Security News
The Daily Signal covers the latest threats, from cyber to national defense, and examines policies designed to protect American communities.
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Hill Staffers in Security Probe Said to Keep Stepmom in ‘Captivity’ to Access Cash
Congressional staffers are accused of holding their stepmother in “captivity” with violent threats in a plan to use her to access money stashed away in the Middle East. The staffers are suspected of using their positions to enrich themselves. Days before U.S. Capitol Police told House members that three Pakistani brothers who ran their computer networks may have…Luke Rosiak -
At CPAC, Panelists Discuss Role Vetting, Assimilation Play in National Security
Extreme vetting and a border wall are the key issues facing the country under President Donald Trump’s administration—but aren’t the silver bullet solution to immigration, experts and members of Congress said Saturday. “Extreme vetting is something that applies to the refugee side of this debate,” said Rep. Ken Buck, R-Colo., during a panel at the…Fred Lucas -
Trump’s Stellar Pick for National Security Adviser
Army Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster is a perfect fit for the position of national security adviser, and it is no surprise that his selection by President Donald Trump has delighted many in the defense and national security community. Trump announced Monday night that McMaster will replace Michael Flynn, the retired Army general who resigned a…John Cooper -
After Michael Flynn’s Departure, How Trump Can Stabilize National Security Council, Avoid Leaks
President Donald Trump’s first weeks as commander in chief have been challenged by upheaval within his National Security Council, the White House group tasked with coordinating and implementing foreign policy and counterterrorism strategy. The resignation of Michael Flynn as national security adviser—head of the National Security Council—comes at a time when acute foreign policy decisions…Josh Siegel -
India’s Increased Naval Capacities Are Good for Regional Security
A key American partner, India, is set to conduct another missile test that will have a wide range of consequences on regional dynamics for years to come. India’s new K-4 nuclear-capable, submarine-launched ballistic missile is expected to have a range of 3,500 kilometers, a serious improvement over its current operational missile of the same kind….James Di Pane -
Trump Refugee Order Balances Security and Compassion
Read any commentary on the just signed executive order on visa and refugee vetting from several countries in the Middle East and odds are the assessment will tell you more about the writer’s politics than be an analysis of the order. I confess: I have a perspective as well. Mine comes from working on the…James Carafano -
How Obama Can Facilitate a National Security Transition
From now until Jan. 20, 2017, Obama administration national security officials need to do everything they can to ensure that the incoming team is ready to take over the government and continue the important work of protecting the security of the United States. The Donald Trump team needs to be ready on Day One for…Cully Stimson -
What Recent Hacking Attack Reveals About Election Security
A hacking attack last Friday that disrupted major U.S. websites is an example of a new era of cybersecurity vulnerability in today’s interconnected world. The Oct. 21 cyberattack also furthered anxiety about the integrity of next month’s election, which has already been fraught with controversy over voting rights, and foreign interference. While the attack alarmed—but…Josh Siegel -
Expedited Cargo Screening a Boon to Shippers and Security
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Agency has recently expanded its expedited clearance program for oceangoing freight, the Advanced Qualified Unloading Approval (AQUA Lane) program. This expansion should allow for Customs and Border Patrol to focus resources on more high-risk cargo, while allowing a faster turnover rate at ports. AQUA allows qualified shipping lines…Riley Walters -
What a No First Use Policy Would Mean for Global Security
As the clock is ticking, President Barack Obama is striving to cement his legacy in the realm of nuclear weapons policy. In the past, the president has suggested his nuclear policy goal would be a “no first use” policy—a plan many experts as well as U.S. allies continue to meet with skepticism and resistance. While…Michaela Dodge -
If the Obama Administration Adopts a ‘No First Use’ Nuclear Strategy, It Could Cripple US Security
The White House has declared that it may be revising United States nuclear policy during President Barack Obama’s final months in office. A “no first use” policy would be a disaster for the U.S. and its allies. The Obama administration’s consideration of the no first use policy is based on a lack of humility before…Michaela Dodge -
After Obama: Restoring Freedom, Opportunity, and Security With a ‘Blueprint for Reform’
An upstart businessman wants to get ahead in society but can’t because of bureaucratic regulations. A talented college graduate can’t find a job as a result of a stagnant economy. A nation’s citizens feel threatened by terrorist attacks at home and abroad as elected officials reduce military spending. A government continues to burden the next…Matthew Hoke -
House Republicans Go Strong on National Security
The United States is under growing threats, and House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., and his team deserve credit for recognizing that threat and outlining a plan for making America safer, stronger, and more prosperous. During the last seven years under President Barack Obama, the United States has grown less safe. Threats are rising, such as…Justin Johnson -
Senator Urges Privatizing Airport Security to Get Around TSA’s ‘Huge Bureaucracy’
With long wait lines at airports across the country, the chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee is calling on the TSA to “get their act together” and consider more cost-effective and efficient options. “This has to be fixed. TSA is going to have to raise their game because you can’t have people sitting in lines…Kyle Stewart -
Ben Rhodes Proves the National Security Council Needs to Be Reformed
Recent remarks by Deputy National Security Advisor Ben Rhodes to the New York Times shows us that the National Security Council (NSC) as an institution is urgently in need of an overhaul. Rhodes, who handles the president’s strategic communications, takes pride in how he sold the Iran nuclear deal to the American press. In the absence…Helle Dale -
Obama’s Green Agenda Should Be Kept Out of National Security
This week I will be offering an amendment to this year’s National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to prevent scarce defense dollars from being squandered on President Barack Obama’s executive orders regarding climate change. These executive orders require the Department of Defense (DOD) to incorporate a host of climate change bureaucracies into its acquisition programs, logistics…Rep. John Fleming -
National Security Experts: Brussels Terrorist Attacks ‘Grave,’ ‘A Bit Embarrassing’
When twin explosions hit Brussels early Tuesday morning, killing at least 31 people and wounding at least 270 others, they exposed a dangerous intelligence gap right in the heart of Europe. Brussels, which is the capital of Belgium, also hosts the European Council, which represents the interests of the 500 million citizens who constitute the European…Kelsey Bolar -
Strong US Security After Brussels Includes the Visa Waiver Program
In the aftermath of the deadly attacks in Brussels, the media and politicians have turned their criticism back to the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). While there is an understandable and often noble desire to do something after a terrorist attack, Congress should make sure that the policies it adopts strengthen the security of the U.S.,…David Inserra -
In Aftermath of Brussels Attacks, Conservatives Call for Border Security
In the aftermath of Tuesday’s terror attacks in Brussels that left at least 30 dead, conservatives in Congress say that addressing border security is the key to ensuring terrorists don’t end up in the United States. In response to a question about how the country can improve its intelligence capabilities, lawmakers attending the monthly event…Melissa Quinn -
Political Correctness Creates National Security Openings for Terrorists, CPAC Told
“Political correctness kills.” That’s what Deneen Borelli, chief political correspondent for the Conservative Review, told hundreds of conservative activists during a panel discussion this morning at the annual CPAC conference just outside Washington, D.C. Borelli, also a noted author, used the mass murder by two Islamist terrorists in San Bernardino, Calif., to drive her point…Kevin Mooney