us defense department

During his recent trip to Beijing, President Trump showcased a willingness to engage in conversations about US arms sales to Taiwan, confident that his personal bond with Xi Jinping would act as a buffer against any potential Chinese aggression. The visit, primarily focused on enhancing trade relations, also included key American business leaders.

While President Trump maintains a gentle approach in his dialogue with China, the US military is gearing up for any possible scenarios. Strengthening its presence in the Indo-Pacific, America is reactivating established bases and fortifying partnerships.

The FCC has extended the software update deadline for foreign-made drones and routers already in use across the US, pushing the cutoff from early 2027 to January 1, 2029. The waiver covers security patches, bug fixes, and compatibility updates for previously authorized devices on the agency's Covered List. New foreign-made models remain banned unless manufacturers secure conditional approval from the Department of Defense or Homeland Security.

Hezbollah launched 17 operations against Israeli targets in southern Lebanon, including drone and missile strikes, hitting military vehicles and tanks. Meanwhile, Israel reported intercepting a drone and facing anti-tank missiles and mortar fire. Hezbollah's leader vowed continued resistance, emphasizing their military strength is a domestic issue amid ongoing, volatile hostilities.

The US Army is integrating artificial intelligence and digital tools. Former CIO Leonel Garciga states the main hurdle is getting people to adapt to new ways of working. He advocates for rapid tool deployment and user experience. Garciga has joined Booz Allen to continue his mission of delivering technology faster for critical operations.

The Embassy expressed gratitude to the Lebanese authorities for the smooth exit.

The US has approved over $8.6 billion in arms sales to Israel, Qatar, Kuwait, and the UAE amidst escalating regional tensions with Iran. Qatar will receive Patriot missile defense replenishment and precision weapon systems. President Trump defended the US military's campaign against Iran's nuclear program, asserting it has weakened Tehran's capabilities and that the US will not rush negotiations.

US Vice President J D Vance is questioning the Pentagon's assessment of the Iran conflict, concerned about undisclosed missile stockpile depletion. He fears this could impact responses to global flashpoints like Taiwan, South Korea, and Europe. Despite official assurances, some believe the situation is being downplayed, potentially affecting future military readiness.

Google has entered into a classified AI agreement with the Pentagon, allowing the government to utilize its AI for lawful purposes. This deal, an amendment to an existing contract, permits the Pentagon to adjust AI safety settings. However, the agreement explicitly prohibits domestic mass surveillance and autonomous weapons without human oversight.

Google employee Andreas Kirsch expressed deep shame and disappointment after Google signed a deal with the Pentagon to deploy AI tools on classified military networks. Despite a prior employee letter urging against such agreements, Google proceeded, citing support for government agencies on various projects, while reiterating commitment against autonomous weaponry without human oversight.

The NSA is testing Anthropic's advanced AI model, Mythos, to identify cybersecurity vulnerabilities in Microsoft products. This initiative highlights the agency's growing interest in AI-driven security testing, with officials impressed by the model's speed and efficiency in detecting weaknesses. The move comes amid broader discussions about the controlled deployment of powerful AI systems in sensitive government domains.

More than 600 Google employees demanded Monday that the company reject a proposed Pentagon deal that would allow its artificial intelligence technology to be deployed in classified military operations, a statement said. Google already holds a contract with the US Department of Defense on non-classified workloads through a program known as genAI.mil, and the proposed new deal would extend Gemini's capabilities into classified domains.

US embassies now require nonimmigrant visa applicants to declare they don't fear persecution back home. This new rule, aimed at preventing asylum claims upon arrival, asks applicants if they've faced harm or fear it upon return. Experts warn this could force individuals into dangerous migration routes, jeopardizing their safety and families.

Twenty-one American companies are donating millions towards a new White House ballroom, estimated at $400 million. President Trump insists taxpayer funds are not used for the structure, only security. The project aims to enhance security following a recent incident, with the Justice Department urging a lawsuit's dismissal.

The Pentagon has signed agreements with seven major AI companies, including SpaceX and Google, to deploy their technology on classified military networks. These deals aim to bolster national security by integrating AI into high-tier environments for intelligence and battlefield support. Notably, Anthropic was excluded following a dispute over AI usage limitations.

Recent months have seen a disturbing surge in premeditated murders across India, fuelled by rejection and a sense of entitlement. From Hyderabad to Bengaluru, five cities reported five brutal killings, highlighting a dangerous pattern where relationships end in violent deaths.

Hundreds of Google employees are protesting a potential Pentagon contract, urging CEO Sundar Pichai to block the use of the company's AI for secret military projects. Workers fear their technology could be used for lethal autonomous weapons and mass surveillance, demanding Google reject all classified workloads to ensure AI benefits humanity.

Navy Secretary John Phelan has been dismissed following reported tensions with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Deputy Defense Secretary Steve Feinberg. Disagreements over the pace of naval modernization and shipbuilding priorities, as well as Phelan's direct communication with President Trump, led to his removal. Hung Cao has been appointed acting Navy secretary.

US Navy secretary John Phelan has abruptly resigned, with Hung Cao stepping in as acting chief. This departure occurs amidst heightened regional tensions, including the Navy's blockade of Iranian ports and ongoing operations in critical waterways. Phelan's exit is the latest in a series of significant leadership changes within the Pentagon.

US authorities are investigating a concerning pattern of American scientists, with access to sensitive research, going missing or dying since mid-2024. The White House, FBI, and Congress are collaborating to uncover potential links, including foreign actor involvement. Multiple agencies are reviewing at least eleven cases, some dating back to 2022, to assess national security implications.

The US government has accused China of a large-scale, state-sponsored campaign to steal American AI technology. A White House memo details how foreign entities are using "distillation" to copy advanced AI models, bypassing research and development. The administration vows to share information with US companies and develop countermeasures against these "industrial-scale" efforts.

President Trump has signaled a potential shift in the US government's stance towards Anthropic, suggesting its AI models could still be utilized despite earlier national security concerns. Following discussions at the White House and a meeting with senior officials, the company's new Mythos model is reportedly easing tensions, potentially paving the way for renewed government engagement.

The US government is preparing to grant federal agencies access to Anthropic's powerful AI model, Mythos, despite concerns about its potential misuse for cybersecurity threats. Officials are establishing safeguards to allow agencies like the Department of Defense and Treasury to leverage the tool for identifying software vulnerabilities, while also acknowledging the dual-edged nature of such advanced AI.

United States President Donald Trump has declared Israel is prohibited from conducting further airstrikes in Lebanon. This statement surprised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Meanwhile, Iran announced it is reopening the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping. This move signals potential progress in broader United States-Iran diplomacy. Despite the ceasefire, some military activity was reported.