel in Ukraine despite lacking an official role.

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth’s wife attended a sensitive Pentagon meeting involving British officials and discussions about the risks facing UK personnel in Ukraine. Her presence at the high-level gathering has raised questions. Jennifer Rauchet, who had no official role in the Trump administration at the time, attended the meeting only for introductions, Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell told The Times in response to its report published on Wednesday (Aug 19). British officials reportedly waited for Rauchet to leave before discussing their officers stationed in Ukraine in greater detail, according to the newspaper. The meeting included senior British officials, including the then-head of the UK armed forces. The Wall Street Journal had previously reported on Rauchet’s attendance in March 2025, but The Times reported that the gathering also involved discussions about British personnel operating on the ground in Ukraine amid the war with Russia. Also read: ‘Never thought they were going to betray me like this’: Ex-CIA informant who helped in intel on Osama bin Laden faces deportation The episode has drawn criticism from former Pentagon officials. John Ullyot, who previously served as the Pentagon’s chief spokesperson, told The Times that it was “bonkers” for a defence secretary to involve his wife in sensitive official duties. Ullyot also argued that US President Donald Trump “deserves better judgment from his national security leaders” and questioned why Hegseth had faced no apparent consequences over Rauchet’s presence at sensitive meetings. He also referred to other controversies involving Hegseth, including the Signal group chat incident last year in which senior Trump administration officials discussed planned US strikes on Yemen in a group that accidentally included The Atlantic’s editor-in-chief. Also read: Who is Natalie Harp? Trump’s ‘human printer’ is making headlines again. Here’s why The Pentagon pushed back against Ullyot’s criticism. Acting Pentagon press secretary Joel Valdez accused him of attacking Hegseth after leaving the administration, calling his comments embarrassing. Valdez also shared a post by Donald Trump J., who had previously said Ullyot was “officially exiled from our movement” after he left the Pentagon in April 2025.

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth faces criticism after his wife, Jennifer Rauchet, attended a sensitive Pentagon meeting with British officials regarding UK personnel in Ukraine despite lacking an official role.

‘She has no official role’: Questions mount after Hegseth’s wife attended sensitive Pentagon meeting on Ukraine

The United States is expanding its campaign against drug cartels across Latin America as Colombia joins the U.S.-led Americas Counter-Cartel Coalition. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that Colombia has authorised joint military operations targeting terrorist organisations and narco-terror networks.

Hegseth also signalled a more aggressive approach to cartel networks, comparing the planned campaign with tactics used against ISIS and al-Qaeda. The latest move could significantly deepen military and intelligence cooperation between Washington and Bogotá.

U.S. Leads New Anti-Cartel Bloc, as Hegseth Vows 'ISIS-Style' Ops Against Cartels

Reports claim U.S. President Donald Trump clashed with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth over concerns about shrinking U.S. munitions stockpiles amid ongoing military operations. According to reports, Trump sought answers over missile shortages and the Pentagon's preparedness, while the White House has disputed accounts of a major confrontation and insists the United States has sufficient weapons supplies.

Donald Trump Reportedly Clashed with Pete Hegseth Over the Shortage of Munitions 

The Trump administration is facing mounting criticism over how US military casualties from the Iran conflict are being reported. A controversy erupted after four American service members who died during the conflict temporarily disappeared from the Pentagon's casualty reporting website before reappearing under a different category.

Critics argue the reclassification could obscure the true human cost of the conflict and influence legal and political debates surrounding the war. Democratic lawmakers have demanded greater transparency, while questions continue over whether the administration's reporting complies with the War Powers Act and provides the public with a complete picture of US military losses.

Pentagon Under Fire Over Iran War Casualty Records | Trump Administration Faces Backlash

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