Dave Brown
@davebrown.bsky.social
📤 4099
📥 1966
📝 292
Deputy Managing Editor for Global Security at Politico
Big news: Today I crossed the Brimley/Cocoon Line, which means I'm the same age that Wilford Brimley was when "Cocoon" was released in theaters
brimleyline.date
5 months ago
2
8
0
Duffy vs. Hegseth: Friction over air safety erupts in Trump’s Cabinet
www.politico.com/news/2025/05...
@oriana0214.bsky.social
@politico.com
5 months ago
1
4
2
Trump plans to announce the US will call the Persian Gulf the Arabian Gulf, officials tell AP
apnews.com/article/trum...
loading . . .
Trump plans to announce the US will call the Persian Gulf the Arabian Gulf, officials tell AP
President Donald Trump plans to announce next week that the U.S. will refer to the Persian Gulf as the Arabian Gulf or the Gulf of Arabia.
https://apnews.com/article/trump-persian-gulf-saudi-arabia-ce30874c27bc01426d93ad3c65a18844
5 months ago
2
10
6
BREAKING: Trump can proceed with his plan to ban transgender people from the military, including by removing those currently serving, the Supreme Court ruled Tuesday
www.politico.com/news/2025/05...
loading . . .
Supreme Court lets Trump ban transgender people from military
Neither the majority nor the dissenters provided any reasoning for their positions.
https://www.politico.com/news/2025/05/06/trump-ban-transgender-troops-scotus-ruling-00331383
5 months ago
1
2
0
The Space Force has released a video that uses stock footage from Russia
5 months ago
1
1
1
The vicious rivalries tearing apart Pete Hegseth’s Pentagon
www.politico.com/news/2025/04...
@politico.com
loading . . .
The vicious rivalries tearing apart Pete Hegseth’s Pentagon
A feud between the secretary's advisers and his chief of staff created backbiting and distrust that has erupted into the open.
https://www.politico.com/news/2025/04/22/pentagon-infighting-hegseth-fired-officials-00302709
6 months ago
1
4
4
NEW TODAY: A MAGA-aligned group that pledged last month to take a “smash-mouth” approach to defending Pete Hegseth and have his back “100 percent” has all but gone silent
www.politico.com/news/2025/04...
@adamwren.bsky.social
loading . . .
Group boosting Hegseth goes quiet
The Defense secretary has come under heavy scrutiny amid reports of dysfunction at the Pentagon.
https://www.politico.com/news/2025/04/23/hegseth-booster-group-goes-quiet-00305578
6 months ago
0
4
2
Think he means a force TO BE reckoned with
6 months ago
3
8
1
NEW TONIGHT: John Ullyot, the former DOD spokesperson who was sidelined over the Jackie Robinson flap, is leaving the Pentagon
www.politico.com/news/2025/04...
loading . . .
Top Pentagon official at center of Jackie Robinson controversy to resign
John Ullyot’s departure comes during a week of upheaval at the Defense Department.
https://www.politico.com/news/2025/04/16/top-pentagon-official-resigns-00295381
6 months ago
0
1
2
BREAKING: A third DOD official has been put on leave and escorted out of the Pentagon on suspicion of leaking. Colin Carroll is chief of staff to Deputy Defense Secretary Stephen Feinberg
www.politico.com/news/2025/04...
loading . . .
Third top Pentagon official suspended in leak investigation
Colin Carroll, chief of staff to Deputy Defense Secretary Stephen Feinberg, was suspended a day after two other political appointees were placed on leave.
https://www.politico.com/news/2025/04/16/pentagon-official-suspended-leak-investigation-00293473
6 months ago
7
106
57
SCOOP: Not one, but two top advisers to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth have been marched out of the Pentagon following a leak investigation
www.politico.com/news/2025/04...
@politico.com
loading . . .
Two top Pentagon officials placed on leave in leak probe
The disclosures under investigation include Elon Musk’s visit to the Pentagon.
https://www.politico.com/news/2025/04/15/caldwell-pentagon-leaks-00291735
6 months ago
28
266
154
6 months ago
0
6
0
NEW: Waltz’s team set up at least 20 Signal group chats for crises across the world
www.politico.com/news/2025/04...
@politico.com
loading . . .
