Military News
Coverage of the armed forces, defense spending, and global security challenges. The Daily Signal offers news, analysis, and conservative commentary.
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news
FBI Probes Congressional Democrats Who Warned Military About Illegal Orders
REUTERS—The FBI has requested interviews with six Democrat members of the U.S. Congress who in a video message told members of the military they can legally refuse to carry out unlawful orders, a Justice Department official told Reuters on Tuesday. The move comes a day after the Pentagon threatened to recall Sen. Mark Kelly, a… -
opinion
Victor Davis Hanson: Democrats Who Told Military Not to Obey ‘Illegal’ Orders Are ‘Not Being Honest’
On this episode of “Victor Davis Hanson: In His Own Words,” Victor Davis Hanson and Jack Fowler take aim at the six congressional Democrats who called on military members to defy “illegal” orders from the commander in chief. Editor’s note: This is a lightly edited transcript of today’s edition of “Victor Davis Hanson: In His… -
news
‘Not Aware’: Slotkin Pressed Over Urging Military to Defy ‘Illegal’ Trump Orders
After urging members of the military to refuse “illegal orders” from the Trump administration, Sen. Elissa Slotkin, D-Mich., admitted she is not aware of any such orders. “Do you believe President [Donald] Trump has issued any illegal orders?” ABC’s Martha Raddatz asked her. “To my knowledge, I am not aware of things that are illegal—but certainly there… -
opinion
30-Year JAG Veteran Schools Democrats for Video Calling for Sedition in the Military
Six Democrat congressmen recently released a video directed at members of the U.S. military and intelligence communities imploring them to “refuse illegal orders” from President Donald Trump. As former members of the military and intelligence community, they should be ashamed of themselves and retract their insubordinate, ignorant, and politically motivated diatribe. The video, posted earlier… -
news
Republicans Fire Back at Democrats Who Tell Military Members to ‘Refuse Illegal Orders’
Republicans are firing back after a group of six Democrat lawmakers created a video telling U.S. military members and the intelligence community they do not need to follow “illegal orders.” “Like us, you all swore an oath to protect and defend this Constitution. Right now, the threats to our Constitution aren’t just coming from abroad, but from right here at home,” the Democrats say in the video message. “Our laws… -
opinion
Poland Strengthens Its Military Muscle
As NATO countries ramp up their defense spending, Poland has taken its place at the vanguard—perhaps because of its long history stained by tragedy. Recognizing Russia’s ambitions and it’s assertive tactics, Poland has embraced a robust deterrence strategy centered on readiness, resilience, and forward defense to fortify NATO’s eastern flank. In the past decade, Poland… -
news
Did the Military Violate Trump’s DEI Executive Order?
The U.S. Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps appear on a list of sponsors for a conference of the American School Counselor Association, which supports diversity, equity, and inclusion—an activist ideology that President Donald Trump directed the federal government to eliminate. A Department of War source with knowledge of DOW Community Engagement Planning noted that… -
opinion
Yes, the US Military Knows the Difference Between Narco-boats and Fishermen
Over the past several weeks, President Donald Trump’s counternarcotics strikes in the Caribbean and now the Pacific have marked a turning point for Washington, directing the U.S. security apparatus to confront the deadly narco-terrorist threats in our hemisphere. The outcome has been undeniably positive, effectively collapsing narcotics trafficking across the Caribbean and sending a clear… -
news
BREAKING: How Senate Votes on Bill to Pay Military, Essential Federal Workers
Senate Democrats have blocked paying essential federal workers as the government shutdown continues into its fourth week. In a vote of 54-to-45, a bill sponsored by Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis., to pay essential federal workers, including active-duty members of the U.S. military, failed to clear the Senate’s 60-vote threshold to become law. Democrat Sens. John… -
news
Congressional Republicans Slam Jeffries for Not Backing Military Pay Bill
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., has come out against a standalone Senate bill to pay American military service members and some other federal workers. Jeffries’ public opposition comes as thousands of federal employees have been left in the lurch as the federal government shutdown drags into its fourth week. The New York Democrat said… -
