Bien says goodbye to the troops

January 16, 2025

Welcome to The Hill's Defense & NatSec Newsletter

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Defense &
national security

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President Trump nominates Secretary of the Air Force

President-elect Trump on Thursday nominated Troy Meink, a former missile engineer and top spy, to be secretary of the Air Force. Trump said in a statement posted on Truth Social that Meinck will work with Defense Secretary nominee Pete Hegseth to “ensure peace through force while ensuring that our Air Force is the most effective and lethal force in the world.” He said he would work together to become a unit. Minek is…

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Democrats aim to block Trump administration's new transgender military ban

Two House Democrats are trying to block President-elect Trump from enacting legislation that would renew the ban on transgender people from openly serving in the military. On Thursday, it is reintroducing a bill that would prohibit the military from hiring or firing people based on their gender identity or sexual characteristics. During last year's campaign, President Trump promised to reinstate a ban on transgender military service that President Biden established in 2017.

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About our radar

What we're looking forward to:

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff CQ Brown I would praise the Secretary of Defense. Lloyd Austin Tomorrow at 10:30 a.m. at Joint Base Meyer-Henderson Hall in Arlington, Virginia.

In other news

Read something different from The Hill.

Johnson's Intel board shakeup raises concerns about the board under the Trump administration

House Speaker Mike Johnson's (R-LA) decision to shake up the leadership of the House Intelligence Committee sent shockwaves both inside and outside the committee, raising questions about the influence of the MAGA right and the extent to which national security issues have become sensitive issues. This has sparked concerns on both sides about what will happen. treated with…

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On tap tomorrow

Happenings in and around the defense industry:

Military Communications and Electronics Association Northern Virginia Chapter will be held Army IT Day 2025 is 8 a.m.
hudson institute will be held Discussion on “Ship Rightization: Strengthening U.S. Navy Shipbuilding and Ship Repair” from 9 a.m.

what we are reading

News reported by other media outlets:

White House holds Homeland Security tabletop exercise with Trump officials (Associated Press)

today's trends

Two important stories about The Hill today:

Fetterman's approach to Trump sparks speculation

Sen. John Fetterman's (D-Pa.) lenient approach to President-elect Trump has fueled questions about his motives and bothered some Democrats. … read more

Georgia senator arrested during gubernatorial speech

Georgia Sen. Colton Moore (R) was arrested Thursday for attempting to break into the House chamber and was transported to the Fulton County Jail. read more