Waltz’s team set up at least 20 Signal group chats for crises across the world
It’s a more extensive use of the app than previously reported and sheds new light on how commonly the Trump administration’s national security team relies on Signal.
https://www.politico.com/news/2025/04/02/waltzs-team-set-up-at-least-20-signal-group-chats-for-crises-across-the-world-00266845
6 months ago
0
28
18
Some context from Grok
7 months ago
1
6
0
Boundaries
7 months ago
2
3
1
Trump says ‘thousands’ of Ukrainian soldiers encircled in Kursk; Ukraine says that’s ‘untrue’
www.politico.eu/article/dona...
loading . . .
Trump says ‘thousands’ of Ukrainian soldiers encircled in Kursk; Ukraine says that’s ‘untrue’
Ukraine insists its troops aren’t surrounded, but they are pulling back from areas they captured last summer.
https://www.politico.eu/article/donald-trump-ukrainian-soldiers-kursk-russia-war/
7 months ago
1
4
2
Greenlanders say no to Trump as rare earths loom over coalition talks
www.politico.eu/article/gree...
loading . . .
Greenlanders say no to Trump as rare earths loom over coalition talks
Election throws up surprise result as independence from Denmark remains tough to define.
https://www.politico.eu/article/greenlanders-say-no-donald-trump-key-election-independence/
7 months ago
0
8
6
reposted by
Dave Brown
Laura Kayali
7 months ago
The Netherlands doesn’t plan to cancel F-35 deals. Asked whether the Dutch government would consider cancelling contracts for the warplanes, Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans replied: “No. Our entire air force and fighter jet fleet is based on the F-35.”
pro.politico.eu/news/195353
loading . . .
POLITICO Pro
https://pro.politico.eu/news/195353
1
2
3
“It’s exceedingly odd. I have never heard of any such thing. I can’t even imagine what the purpose is, other than to terrorize the civilian workforce.”
www.politico.com/news/2025/03...
loading . . .
IKEA beds? Dressers? Inside the ‘exceedingly odd’ DOGE office setup
Details of the arrangements at GSA offer a window into the lifestyle of DOGE workers.
https://www.politico.com/news/2025/03/06/doge-federal-office-bedrooms-00216863
7 months ago
0
2
2
This Pentagon Press Secretary Has a Long History of Bigoted and Xenophobic Posts
www.motherjones.com/politics/202...
loading . . .
This Pentagon press secretary has a long history of bigoted and xenophobic posts
“Be unapologetically right-wing. It will pay off.”
https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2025/03/kingsley-cortes-wilson-defense-department/
7 months ago
0
0
1
reposted by
Dave Brown
Nahal Toosi
7 months ago
NEW COLUMN: Trump has yet to create a new world order. Instead, what we have is a period of disorientation. And countries (like, say, Lesotho) need to prepare for worst-case scenarios.
www.politico.com/news/magazin...
loading . . .
America’s Friends Are Not Amused by Trump’s Bravado
The president’s speech offers no reprieve for countries that have long relied on Washington.
https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2025/03/05/trump-speech-us-allies-00213040
0
8
5
Trump touts DOGE success, but the numbers are fuzzy
www.politico.com/live-updates...
loading . . .
Trump touts DOGE success, but the numbers are fuzzy
The president touted "hundreds of billions of dollars of fraud" uncovered by DOGE.
https://www.politico.com/live-updates/2025/03/04/trump-joint-address-to-congress/doge-shout-out-00212772
7 months ago
1
2
0
If you put "Doja Cat" in place of "DOGE cuts" in headlines, it makes her seem quite powerful
7 months ago
0
7
0
Zelenskyy says it is ‘time to make things right’ after Oval Office blowup
www.politico.com/news/2025/03...
loading . . .
Zelenskyy says it is ‘time to make things right’ after Oval Office blowup
The Ukrainian president said he and his team is “ready to work under President Trump’s strong leadership to get a peace that lasts."
https://www.politico.com/news/2025/03/04/zelenskyy-trump-ukraine-deal-00210230
7 months ago
1
0
1
Well, technically it will be once it's no longer February 28
8 months ago
1
6
2
The first big challenge for Donald Trump’s top military adviser pick isn’t the Ukraine-Russia war or even his lack of qualifications. It’s the legend about a red MAGA hat
www.politico.com/news/2025/02...
