2025 in review: policy

2025 in review: policy

Hegseth stands up anti-DEI task force

Some of the task force’s targets, like quotas and discriminatory promotion policies, don’t exist.
January 30, 2025 | Meghann Myers

Bloodbath: Joint Chiefs chair, CNO, Air Force vice chief, three top JAGs to be replaced

Trump, Hegseth announce plans to oust several of the military’s top officers amid larger DEI purge.
February 21, 2025 | Audrey Decker and Bradley Peniston

Pentagon to fire up to 61,000 workers, starting with 5,400 next week

After the first round of firings, DOD will launch a review intended to cut the civilian workforce by 5 to 8%, a personnel official said.
February 21, 2025 | Meghann Myers

In Pentagon shakeup, some see bid for more secret actions, less oversight

Trump’s unconventional pick for Joint Chiefs chair brings deep special-warfare experience.
February 23, 2025 | Patrick Tucker

Confusion, fear as changes whipsaw Defense workforce

Workforce cuts, travel freezes, and administrative burdens are leaving civilians shaken.
March 12, 2025 | Meghann Myers

SecDef gives DOD leaders less than two weeks to lay out cuts, changes

A Friday memo opens a new phase in Hegseth’s hurried effort to shrink the defense workforce.
March 29, 2025 | Bradley Peniston

Military support to law enforcement is supposed to be temporary. DOD is making it a core mission

“Sealing the border,” helping ICE, and counter-drug ops top the list, according to Pentagon documents.
August 31, 2025 | Meghann Myers

More than 60K defense civilians have left under Hegseth—but officials are mum on the effects

Months into a hastily ordered overhaul, officials declined to disclose metrics, discuss problems.
September 25, 2025 | Meghann Myers

SecDef uses unprecedented meeting to unveil 10 personnel, due-process reviews

After summoning senior officers from around the world, Hegseth invites them to resign if they don’t agree with him.
September 30, 2025 | Meghann Myers

‘Make Europe Great Again’ and more from a longer version of the National Security Strategy

A fuller version reviewed by Defense One outlines the Trump administration’s plans for shedding old relationships and creating new ones.
December 9, 2025 | Meghann Myers

Trump rebrands Congressionally-approved troop housing subsidy as ‘warrior dividend’ bonus

More than $2.9 billion in reconciliation funds was allocated to beef up troop housing allowances. Now it’s being used for $1,776 checks.
December 18, 2025 | Thomas Novelly



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