SecDef Mattis Signs Memo to Officially Review F-35 Program and Reduce Costs

SecDef Mattis Signs Memo to Officially Review F-35 Program and Reduce Costs

In one of his first initiatives after being named as Secretary of Defense, General Mattis signed a memo today demanding a “detailed assessment to reduce associated program costs” of the F-35 Lightning II program. While calling for “significantly reduced” F-35 costs the memo even calls for a review that compares the operational capabilities of the […]

‘I’ve never heard of anything like this’: Former State Department officials say high-level resignations are ‘a huge blow’

‘I’ve never heard of anything like this’: Former State Department officials say high-level resignations are ‘a huge blow’

A mass exodus was underway at the State Department on Thursday as the department’s entire senior level of management officials abruptly left positions they’d held for years. It is unclear whether the senior foreign-service officers resigned in protest, as The Washington Post reported, or were asked to leave by the new administration, as CNN reported. […]

Trump freezes Obama’s $221 million transfer to Palestine pending investigation

Trump freezes Obama’s $221 million transfer to Palestine pending investigation

On Wednesday, we reported that departing President Barack Obama utilized the final few hours of his executive power to release a payment of $221 million to the Palestinian Government.  The funds had previously been blocked by GOP lawmakers citing concerns about Palestine’s efforts to seek recognition from various international bodies.  Reports now indicate that Donald […]

Trump’s team and China exchange barbs over South China Sea

Trump’s team and China exchange barbs over South China Sea

With Donald Trump’s recent transition into the presidency behind us, he and his administration are facing their first political stare-down with economic rival and frequent Donald Trump talking point: China. On Monday, Sean Spicer, new White House Press Secretary, made a clear statement regarding the Trump administration’s stance on China’s aggressive behavior in the South […]

China publicly relocated global strike nukes as a passive aggressive message to Trump

China publicly relocated global strike nukes as a passive aggressive message to Trump

China has deployed its newest ICBM (Intercontinental Ballistic Missile) to the northeastern region of the nation, and in an unusual move for the communist state, they permitted the state run media to report on it. China claims their newest missile, the Dong Feng-41 (DF-41), which means East Wind, can carry up to twelve individual nuclear […]

GOP Senators pitch healthcare plan that would allow states to keep Obamacare

GOP Senators pitch healthcare plan that would allow states to keep Obamacare

Senators Bill Cassidy of Louisiana and Susan Collins of Maine unveiled what they described as an “Obamacare Replacement Plan” on Tuesday, establishing a framework for new legislation intended to do away with the previous president’s healthcare plan, the Affordable Care Act. The new plan, however, doesn’t require the complete dismantling of Obama’s controversial healthcare legislation, […]

Read James Mattis’ letter to the Pentagon after being sworn in as SECDEF

Read James Mattis’ letter to the Pentagon after being sworn in as SECDEF

James Mattis, fabled Marine general and newly appointed secretary of defense, wasted no time getting to work after being approved for the role in a near-unanimous 98-1 vote following President Trump’s inauguration on Friday. Mattis arrived at the Pentagon on Saturday morning, marking his first visit to the site under his authority, but would not […]

President Trump promises to ‘make our military strong again’

President Trump promises to ‘make our military strong again’

One of the most immediate changes made following the recent inauguration and transfer of power was the White House website. Modifications were made and the website started being transformed to reflect the new Trump administration’s goals and campaign promises. One change in particular was the promise to make our military strong again. The new message promises increased military readiness, budget changes to rebuild […]

SOFREP attended the 2017 Presidential Inauguration

SOFREP attended the 2017 Presidential Inauguration

It was an honor to attend the Presidential Inauguration and a first for this citizen. To be able to be present for the historic day was a privilege. The entire affair was not hectic and near the Capitol at the ceremony, was peaceful. It was crowded and rainy. There were protesters, I was told to go […]

Watching the presidential inauguration through the eyes of a Marine

Watching the presidential inauguration through the eyes of a Marine

As I watched Donald Trump’s inauguration today, I looked at the festivities with different eyes than I have previous presidential transitions. This time, I found myself scanning the crowd, looking to the sides of the screen, keeping an eye out for something that looks out of the ordinary. A few months ago, as we were […]

It’s official: Donald Trump is the 45th president of the United States

It’s official: Donald Trump is the 45th president of the United States

At noon Eastern Standard Time, Donald J. Trump was sworn in as the 45th president of the United States. Hundreds of thousands of people flocked into America’s capital city prior to today’s ceremony. Some to see the man they voted for to take the highest office in the land, others to voice their concerns, uncertainty, or animosity toward […]

DC is shut down for Inauguration and a potential for disruption

DC is shut down for Inauguration and a potential for disruption

D.C. is going to be locked down tight for the Inauguration with very few escape routes or ways in. But, for someone who wants to frustrate, it’s perfect. This morning starting around 3 am many streets began to shut down. Traffic in the District is notoriously bad – and this week it’s been worse. But […]