@paulmcleary.bsky.social
loading . . .
MAGA hat drama could taint Trump’s top military adviser pick
The president said Dan Caine once offered to kill for him and slapped a signature red hat on his head, a violation of military rules.
https://www.politico.com/news/2025/02/28/maga-hat-dan-razin-caine-00206584
8 months ago
2
2
3
reposted by
Dave Brown
Tara Copp
8 months ago
The
@apnews.com
has obtained the full list of 875 VA contracts to be cut. Contracts to support veterans disability ratings, toxic exposure work and more are affected:
apnews.com/article/doge...
loading . . .
VA pauses billions in cuts lauded by Musk as lawmakers and veterans decry loss of critical care
The Department of Veterans Affairs has temporarily suspended billions of dollars in contract cuts after an uproar that critical veterans health services were harmed, lawmakers and veterans service org...
https://apnews.com/article/doge-veterans-affairs-cuts-health-services-contracts-9a726b744e402da01d711023b0fc49a1
16
342
216
Trump, in a continued effort to replace Pentagon officials, hinted his administration would fire the military leaders involved in the American withdrawal from Afghanistan. “They’re going to be largely gone,” he said
www.politico.com/news/2025/02...
@paulmcleary.bsky.social
loading . . .
Trump signals more firings of military leaders
Senior officers involved in the U.S. pullout from Afghanistan are “going to be largely gone,” he said.
https://www.politico.com/news/2025/02/26/trump-firings-military-leaders-00206240
8 months ago
1
0
3
add a skeleton here at some point
8 months ago
0
1
1
Trump confirms Zelenskyy agreement, White House visit
www.politico.com/news/2025/02...
loading . . .
Trump confirms Zelenskyy agreement, White House visit
The president said the U.S. has agreed on a mineral rights deal with Ukraine, finalizing plans for a Friday meeting in Washington.
https://www.politico.com/news/2025/02/26/trump-zelenskyy-white-house-visit-00206221
8 months ago
0
0
4
OTTAWA — More than 242,000 Canadians have signed a petition calling for Elon Musk’s passport and citizenship to be revoked over his ties to President Donald Trump, who has taken repeated shots at Canada’s sovereignty
www.politico.com/news/2025/02...
loading . . .
Canadians to Elon Musk: You’re not one of us
“People are really angry,” Ottawa lawmaker says of petition to revoke the citizenship of Trump’s unofficial right-hand man.
https://www.politico.com/news/2025/02/25/canada-musk-petition-revoke-citizenship-00205964
8 months ago
1
2
0
Congressional Republicans start backing away from Musk
www.politico.com/news/2025/02...
loading . . .
Congressional Republicans start backing away from Musk
The tech mogul hinted he might wade into spending negotiations again ahead of the next government funding deadline.
https://www.politico.com/news/2025/02/25/congressional-republicans-elon-musk-00206135
8 months ago
0
4
0
Defense deputy secretary pick avoids saying Russia invaded Ukraine
www.politico.com/news/2025/02...
@reporterjoe.bsky.social
loading . . .
Defense deputy secretary pick avoids saying Russia invaded Ukraine
Stephen Feinberg, at his confirmation hearing, signaled he’s unlikely to challenge the Pentagon's striking shift.
https://www.politico.com/news/2025/02/25/pentagon-defense-russia-ukraine-00206008
8 months ago
0
1
3
Senior State Dept. officials are compiling a list of additional exemptions to the foreign aid freeze for Ukraine that could give the country access to some economic and security-related assistance currently on hold
www.politico.com/news/2025/02...
@nahaltoosi.bsky.social
@reporterjoe.bsky.social
loading . . .
State Department officials pushing to release more frozen Ukraine funds
The efforts highlight internal discord inside the Trump administration over how to treat Kyiv.
https://www.politico.com/news/2025/02/25/state-department-grant-ukraine-aid-waivers-00205989
8 months ago
2
7
6
The White House announced on Tuesday that the administration — not an independent group of journalists — will determine which outlets have access to the president as part of a pool allowed into the Oval Office, aboard Air Force One and other events
www.politico.com/news/2025/02...
loading . . .
