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Government & Policy

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US Pressures Oman, Risks Eroding Key Gulf Mediator Role

President Donald Trump's reported threat to blow up Oman has raised concerns that the US may be jeopardizing a crucial diplomatic channel with Iran, one that has helped prevent escalation for decades. By pressuring Oman to cut ties with Tehran, the US risks eroding its role as a trusted mediator in the Gulf.

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Senators McConnell and Collins sit at a hearing table with other Senate appropriators and Air Force leaders on Capitol Hill.

Defense Funding in Jeopardy as Reconciliation Bill Fades

Defense funding is in limbo after Senate leaders, including Appropriations Chairman Susan Collins and Senator Mitch McConnell, effectively ruled out a third reconciliation bill, dashing Pentagon hopes for a boost in next year's budget. This development puts crucial defense funding in jeopardy.

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Officials from Australia and Britain engage in discussion at a formal conference meeting.

AUKUS Revitalizes Australia-Britain Ties Beyond Submarines

As Australia and Britain strengthen their historic ties through AUKUS, it's time to shift the conversation beyond submarines and explore the deeper connections that unite these nations. By embracing shared values and collective resolve, the partnership can unlock a brighter future for both countries.

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Federal office workspace with papers, chair, and supplies, set against a government building backdrop.

Trump Order Strips 8,000 Federal Workers of Civil Service Protections

In just one week, 8,000 federal workers face a major shake-up that could strip them of their civil service protections, a change that's sparked fierce opposition from unions, employees, and watchdogs. The Trump order requires agencies to reclassify these workers into a new category that leaves them vulnerable to removal without the usual safeguards.

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Intelligence Chiefs Face Growing Pressure

President Trump's pick for acting director of national intelligence, Bill Pulte, is facing fierce backlash from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, who question his qualifications for the critical role. Senator John Cornyn's scathing assessment - &No qualifications& - echoes concerns that Pulte's background is woefully underprepared for the job.

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Military personnel surround a Lockheed Martin MH-60R Seahawk helicopter in a hangar or on a flight deck.

US Approves $1.67 Billion in Military Sales to New Zealand, South Korea

The US has greenlit a whopping $1.67 billion in military sales to boost the defense capabilities of New Zealand and South Korea, with cutting-edge helicopters, torpedoes, and precision-guided weapons on the agenda. New Zealand is set to receive five MH-60R Seahawk helicopters and advanced systems in a $1.5 billion deal, while South Korea will get a $106 million package to enhance its military arsenal.

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Government official stands at podium with subtle tech hint in background.

Trump Memo Targets AI Contractors With New Security Rules

The US is set to supercharge its AI capabilities in intelligence and warfighting domains, with a new presidential memo directing the federal government to accelerate AI adoption while prioritizing speed, security, and responsible innovation. The move aims to harness AI's potential in line with American values, with rigorous oversight to ensure safe and effective deployment.

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Researchers in lab coats work in a modern laboratory with a mix of old and new architecture.

US Research Security Landscape Evolves Amid Foreign Exploitation Fears

Join a live webinar on June 24, 2026, to explore how the Pentagon's new emphasis on research security is transforming the way universities, government agencies, and institutions protect against foreign exploitation. Earn 1 CPE credit while learning how to bolster defenses for basic and applied research in a rapidly evolving security landscape.

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Formal podium in conference room with cityscape visible through tall windows.

US Defense Chief Misses Chance to Bolster Taiwan Support

US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth's recent speech at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore left many wondering why he didn't seize the opportunity to reaffirm US support for Taiwan, a crucial moment to make a strong statement in the region. By choosing not to directly address Taiwan, Hegseth missed a chance to show strength and clarity in the face of growing uncertainty.

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Congressional panel seated at a table faces an Army representative testifying at a podium in a government building hearing.

Lawmakers Press Army for Detailed Transformation Plans

Congress is pushing the Army for a clearer roadmap to achieve its transformation goals, with Rep. Mike Rogers bluntly stating that the Army hasn't done its homework. The House Armed Services Committee has now mandated an annual report and briefing from the Army to keep lawmakers in the loop.

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Rep. Jason Crow addresses the House Armed Services Committee.

Congress Rebuffs Effort to Limit JAGs in Civilian Roles

In a surprising move, the House Armed Services Committee voted 31-26 against an amendment that would have restricted Judge Advocates to only military duties, allowing them to continue serving in crucial civilian roles. This decision means that these specialized resources can keep tackling a broader range of challenges, beyond just military operations.

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Lawmakers stand together in a congressional hearing room with American flag in background.

US House Passes Ukraine Aid Bill with Fresh Russia Sanctions

In a powerful show of bipartisan support, the US House of Representatives has passed the Ukraine Support Act, delivering a strong message that it stands with the Ukrainian people and will hold Russia accountable for its actions. The landmark bill, which passed with a 226-195 vote, provides $8 billion in military financing to Ukraine and introduces fresh sanctions against Russia.

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Congressional hearing room with naval officers seated at a large wooden table.

