Department of Defense
Coverage of Department of Defense in the Nexus archive.
- US civil rights agency denies issuing order halting all federal class discrimination complaints
A civil rights agency faced a lawsuit for suspending federal class discrimination complaints, including one involving female prison guards accused of sexual harassment. The EEOC stated that the suspension was an "isolated incident" issued in error, but plaintiffs countered that the timing and scope of the order suggested it applied to multiple stalled class actions against agencies like the FBI and Department of Defense.
- New government UFO files include Colorado Springs sightings
The Pentagon released 41 declassified files, photos, and videos concerning unidentified anomalous phenomena, or UAPs, including multiple sightings from locations like Colorado Springs, Montana, and Utah. This fifth batch of PURSUE files includes reports such as the "Dark Translucent Triangle" and the "Large Triangle with Red Lights." Physics professor Dr. Grant Denn stated that the new files did not impress him, criticizing them for being mostly second-hand accounts lacking corroboration.
- MORNING GLORY: Democrat El-Sayed reminds us just one senator can do great damage to our military
Alabama Sen. Tommy Tuberville previously delayed military promotions for over 10 months due to a hold placed on Department of Defense policy regarding reproductive healthcare travel expenses. The article then critiques Michigan's Abdul El-Sayed, noting his stance against Israel and advocating for an immediate arms embargo, suggesting he may challenge U.S. military support for the country.
- Judge orders Pentagon to resume wind energy project reviews
A federal judge ordered the Department of Defense to resume national security reviews for onshore wind projects. The ruling mandates that the Pentagon restart the permitting process, which had been halted previously due to a lack of compliance with regulatory deadlines. Environmental groups praised the decision, stating that many needed low-cost power sources were needlessly obstructed.
- Trump announces $180M for mining education as administration recommits to coal
President Donald Trump announced that the federal government will fund $180 million in grants for mining schools to help rebuild the U.S. coal industry. The funding includes allocations from the Department of Energy and the Department of Defense, while he also committed over $2 billion in new contracts for companies like Niron Magnetics and Sila Nanotechnologies.
- Judge likely to make Pentagon resume wind project reviews
A federal judge indicated she may order the Pentagon to resume reviewing wind energy projects, which are required for FAA approvals. The Trump administration's Department of Defense paused reviews in 2025, citing national security concerns, but plaintiffs argue this violates statutory deadlines and hinders wind energy development.
- The AI race isn’t about models, it’s about infrastructure—and the U.S. is still far ahead
The article argues that U.S. dominance in AI stems from control of infrastructure like data centers, cloud computing, and AI servers, not just model performance. It highlights Nvidia's 85% market share in AI chips and its ecosystem, including partnerships with cloud providers and defense contracts, as central to American technological hegemony.
- New pre-k through eighth grade school breaks ground at Air Force Academy in Colorado
Academy School District 20 broke ground on a new pre-k through eighth-grade school at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado, funded by a $42.7 million federal grant. The school will replace Douglas Valley Elementary and provide military children with uninterrupted education by adding sixth through eighth grades on base.
- Dem senator accuses Pentagon of murder with boat strikes targeting drug traffickers
Sen. Tim Kaine accused the Pentagon of committing murder through boat strikes against alleged drug traffickers, claiming some victims were not involved in narcotrafficking. The White House defended the operations, stating they target designated narcoterrorists. Classified documents and military directives underpin the strikes, which Kaine argues lack transparency and may unlawfully kill non-targets.
- Dem senator accuses Pentagon of murder with boat strikes targeting drug traffickers
Sen. Tim Kaine accused the Pentagon of conducting boat strikes that killed individuals not involved in narcotrafficking, calling them 'murder victims.' The White House defended the strikes as targeting 'narco-terrorists' to prevent drug smuggling. Kaine highlighted classified legal and operational criteria for the strikes, which he claims lack transparency and may result in unlawful deaths.
- DOD Considers Course Reviews, Axing Tenure at Military Academies
The Department of Defense (DOD) is considering course reviews and potentially eliminating tenure at military academies. The article is authored by Kathryn Palmer.
- Over 81,000 U.S. soldiers are missing from past wars. One may soon be identified
The Department of Defense has disinterred the remains of an unidentified WWII soldier buried in Sitka, Alaska, to determine his identity. Over 81,000 U.S. soldiers remain missing from past wars.
- Democrats demand information on Trump and Lutnick families' ties to critical mineral deals
Democrats requested information on ties between the Trump and Lutnick families and critical mineral deals. They asked several U.S. departments and the Export-Import Bank to preserve records related to those deals.
