Defense Secretary Hegseth took on the title secretary of war last year, but the Pentagon's legal name remains the Department of Defense until Congress signs off.
Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.) speaks with reporters outside the U.S. Capitol on April 19, 2023.
Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Thomas Hudner fires a Tomahawk missile at sea on March 1, 2026 during the Iran war.
The provision represents a rebuke of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s personnel moves.
A worker raises a pole bearing the Iranian flag at Enghelab Square in Tehran on June 3, 2026.
Bill Pulte speaks with reporters at the White House on Jan. 9, 2026.
“The era of the United States subsidizing the defense of wealthy nations is over,” Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth delivers his address during the Shangri-La Dialogue, Asia's annual defense and security forum, in Singapore on May 30, 2026.
A Blue Origin New Glenn rocket stands ready for launch at the Cape Canaveral Space Force station in Cape Canaveral, Florida, on April 18, 2026.
A worker points to the U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS Nimitz docking in the Gulf of Panama, March 30, 2026.
Pro-government demonstrators chant slogans as they wave Iranian flags in Tehran, Iran, on May 19, 2026.
President Donald Trump talks to reporters before boarding Air Force One on May 20, 2026, at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland.
War opponents notably gained another GOP defector in Sen. Bill Cassidy.
Ed Gallrein, Kentucky Republican congressional candidate, greets Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on stage during an America First Workers Special Event in Hebron, Kentucky, on May 18, 2026.
A U.S. Navy EA18-G Growler is seen Dec. 17, 2025, over Ceiba, Puerto Rico.
A sailor is greeted after disembarking aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford at Naval Station Norfolk on May 16, 2026, in Norfolk, Virginia. The carrier returned home after an 11-month deployment, the longest since the Vietnam War. (Photo by Mike Kropf/Getty Images)
Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll and acting Army Chief of Staff Christopher LaNeve prepare to testify before the House Armed Services Committee on May 15, 2026.
President Donald Trump said he isn’t ready to accept a deal with Iran.
Soldiers of the U.S. Army 2nd Cavalry Regiment Stryker Brigade watch Apache helicopters engage during NATO military exercises near Bemowo Piskie, Poland, on May 7, 2026.
Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of U.S. Central Command, testifies before the Senate Armed Services Committee on Capitol Hill, on May 14, 2026.
President Donald Trump walks with China's Vice President Han Zheng during a welcome ceremony on May 13, 2026, at Beijing Capital International Airport.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine prepare to testify before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense on Capitol Hill in Washington, on May 12, 2026.
Sen. Slotkin talks Taiwan ahead of Trump-Xi Summit
Sen. Slotkin talks Taiwan ahead of Trump-Xi Summit
Top Republican wants more details on Iran war if ceasefire ends
Top Republican wants more details on Iran war if ceasefire ends
President Donald Trump, left, and Chinese President Xi Jinping arrive for talks at the Gimhae Air Base in Busan, South Korea, on Oct. 30, 2025.
Sen. Mark Kelly speaks during a press conference at the U.S. Capitol on Dec. 1, 2025.
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth takes questions during a press briefing at the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, on May 5, 2026.
