Security Measures for Presidential and Vice Presidential Candidates

U.S. Defense Secretary approved additional military support for Secret Service to protect presidential and vice presidential candidates during the upcoming election, following an assassination attempt on former President Trump at a rally. The Secret Service has enhanced protective operations through 2024 with assistance from the Department of Defense.

Russian Warships Military Exercises on the way to Cuba

Russian warships conducted simulated military exercises on their way to Cuba in June, with social media posts falsely claiming they fired live missiles off the coast of Florida. The U.S. Department of Defense confirmed the claim is not true.

Controversy over Pride Month and PTSD Awareness Month

Rep. Wesley Hunt is filing legislation to designate July as American Pride Month, but the Department of Defense mistakenly called to 'Celebrate Pride' in a post about PTSD Awareness Month. The Biden administration faced backlash for announcing the Transgender Day of Visibility on Easter Sunday.

Teacher Accused of Sexual Abuse in Nebraska

A teacher in Nebraska was accused of having sex with a 17-year-old male student. The teacher, Erin Ward, is married to a government official in the Department of Defense. Ward faces a felony charge and her husband is a high-ranking official at the United States Strategic Command.

Military Chaplains seeking relief from Department of Defense policies on COVID-19 vaccine mandate

A group of military chaplains is urging the Supreme Court to stop the Department of Defense from enforcing policies punishing those who filed religious objections to the COVID-19 vaccine mandate. The chaplains allege adverse personnel actions due to religious accommodation requests.

Department of Defense Policy on Reproductive Healthcare for Service Members

The Department of Defense released partial data on a policy covering travel expenses for service members seeking non-covered reproductive healthcare, including abortion and assisted reproductive technology. The policy was used 12 times between June and December 2023, costing slightly under $40,800.