Sources: USA Today
U.S. Rep. Cory Mills introduces articles for impeachment against Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, accusing Austin of ignoring key intelligence during the withdrawal of American troops from Afghanistan that caused the killing of 13 soldiers and the surrender of Kabul to the Taliban. 2023-08-25
A previously undisclosed document provides new details regarding the January 6 riot at the United States Capitol. The document shows that then-Vice President Mike Pence made a call to the acting Defense Secretary urging him to "clear the Capitol." Additionally, the document shows that Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi also made demands for the Army to deploy the National Guard. 2021-04-10
U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis makes an unannounced visit to Afghanistan, to attempt to discuss peace with the Taliban, which has declined such talks with the Afghan government. 2018-09-7
The U.S. Senate confirms the first two members of President Donald Trump's Cabinet: retired Marine General James Mattis as Secretary of Defense, and retired Marine general John F. Kelly as Secretary of Homeland Security. 2017-01-20
The public interest non-profit Cause for Action files a Freedom of Information Act request for United States Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter’s personal emails following his disclosure of using that account for official government emails, this in the wake of the former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton email controversy and the Office of Personnel Management data breach. The U.S. Federal Records Act restricts use of personal email for official business. 2015-12-23
United States Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter indicates a more robust role ahead for the United States military in bolstering indigenous forces countering ISIS and in response to Russia’s increasing role in Middle East conflicts. 2015-10-26
The United States Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter warns that the People's Republic of China's island building in the South China Sea is undermining security in the Asia-Pacific region and has called for a diplomatic solution. 2015-05-30
United States Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel voices the U.S. government’s continued support of Japan’s claims to the disputed territory. 2014-04-8
U.S. federal prosecutors drop corruption charges against former Senator John Edwards following a mistrial. 2012-06-13
United States Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta calls for the United States to strengthen its naval presence in Asia, in order to counter China's growing military power. 2012-05-30