US Pentagon

Taiwan's defense minister expressed cautious optimism about a pending US arms package despite a Pentagon official stating the deal would be paused to prioritize military needs in the Iran conflict. The US Navy acting secretary cited the need for ammunition for ongoing operations as the reason for the hold.

Donald Trump's nominee for surgeon general, Dr. Nicole Saphier, sells an herbal supplement containing an ingredient banned by the Pentagon that health experts warn can cause liver damage. Amazon has launched an inquiry into the product's compliance following a Guardian investigation. The White House maintains she will be a valuable asset for Trump's health agenda despite concerns from doctors and consumer advocates.

Senator Thom Tillis criticized Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth for changing US military posture and senior officer exits. The decision to reduce force posture in Europe was specifically targeted. Multiple senior military officers have exited in recent months.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has referred Senator Mark Kelly to Pentagon lawyers for allegedly disclosing classified information about depleted US weapons stockpiles. Kelly claims he heard the information from Hegseth in public, under oath. The disclosed information includes severely drawn down inventories of various US missiles and interceptors.

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth suggested Sen. Mark Kelly may have violated his oath with comments about a classified briefing, and the Pentagon's legal counsel will review his statements. The dispute between Hegseth and Kelly is ongoing, with a history of disagreements over military-related issues. Kelly had discussed the impact of the Iran war on US weapons stockpiles.