Trump claims big jump in VA trust scores, but data shows modest gains
Patient satisfaction rates have improved steadily at VA in recent years, but Trump insists his changes have reformed the entire department.
Pentagon & Congress
Trump, Hegseth float renaming Defense Department to Department of War
The military bureaucracy has used the Department of Defense name for 76 years, but President Trump said he doesn't like the title.
Some National Guard troops in DC now carrying service-issued weapons
Roughly 2,300 Guard troops have been deployed in Washington and seen in low-crime tourist areas.
USS Iwo Jima leaves Norfolk again after returning to avoid storm
The three amphibious ships, which the Navy says are carrying more than 4,500 sailors and Marines, could be seen leaving Norfolk on Sunday.
Hegseth fires Defense Intelligence Agency head, Navy leaders
The ousters have ramped up the Trump administration’s targeting of both military leadership and the intelligence community.
Trump suggests Guard troops will be deployed to Chicago next
The president said he has been pleased with the Guard presence in Washington, D.C., and vowed to "go to another location" after this deployment ends.
Hegseth signs memo authorizing arming of Guard in DC
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has signed a memo authorizing National Guard troops deployed in Washington to carry weapons if their mission requires it.
Trump touts tough-on-crime mantra during visit to Guard troops in DC
Trump proudly promoted the work of roughly 2,000 National Guard troops to confront what he described as an out-of-control crime wave in Washington.
Trump plans to patrol DC with National Guard on Thursday
The president told a radio show host that he hopes to get a first-hand view of the National Guard presence on the streets of the nation's capital.
DC driver trapped, then freed from SUV after crash with Guard vehicle
The crash, in which the civilian driver had to be freed from the SUV by firefighters, is under investigation.
VA cancels plans for employee satisfaction survey this year
VA has conducted a poll of federal employees every year since 2006, but won't distrubute one this year amid multiple reforms to the workforce.
Vance, Hegseth visit troops amid growing Guard presence in DC
The vice president and defense secretary met with National Guard troops at Union Station, while protesters booed at the two leaders and chanted “free D.C.”
Crackdown on mail-in ballots won’t focus on military, White House says
The White House won't say if any protections are being considered for overseas military voters but vowed to make sure those ballots are still counted.
VA needs more oversight of health care options to prevent waste: Study
Department leaders last month uncovered more than $100 million in duplicate government payments for medical services.
Timely payments for Guard deployed to DC a concern, lawmaker says
A top Senate Democrat is still awaiting clarity on when Guard troops patrolling the nation's capital will be compensated for that military duty.
What to know about Zelenskyy’s meeting with Trump
Trump is set to host Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders at the White House to discuss how to end the Russia-Ukraine war.
Navy amphib readiness dips as sailors, Marines deploy for Caribbean
The Marine Corps has said it needs the amphib readiness rate at 80% or higher to complete its missions. It is currently at 41%.