- Pentagon calls for cheaper long-range strike weapons, with testing in just 3 months
The Pentagon is seeking cheaper, long-range strike weapons called GBAM to supplement expensive munitions, with a demonstration deadline of three months and full production within 18 months. The Defense Innovation Unit is hosting a challenge offering up to $250 million in funding, requiring a ground-launched weapon with a 600-nautical-mile range, autonomous guidance, and functionality in GPS-denied environments.
- The Pentagon wants to build data centers. Congress would like a word.
The Pentagon is building data centers for AI-driven military technologies, prompting bipartisan congressional scrutiny over energy, water consumption, and community impacts. Lawmakers seek studies and evaluations to address concerns, while defense officials argue restrictions could hinder innovation. Private companies like Carlyle Group and CyrusOne are leasing military land to construct facilities.
- Oracle inks $7 billion deal to consolidate Pentagon software purchases
Oracle has signed a $7 billion contract with the Pentagon to consolidate software purchases over up to ten years. The Department of Defense's Chief Information Officer stated the deal could save $441 million.
- Debatable: Restrictions on defense stock buybacks
Congress is debating a provision requiring defense contractors to seek Pentagon approval for stock buybacks and dividends, with bipartisan support from Senators Elizabeth Warren, Josh Hawley, and Mike Lee. Industry groups, including the US Chamber of Commerce, oppose the measure, calling it a federal overreach, while Rep. Chris Deluzio argues it addresses misuse of profits by defense companies.
- State AGs join legal fight against Trump’s wind farm freeze
A coalition of Democratic state attorneys general has joined a lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s halt of onshore wind projects, which has stalled over 155 projects due to the Department of Defense refusing to conduct national security reviews. The states argue the federal government has unlawfully blocked renewable energy development without providing a reasonable explanation.
- State AGs join legal fight against Trump’s wind farm freeze
Democratic state attorneys general have joined a lawsuit challenging the Trump administration's halt of onshore wind projects, which has stalled over 155 projects due to the Department of Defense's refusal to conduct required national security reviews. The attorneys general argue that the federal government's sudden policy change without explanation is hindering renewable energy development, while the Defense Department claims it is balancing energy needs with military readiness.
- House votes for Department of War renaming as part of an annual defense bill
The House passed a defense bill renaming the Department of Defense as the Department of War, including a $1.15 trillion spending request and a 5-7% pay raise for service members. The bill faced partisan opposition, with Democrats criticizing defense spending and social policy provisions like a TRICARE gender care ban. Republican leaders attached Trump’s elections overhaul bill to the defense measure, intensifying divisions.
- House votes for Department of War renaming as part of an annual defense bill
The House passed a defense policy bill that includes renaming the Department of Defense to the Department of War, a $1.15 trillion national security budget, and a 5-7% pay raise for service members. The bill, which faced partisan opposition over spending and social policy riders like restrictions on gender-related medical care and eased firearm rules, was approved 216-212. Republican leaders attached Trump's elections overhaul bill to the defense measure, escalating tensions with the Senate.
- State AGs join legal fight against Trump’s wind farm freeze
A coalition of Democratic state attorneys general has joined a lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s halt of onshore wind projects, citing over 155 stalled projects due to the Department of Defense’s refusal to conduct required national security reviews. The states argue the sudden policy shift lacks justification and impedes renewable energy development.
- House votes to adopt Department of War renaming in annual defense bill
The House passed a defense policy bill incorporating President Trump's $1.15 trillion national security spending request and renaming the Department of Defense as the Department of War. The bill includes service member pay raises, TRICARE restrictions on gender-related medical care, and eased firearm policies on military bases. The partisan 216-212 vote reflects Democratic opposition to Pentagon spending increases and social policy riders, while Republicans linked Trump's elections overhaul bill to the defense measure.
- House votes to adopt Department of War renaming in annual defense bill
The House passed a defense policy bill incorporating President Donald Trump's $1.15 trillion spending request and renaming the Department of Defense as the Department of War. The bill includes a 5-7% pay raise for service members but faced partisan division over spending levels, social policy riders, and the inclusion of Trump's elections overhaul bill.
- U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson takes up budget committee gavel
U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson was named chairman of the Senate budget committee following the death of Sen. Lindsey Graham. Johnson aims to focus on exposing government fraud and advancing President Trump’s agenda through budget reconciliation efforts, including increased defense funding for the war in Iran and restrictions on voting.
- US military identifies 3rd US service member presumed dead after Iranian attacks in Jordan
The US military identified Sgt. Angel S. Rampersad as the third service member presumed dead from Iranian attacks on Jordan's Muwaffaq Salti Air Base, raising the US death toll in the Iran war to 18. Two other soldiers killed in the attacks were 1st Lt. Tyler James Feehan and Pvt. Isabella Gonzales. The US and Iran continue escalating strikes, with President Trump announcing plans to target Iran's Pickaxe Mountain.
