The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (NDAA-2026) was recently passed by the US Congress, allocating a substantial $900 billion budget. This legislation includes provisions for continued support to Ukraine through the Security Assistance Initiative (USAI), with $400 million allocated for both 2026 and 2027, primarily for new weapons production. A key aspect of the act is the restriction on the Pentagon’s ability to divert weapons meant for Ukraine, stipulating compensation in cases of emergency, and maintaining intelligence-sharing capabilities. Furthermore, the NDAA-2026 mandates a minimum US troop presence in Europe and introduces controls on US investments in sensitive technologies to counter China’s military advancements, particularly in areas like AI and semiconductors.
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Following Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s disclosure of sensitive military information via Signal, the Pentagon did not conduct a routine investigation into potential national security damage, primarily because Hegseth did not authorize one. While typically a classification review and damage assessment would be initiated to examine if military operations or sources and methods were compromised, this did not occur in this instance, despite concerns and a watchdog report finding that Hegseth’s actions violated DoD regulations. Instead, Hegseth focused on investigating potential leakers within his own staff, creating a chilling effect. This unusual decision, as well as the lack of further investigation, is inconsistent with established protocols, especially considering the sensitive nature of the information shared and the potential risks involved.
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The Defense Department recently launched GenAi.mil, a new generative AI tool aimed at integrating artificial intelligence into the Armed Forces. Despite the potential for such technology to be used in modern warfare, the platform successfully analyzed a hypothetical Caribbean boat strike scenario, determining it to be “unambiguously illegal.” The AI’s ability to navigate the Geneva Conventions seemingly surpassed the capabilities of human officers. While the implications of this technological advancement are significant, it also highlights potential issues within the chain of command.
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Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) has called for the Pentagon to release video footage of a second strike on an alleged drug boat in the Caribbean, arguing that the strikes, which reportedly killed survivors of the initial attack, were “unlawful” and “unconstitutional.” Schiff stated that killing shipwrecked individuals is a violation of the law of war and that if the Pentagon is proud of the action, they should allow the American people to see the footage and decide for themselves if they approve. Schiff has called for a thorough investigation into the orders given for the strikes, stating that the extrajudicial killings are an abuse of power. The Senator believes this kind of action is a clear violation of the law and should not be happening.
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According to a recent report, President Trump’s support for Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is reportedly waning behind closed doors, despite public displays of support. Sources indicate that Trump is growing weary of the controversies surrounding Hegseth, including the Pentagon’s authorization of strikes on alleged drug traffickers in the Caribbean, which has drawn both criticism and praise. Furthermore, the report details increasing scrutiny of Hegseth’s actions, such as his use of Signal to discuss a strike on Houthi rebels, and growing Republican pushback on Capitol Hill. While some Republicans continue to support Hegseth, other lawmakers are calling for further investigation, highlighting potential cracks in the former unwavering GOP fealty to Trump.
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The US military conducted another lethal strike in the eastern Pacific, targeting a boat suspected of carrying narcotics and killing four individuals. This marks the 22nd such strike since September, resulting in at least 87 fatalities. The Pentagon faces growing questions about the legality of these attacks, particularly after reports of the defense secretary’s directive to “kill them all.” Legal experts are challenging the administration’s justification, which claims these actions are lawful under the rules of war, with some highlighting that killing incapacitated individuals is a violation of the law.
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A recent Pentagon Inspector General’s report details Defense Secretary Hegseth’s actions, revealing he had a unique system installed in his secure office to access his personal cell phone. This system, which mirrored the phone’s content and connected it to a monitor and keyboard, was created to allow the secretary access to non-official communications. The report stemmed from an investigation into Hegseth’s use of Signal to share sensitive information about US airstrikes, potentially risking the safety of US military personnel. The investigation concluded that Hegseth’s actions created a risk to operational security, despite the secretary’s claims of no endangerment.
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The New York Times filed a lawsuit against the Pentagon, challenging new rules imposed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth that have effectively banned most mainstream media outlets from the building. The Times argues the rules violate constitutional freedoms by granting Hegseth the sole power to ban reporters, leading to the exclusion of outlets like the Times, the Associated Press, and others. Despite the denial of access, these outlets continue to report on the military, highlighting stories that the Pentagon may not like. The Times believes this viewpoint discrimination case is strengthened by the lack of credentials for its reporters, while the Pentagon defends the policy as necessary to protect the military.
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The New York Times is taking legal action against the Department of Defense over new press access restrictions at the Pentagon. The lawsuit, filed in federal court, challenges a policy implemented in October that reporters view as an attempt to control reporting and violate First and Fifth Amendment rights. The Times seeks to have the policy declared unconstitutional and an injunction against its enforcement, while other news organizations are expected to support the case. This move comes as the Pentagon has welcomed pro-Trump influencers and content creators to replace veteran journalists who refused to comply with the new rules.
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The Defense Department Inspector General’s report found that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth shared classified information regarding a military operation in Yemen via an unclassified Signal chat. This information, marked as “secret,” included details about the timing of U.S. strikes and could have endangered American troops if intercepted. Furthermore, the report concluded that Hegseth violated military regulations by using his personal phone for official business, although the inspector general did not address if proper steps were taken to declassify the shared information. Despite the findings, a Pentagon spokesman stated that the review was a “TOTAL exoneration” and declared the matter closed, while Senator Mark Kelly noted the violation of regulations and cautioned against future occurrences.
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John Q. Hosedrinker