Mark Esper

A Nigerien soldier provides rear security for his squad while they performed a dismounted patrol during Exercise Flintlock 2017 in Diffa, Niger, March 11, 2017. Flintlock exercises strengthen security institutions, promote multilateral sharing of information, and develop interoperability among partner nations in the Trans-Sahara.

Magazine - Washington Briefing

Successful Soleimani strike cements Pompeo’s status as de facto secretary of defense

Jamie McIntyre · January 10, 2020 4:00 am

President Donald Trump speaks at a luncheon with members of the United Nations Security Council in the Cabinet Room at the White House in Washington, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2019.

‘I like to obey the law’: Trump backtracks on bombing Iranian cultural sites

Tim Pearce · January 7, 2020 9:10 pm

In this image from video, Secretary of Defense Mark Esper talks to the press on Iran and Iraq, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2020, at the Pentagon in Washington.

‘Policy has not changed’: Mark Esper denies Iraqi claim that signed withdrawal letter was sent

Zach Halaschak · January 7, 2020 8:22 pm

Secretary of Defense Mark Esper delivers a statement on Iraq, at President Donald Trumpâs Mar-a-Lago property, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019, in Palm Beach, Fla.

‘We will follow the laws’: Pentagon chief contradicts Trump threat to strike Iranian cultural sites

Tim Pearce · January 7, 2020 1:30 am

Soldiers dressed in Army camouflage march an a parade.

Beltway Confidential

No, the US is not leaving Iraq. At least, not yet

Kaylee McGhee White · January 6, 2020 10:12 pm

Trump is the last word on military justice

Jamie McIntyre · January 3, 2020 4:00 am

Gen. Mark Milley.

National Security

‘They will run into a buzz saw’: America’s top general warns against attacking US Embassy in Baghdad

Russ Read · January 2, 2020 5:28 pm

Task Force Southwest Marines walk during an Afghanistan's army training session in Shorab military camp in Helmand province, Afghanistan, Monday, Aug. 28, 2017.

Defense officials ready 4,000 troops for deployment in Middle East

Spencer Neale · January 1, 2020 12:42 am

U.S. Marines assigned to Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Central Command (SPMAFTF-CR-CC) 19.2, prepare to deploy from Kuwait in support of a crisis response mission, Dec. 31, 2019.

‘Appropriate force protection’: Esper issues statement on Iraqi embassy operation

Spencer Neale · January 1, 2020 12:20 am

From left, National Security Adviser John Bolton, accompanied by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, and President Donald Trump, speaks before Trump signs a National Security Presidential Memorandum to launch the "Women's Global Development and Prosperity" Initiative in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, Thursday, Feb. 7, 2019.

Trump national security team attempted to convince him to reverse hold on Ukraine aid

Carlin Becker · December 30, 2019 1:13 am

Eddie Gallagher, Donald Trump.

‘Finally got to thank the President’: Navy SEAL Eddie Gallagher meets Trump at Mar-a-Lago

Spencer Neale · December 23, 2019 4:10 pm

Secretary of State John Kerry said ground troops could be necessary to ensure stability if Syria âimplodedâ or there was âa threat of Syriaâs chemical weapons cache falling into the handsâ of terrorist groups. (AP File)

National Security

‘Ridiculous’: Pentagon officials say military did not mislead public on war in Afghanistan

Russ Read · December 20, 2019 7:58 pm