Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has instructed his staff to identify and punish military personnel and Defense Department affiliates who have mocked or condoned the recent assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Several service members have already been relieved of their duties due to their social media posts, and the Pentagon has urged the public to report any similar content. The department has emphasized that it has zero tolerance for such behavior, while also noting that some posts flagged do not necessarily condone the murder. In response, FEMA has placed an employee on administrative leave for posts critical of Kirk.
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Hegseth says Pentagon ‘tracking’ service members, civilians who celebrate Charlie Kirk killing, and that’s where we start. It’s a claim that immediately raises eyebrows, especially given the political climate and the inherent complexities of free speech in the modern era. The core of the issue seems to be a response to reactions following the news of a potential event involving Charlie Kirk. The Pentagon’s stated concern is the celebration or mockery of the potential incident, aiming to foster an environment where military personnel and civilian employees of the Department of Defense aren’t seen as expressing approval of violence.
Hegseth’s statements, and the broader conversation surrounding them, inevitably bring up the ever-present question of free speech.… Continue reading
Arizona Senator Ruben Gallego plans to introduce legislation to block the Pentagon from providing full military funeral honors to Ashli Babbitt. Gallego, who served in the military, believes Babbitt’s actions on January 6th disqualify her from receiving such honors, as she attempted to breach the Capitol and was shot and killed. He argues that awarding these honors to Babbitt would bring discredit to the Air Force. This move follows the Pentagon’s initial denial of the honors, a decision spurred by Babbitt’s involvement in the Capitol riot, despite pressure from groups like Judicial Watch who cited her military service and sought to align the honor with clemency granted to January 6 defendants.
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In a move that could cost taxpayers over $1 billion, President Trump signed an executive order to rename the Department of Defense the Department of War. The name change is intended to signal America’s strong military, according to Trump. Despite vowing to cut wasteful spending, the government will need to update hundreds of Pentagon agencies, bases, and signage, likely leading to significant costs. Republicans have already introduced legislation in both the House and Senate to codify the change, as Trump mentioned the change several times over the last month.
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Pentagon officials fume over Trump’s Department of War rebrand: The reaction from within the Pentagon to the suggestion of renaming the Department of Defense to the Department of War has been, unsurprisingly, one of widespread frustration, anger, and confusion. Many in the military establishment view this proposed change as a costly, unnecessary, and even counterproductive move. The potential price tag, running into billions of dollars, is seen as particularly galling, especially when the military is facing genuinely pressing challenges like the rise of aggressive authoritarian alliances.
This sentiment stems, in part, from a belief that the rebrand is purely for political theater, designed to appeal to a specific segment of the electorate.… Continue reading
The Navy has reinstated Rep. Ronny Jackson’s retired rank of rear admiral, reversing a 2022 demotion following an investigation into his behavior while serving as the top White House physician. The demotion stemmed from findings of inappropriate comments, alcohol policy violations, and concerns about his use of prescription medication. The decision to restore Jackson’s rank, confirmed by the Navy Secretary, aligns with a trend of the Pentagon showing preference to those seen as loyal supporters. This decision follows the announcement that Ashli Babbitt will receive military funeral honors while those seen as disloyal are being punished.
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Reports indicate that US defense officials have restricted Ukraine’s use of long-range missiles, including the US-made ATACMS, against targets within Russia. This restriction, implemented since late spring, is part of an effort to encourage Vladimir Putin to engage in peace talks, according to sources. The Pentagon employs a review mechanism to govern the use of US long-range weapons, effectively granting approval authority to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. This policy shift follows former President Trump’s criticism of allowing Ukraine to strike inside Russia.
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The Pentagon has reportedly been restricting Ukraine from using U.S.-made ATACMS to strike targets within Russia, according to a report by the Wall Street Journal. This decision limits Kyiv’s use of these weapons against Moscow’s invasion. This news comes amidst increasing frustration from U.S. President Donald Trump regarding the ongoing war and the lack of progress in peace negotiations. Trump is now considering imposing further sanctions on Russia or potentially withdrawing from the peace process altogether, as efforts to arrange a meeting between Putin and Zelenskiy have proven unsuccessful.
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According to administration sources, President Trump has authorized the Pentagon to use military force against Latin American drug cartels designated as terrorist organizations. This directive comes amid heightened tensions with Mexico, with officials suggesting a strike is imminent unless significant changes occur. Despite Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum’s rejection of U.S. military intervention, Mexico has extradited alleged cartel members to the United States. Experts suggest that the new directive is not limited to Mexican cartels, with increased surveillance and potential for drone strikes.
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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth shared a CNN segment featuring Pastor Doug Wilson, a prominent Christian nationalist, which discussed Wilson’s views on women’s roles in society, including the potential repeal of women’s suffrage. When asked for his stance on women’s right to vote, the Pentagon provided a statement acknowledging Hegseth’s affiliation with Wilson’s church but did not directly address the question. This response, coupled with Hegseth’s past associations and public stances, raises questions about his views on women’s rights and whether he supports the right for them to vote.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood