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All passengers, including Hegseth, were safe after the plane landed due to a crack in its windshield.

The Defense secretary spoke before a meeting of European defense leaders that he has skipped in the past.

The former employer of the Secretary of Defense joined CNN, ABC and NBC in refusing to sign the agreement.

The Senate and House must now negotiate a compromise defense bill over the coming months.

The repeal of the Gulf and Iraq War authorizations is included in both the House and Senate defense bills, heightening its chances of passing.

"It's better just to keep your head down," said one senior defense official.

Karen Brazell faced criticism from Democrats over her involvement in VA staffing and contract cuts.

The new rules, which include changes on how quickly inspector generals must process complaints, threaten to undermine the role of a key federal watchdog.

Jon Harrison is the latest Pentagon official who Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has removed from office.

Administration officials insist that military actions against cartels at sea are lawful and within the president's authority.