VA leadership nominee grilled over recent department layoffs
President Donald Trump nominated Paul Lawrence to serve as the second-highest leader in the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Pentagon & Congress
DOGE is getting lists of military’s probationary workers from Pentagon
It is not clear whether all probationary personnel will be let go — instead, some might be exempted due to the critical nature of their work.
Tricare snafus cause medical shortfalls for military families
Military families are struggling to get medical appointments as some health care providers drop Tricare beneficiaries due to lack of payment.
Judge questions motives for Trump’s order banning transgender troops
District Judge Ana Reyes isn’t expected to rule on whether Trump’s order illegally discriminates against trans troops before early March.
Russia, US agree to work towards improving ties and ending Ukraine war
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine wouldn’t accept any outcome from the talks since Kyiv didn’t take part.
New director of Concerned Veterans for America aims for more influence
John Vick takes over the veterans advocacy group whose alumni include Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
Pentagon moves to take back troops booted for refusing COVID vaccine
Under the directive, all service members who opt to return to the military will have to reenlist for at least two years.
VA dismisses over 1,000 employees as part of probationary worker purge
Department leaders promised the dismissals will not hurt veterans' benefits or medical care and will save almost $100 million annually.
Protestors demand VA oppose Trump efforts to trim federal workforce
Several dozen union members and VA employees rallied outside the department headquarters amid fears of staff cuts and funding reductions for the agency.
Watchdog agency’s closure could lead to more military financial scams
The White House moved to close the Consumer Financial Protection Board, which fielded 100,000 consumer complaints every month from veterans and troops.
LGBTQ Pride flags banned at VA facilities under new policy
Only the American flag and other state and military-related banners will be allowed to be displayed under the new department policy.
Trump says he and Putin agreed to begin talks on ending war in Ukraine
White House officials declined to clarify whether Ukraine would be a party to the U.S. negotiations.
House military personnel panel eyes reforms to recruiting efforts
Rep. Pat Fallon takes over the House Armed Services Committee's personnel panel as recruiting continues to pose a challenge to the military's future.
Hegseth calls NATO membership for Ukraine unrealistic
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also dismissed deploying U.S. troops to Ukraine as part of a peacekeeping force.
Hegseth makes first visit to NATO as allies await US plans for Ukraine
Washington's 31 allies are impatient to learn how much military and financial support Washington intends to provide Ukraine from now on.
Hegseth didn’t request $137K in military housing upgrades: Official
A U.S. official says the Army instead undertook the repairs on its own since the more than 100-year-old home needed work and security upgrades.
VA secretary tapped to temporarily lead 2 federal oversight offices
VA Secretary Doug Collins will lead the Office of Government Ethics and the Office of Special Counsel until new directors are named.