Congress Probes Navy's Trump Class Battleship Plan Over Nuclear Shipbuilding Concerns

The House Armed Services Committee is pushing for answers on the Navy's ambitious plan to build 15 new nuclear-powered battleships, known as the Trump Class, at a hefty $17 billion each, and wants assurance that the massive project won't derail existing shipbuilding programs. Members are demanding a formal risk assessment to prove the Navy can handle the enormous undertaking without compromising its nuclear shipbuilding capacity.

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Congressional committee members sit at a formal hearing table.

Congress Rebuffs Effort to Cut Trump-class Battleship Funding

In a surprising move, an effort to slash funding for the Trump-class battleship program was shut down, with Rep. Adam Smith's amendment to strip $1 billion in advanced procurement failing 26-30. The congressman had argued that the hefty $20 billion price tag of the lead battleship could be better spent elsewhere.

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UN General Assembly session with empty Asia-Pacific seat on Security Council podium.

UN Loss to Philippines Bolsters Case for Minilateral Security Pacts

Kyrgyzstan has secured the Asia-Pacific seat on the UN Security Council for 2027-2028, defeating the Philippines in a decisive 142-49 vote after a surprise fourth-round collapse. This unexpected margin has sparked intrigue about the dynamics at play in the UN General Assembly.

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Formal government meeting room with table and chairs, hinting at tension and uncertainty.

Trump's Pick for Intel Chief Jeopardizes Surveillance Powers Deal

President Trump's surprise pick for intel chief, William Pulte, has thrown a wrench into a fragile deal to extend a critical surveillance authority, sparking concerns from lawmakers that his appointment could put politics over national security. With Pulte's lack of experience and questionable past, some are worried that the nation's intelligence operations may be weaponized for personal gain.

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Military personnel in uniform gather around a large blank screen in a modern briefing room.

US Military Weighs Standalone Cyber Force by 2028

The US military is considering a game-changing move: creating a standalone Cyber Force by 2028, but its success hinges on a crucial decision from Congress or the White House this year. A recent report outlines a bold plan to overcome longstanding structural challenges in cyber operations and make this vision a reality.

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Federal workers gather around a conference table, some looking concerned, in a government office setting.

Trump Expands At-Will Employment to Thousands of Federal Workers

In a move that affects nearly 8,000 federal workers, President Trump has signed an order converting their positions to at-will jobs, stripping them of civil-service protections and placing them in a new category called Schedule Policy/Career. This change allows for easier removal of employees, and marks a significant shift in the way these workers are treated.

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DHS or CISA representative addresses Congress from a podium in a hearing room.

Mullin Targets 2,800 Staff for Optimal CISA Operations

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin aims to boost the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency's effectiveness with a targeted workforce of 2,800 personnel, leveraging public partnerships and strategic grant usage to fortify national security.

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Congressional hearing room with officials seated, hint of scrutiny on their faces.

Lawmakers Probe Pentagon Loan to Firm Tied to Trump Jr.

Democratic lawmakers are raising red flags over a $620 million Pentagon loan to Vulcan Elements, a small North Carolina startup, after it emerged that a top White House aide, and friend of Trump Jr., intervened to secure the deal. The loan has sparked questions about favoritism and undue influence at the highest levels.

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Government building with a laptop screen showing a blurred digital interface in the foreground.

US Sanctions Nobitex Crypto Exchange Over Terrorism Financing Links

The US Treasury has sanctioned Nobitex, Iran's largest crypto exchange, and several top executives, citing its role in supporting the regime and processing over 50% of Iranian digital asset inflows. This move is part of a broader effort to crack down on terrorism financing through cryptocurrency.

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Delegates in formal attire walk towards a structure in Antarctica's icy landscape.

Antarctic Treaty System Frays Amid Global Geopolitical Tensions

The Antarctic Treaty, meant to keep the continent out of global conflicts, is showing signs of fraying as geopolitical tensions rise, with recent talks in Hiroshima failing to yield consensus on crucial issues like protecting emperor penguins and regulating tourism. Despite a gathering of over 400 international delegates, key measures were left unadopted, leaving the treaty's future uncertain.

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Police officers in tactical gear and plainclothes gather around a briefing table and screen displaying a European map.

Law Enforcement Disrupts Nine Illegal Streaming Crime Groups

In a major crackdown on illegal streaming crime, authorities have dismantled nine organized crime groups and made 29 arrests in a seven-month operation that targeted the entire criminal ecosystem. The coordinated effort, involving 13 countries, identified 86 suspects and referred 59 cases to judicial authorities.

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Formal announcement scene with official near podium, daylight from windows, and subtle government emblems.

Trump Appoints Unlikely Official to Lead National Intelligence

President Trump has tapped William Pulte, a seasoned expert with a track record of handling America's most sensitive matters, to lead national intelligence on an acting basis. Pulte brings unparalleled experience to the role, having spearheaded the administration's mortgage fraud efforts and managed high-stakes initiatives.

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