- Cost of Iran war rises to $37.5 billion, Pentagon requests $67.1 billion more
The Pentagon reports the Iran war has cost $37.5 billion, requesting an additional $67.1 billion for operations, munitions, and other defense needs. Senators expressed skepticism over the emergency funding request, citing existing $75 billion in available funds and concerns about unrelated priorities within the request.
- Watch: Hegseth defends $67 billion request to help cover cost of Iran war
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth defended the Trump administration's $67 billion emergency funding request for the Iran conflict during a Senate committee hearing as the number of U.S. service members killed in the conflict reached 17.
- Opinion: Beware the unintended consequences of testosterone screening for military servicemembers
The Department of Defense announced mandatory testosterone screening for service members, prompting concerns about unintended health consequences. A urologist and health outcomes researcher warns that widespread screening may have risks that need careful evaluation.
- US House panel approves $95B GOP-only budget blueprint
The U.S. House Budget Committee approved a Republican budget resolution allocating up to $95 billion, including $60 billion for the Department of Defense and funding for farmers. The resolution, passed 20-14, will enable Republicans to advance legislation without Democratic support through the reconciliation process.
- Pete Hegseth wants widespread testosterone testing in the military. Researchers say US men already have a T problem.
The Department of Defense, under Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, has introduced a policy to test testosterone levels in troops during annual check-ups, targeting older service members and allowing younger ones to opt in. Researchers criticize the policy, citing concerns over potential health risks for young servicemen and lack of evidence that testosterone treatment improves performance or longevity in men under 50.
- US House panel approves $95B GOP-only budget blueprint
The U.S. House Budget Committee approved a Republican budget resolution with a 20-14 vote, advancing a GOP-only reconciliation process to fund defense, farms, and a voter ID bill. The measure includes up to $60 billion for the Department of Defense and faces no Democratic amendments after they were rejected during debate.
- Scholten leads House Democrats seeking answers on Grand Rapids airman’s death
U.S. Rep. Hillary Scholten is leading House Democrats in demanding answers from the Department of Defense regarding the rescinding of influenza vaccine requirements, which is linked to the death of airman Keon McDaniel during an outbreak at Lackland Air Force Base. Lawmakers requested a formal review of the circumstances surrounding McDaniel's death and information for his family, as well as a briefing on the outbreak and policy changes.
- US House panel approves $95B GOP-only budget blueprint
The US House Budget Committee approved a GOP budget resolution with up to $95 billion for defense, farmers, and the SAVE America Act. The measure advanced with a 20-14 vote, excluding Democratic amendments, as House Republicans aim to use reconciliation to bypass Democratic opposition. Senate action remains uncertain.
- US House panel approves $95B GOP-only budget blueprint
The U.S. House Budget Committee approved a GOP budget resolution allocating up to $95 billion, including $60 billion for the Department of Defense and funding for farmers. The 20-14 vote rejected Democratic amendments and follows a debate over reconciliation processes. House Republicans plan to bring the resolution to the full chamber next week.
- Trump cites national security to stop offshore wind development. Here’s what to know
President Donald Trump’s administration has halted offshore wind projects, citing national security risks based on a classified Defense Department report. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum claims wind turbines interfere with radar and sonar, though technical solutions exist. Sweden and the UK are also addressing security concerns related to offshore wind.
- US House panel approves $95B GOP-only budget blueprint
The U.S. House Budget Committee approved a GOP budget resolution allocating up to $95 billion, including $60 billion for the Department of Defense. The 20-14 vote rejected Democratic amendments, with the measure expected to advance to the House floor before recess. The budget aims to fund defense, farmers, and parts of the SAVE America Act via reconciliation.
- US House panel approves $95B GOP-only budget blueprint
The U.S. House Budget Committee approved a GOP budget resolution, potentially enabling a $95 billion reconciliation package with $60 billion for the Department of Defense, farm aid, and provisions from the SAVE America Act. The 20-14 vote rejected Democratic amendments, with House Republicans planning to bring the resolution to the full House next week.
- US House panel approves $95B GOP-only budget blueprint
The US House Budget Committee approved a GOP budget resolution proposing a $95 billion package, including $60 billion for the Department of Defense and funding for farmers. The 20-14 vote rejected Democratic amendments, with House Republicans planning to bring the resolution to the full chamber next week. The budget aims to advance a reconciliation bill without Democratic support, incorporating measures like the SAVE America Act.
- Hegseth directs troops over 30 to have testosterone checked
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth directs troops over 30 to undergo annual testosterone level testing.