news
Secretary of Push-Ups: Hegseth Helps Set World Record Amid Criticism of His Fitness Demands for Military
Keeping with his new fitness directives for the military, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth helped set a new Guinness World Record Saturday for the most people doing push-ups simultaneously. Hegseth led a group of cadets, soldiers, and fans at the United States Naval Academy’s football game in a push-up challenge, achieving an impressive total of… -
opinion
Countdown to 2027: What Beijing’s Military Moves Say About China’s Intentions
Last year, the Department of War warned that China could be ready to invade Taiwan as early as 2027. Now, the People’s Liberation Army is actively gauging rivals’ military capabilities and updating its plans accordingly. For the Chinese military, “using the enemy to train the troops”—“nadi lianbing”—is a deliberate strategy—one China increasingly adopts toward Taiwan. China continues to pressure Taiwan with an increasing military presence in the island’s exclusive economic zone and past… -
opinion
FROM WOKE TO WAR: Pete Hegseth’s Vision Sets a Clear Path for a Muscular and Effective Military
I’ve witnessed many moments of “America is back” catharsis this year, but few have been quite as inspiring as Secretary of War Pete Hegseth’s declaration that he will strive to make every unit the efficient killing machine that he’d be proud to see his own son enlist to join. Speaking at the Marine base in… -
news
New Jersey Military Base Safe After Lockdown
A New Jersey military base was on lockdown Tuesday amid concerns of an active shooter. Authorities later said reports of a shooter were unfounded, according to NBC 4 New York. The base, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, is located in Burlington County, New Jersey. It is fewer than 20 miles from Trenton, the state capital. A Facebook post… -
news
Speculation on Why Pete Hegseth Abruptly Called Top Military Leaders to a Meeting
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has ordered top U.S. military leaders from around the world to convene at Marine Corps Base Quantico in Virginia next week. Hegseth has not explained why he called the meeting or what issues will be discussed, but Army Special Forces veteran Steven Bucci says such a high-level meeting is… -
news
EXCLUSIVE: Hegseth Scraps Department of War Committee Promoting Radical Feminism in the Military
FIRST ON THE DAILY SIGNAL—The Department of War is discontinuing a committee criticized for pushing feminism in the military, according to a memo obtained by The Daily Signal. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth signed the memo saying he has determined that the reinstatement of the Defense Advisory Committee for Women in the Services should not… -
opinion
China’s Military Parade: A Display of CCP Intentions
Earlier this month, China hosted its first military parade since 2019—an exhibition Chinese leader Xi Jinping claimed was intended to celebrate the nation’s role in “Victory Day” and the 80th anniversary of the conclusion of World War II. But the Chinese Communist Party’s intentions for the display seemed to run deeper. Last week’s parade—the largest… -
opinion
China’s ‘Grand’ Military Parade Is a Facade That Barely Conceals Its Vulnerabilities
Last week, the Chinese Communist Party commemorated the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II with a meticulously orchestrated military parade, showcasing an impressive array of advanced weaponry. This grand display, however, is merely a façade that barely conceals the vulnerabilities of the authoritarian regime. Strategically, the regime highlighted an impressive collection of… -
opinion
To Serve a Cause Bigger Than Himself: Story of Robert Pietrangelo, Military Volunteer Killed on a Battlefield in Ukraine
On Aug. 18, 2025, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy walked into the White House alongside seven European leaders to meet with President Donald Trump. For Ukraine and its allies, the message was clear: They needed reassurance that the United States would stand firm in supporting the global fight for freedom and democracy. After the meeting, Zelenskyy… -
opinion
Taiwan’s Military Conducts Large Defensive Drill
Taiwan’s 41st Han Kuang 10-day exercise took place this month in response to heightened tensions from China, which claims Taiwan as its own. Over 10 days, Taiwanese troops rehearsed how to fight if China invades by deploying HIMARS rocket systems in cities, practicing maneuvers in metro stations, and simulating amphibious defenses on beaches. Beijing’s increasingly…