President Trump’s administration has made significant strides in national security and military reform, with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth implementing major changes at the Pentagon while addressing high-profile threats like the arrest of the Abbey Gate terrorist. Here’s the latest:
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Mohammad Sharifullah, the ISIS-K commander accused of orchestrating the 2021 Kabul airport bombing that killed 13 U.S. troops and 170 Afghans, was captured in Pakistan and extradited to the U.S. following a joint CIA-FBI operation[1][4][7]. Secretary Hegseth confirmed the suspect is “on his way to face American justice,” with charges including conspiracy to support terrorism and involvement in attacks in Moscow (2024) and Kabul (2016)[9]. The arrest followed renewed intelligence coordination under Trump’s directive to prioritize accountability for the attack[7].
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– Sharifullah allegedly planned the bombing while imprisoned in Afghanistan, escaping during the Taliban takeover[4][9].
– Pakistani intelligence aided his capture near the Afghanistan border[7].
– FBI Director Kash Patel called the arrest “one step closer to justice” for victims’ families[1][4].
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Hegseth has overhauled defense priorities to align with Trump’s “America First” agenda:
1. :
– Cutting $50 billion (8%) from “nonlethal” programs to fund border security, nuclear modernization, drone tech, and cybersecurity[5][8].
– Protected areas: Virginia-class submarines, missile defense, and defense industrial base[5][8].
2. :
– Ending “woke” diversity programs and refocusing on “lethality, meritocracy, and readiness”[8][10].
– Hiring freezes and probationary employee reviews to prioritize performance[8].
3. :
– Partnering with the new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to eliminate waste and fraud[8].
Critics, like Sen. Chris Coons, argue the cuts risk troop readiness, but Hegseth insists they create a “badass military” focused on emerging threats[5][8].
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Trump deployed troops to the southern border to curb illegal immigration, redirecting Pentagon funds to support infrastructure and surveillance[5][10]. While Hegseth’s public messages emphasize “defending the homeland on the ground,” specifics about border operations were omitted, sparking debate over the military’s role in domestic law enforcement[2][5].
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Hegseth is accelerating tech investments to counter China:
– Prioritizing AI, drones, and counter-drone systems to maintain dominance in the Indo-Pacific[2][8].
– Strengthening alliances while modernizing naval and space capabilities[2][8].
This shift follows bipartisan concerns over China’s aggression, though Hegseth’s approach emphasizes rapid deployment over legacy programs[2][5].
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The Trump-Hegseth partnership has prioritized accountability for terrorist attacks, tightened border security, and reshaped military spending to confront modern threats. While controversial, these changes reflect a clear break from prior administrations, emphasizing strength, efficiency, and strategic deterrence.