White House says it will determine which reporters have access to the president
“All journalists, outlets and voices deserve a seat at this highly coveted table,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said.
https://www.politico.com/news/2025/02/25/trump-white-house-press-pool-access-00206001
8 months ago
13
28
36
🎶 Mama don't take my Golden Dome Mama don't take my Golden Dome Mama don't take my Golden Dome awayyyy 🎶
8 months ago
0
1
0
SCOOP: A group of military contractors, including Erik Prince, has pitched the White House on a proposal to carry out mass deportations through a network of “processing camps” on military bases, a private fleet of 100 planes, and a “small army” of private citizens
www.politico.com/news/2025/02...
loading . . .
Trump allies circulate mass deportation plan calling for ‘processing camps’ and a private citizen ‘army’
The group, led by Blackwater veteran Erik Prince, has close Trump ties.
https://www.politico.com/news/2025/02/25/documents-military-contractors-mass-deportations-022648
8 months ago
1
12
17
The Trump administration is backing off Elon Musk’s weekend mandate that federal employees submit five things they accomplished in the last week or face dismissal ahead of a Monday evening deadline
www.politico.com/news/2025/02...
@meganmesserly.bsky.social
loading . . .
Trump administration backs off Musk’s 5 things threat
An administration official said it is "not a one-size-fits-all" approach.
https://www.politico.com/news/2025/02/24/trump-back-off-musk-five-things-threat-00205743
8 months ago
0
2
0
The first comprehensive public listing of the billions of dollars in purported savings Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency is making across federal contracts is filled with errors, according to a POLITICO review of the published data
www.politico.com/news/2025/02...
loading . . .
DOGE shared its receipts — and some of them don’t match
“Everyone is very well-aware they’re repeating the wrong numbers,” said one manager at a company on DOGE’s list of cuts.
https://www.politico.com/news/2025/02/22/doge-data-errors-inconsistencies-00002576
8 months ago
0
6
6
Musk’s weekend threat to federal workers triggered panic and confusion Sunday as administration officials rushed to issue sometimes conflicting guidance, setting in motion a power struggle between Musk and agency heads appointed by Trump.
www.politico.com/news/2025/02...
loading . . .
Email starts power clash between Musk and agency leaders — even the Trump loyalists
The response to Elon Musk’s “What did you do last week?” threat is the first sign that even staunch White House allies are beginning to flex their political muscle against him.
https://www.politico.com/news/2025/02/23/musk-guidance-conflict-agency-leaders-00205640
8 months ago
0
3
1
BREAKING: The Pentagon is planning to fire 5,400 civilian employees starting next week as it prepares to eliminate 8 percent of its civilian workforce, the department announced Friday
www.politico.com/news/2025/02...
@paulmcleary.bsky.social
loading . . .
Pentagon prepares to fire thousands of civilian employees in dramatic culling
The Department of Defense is preparing to eliminate 8 percent of its civilian workforce
https://www.politico.com/news/2025/02/21/pentagon-elimination-thousands-civilian-defense-employees-00205551
8 months ago
7
53
40
“Their approach is different than last week. Precision is the priority right now,” said one White House official, adding that there is now a sensitivity or reluctance to fire anyone in the veteran community
www.politico.com/news/2025/02...
loading . . .
‘Precision is the priority’: Trump administration appears to slow mass firings
One White House official says there is now a reluctance to fire veterans.
https://www.politico.com/news/2025/02/21/trump-administration-federal-employees-firing-slowdown-00205540
8 months ago
0
0
1
Top Trump allies are in an escalating clash with Republican defense hawks, viewing them as obstacles standing in the way of a thorough remaking of U.S. foreign policy that would realign the world order with Trump’s America First vision
www.politico.com/news/2025/02...
@elistokols.bsky.social
loading . . .
MAGA takes aim at the hawks
Trump loyalists are sending a message to the GOP’s foreign policy traditionalists.
https://www.politico.com/news/2025/02/21/trump-gop-foreign-policy-hawks-00002463
8 months ago
0
1
0
29 times Donald Trump did what Putin wanted
www.politico.eu/article/dona...
loading . . .
29 times Donald Trump did what Putin wanted
Whose side is he on? It’s hard to keep up, so here’s a handy guide to America’s new policy of close alignment with the Kremlin.
https://www.politico.eu/article/donald-trump-vladimir-putin-volodymyr-zelenskyy-united-states-russia-policy/
8 months ago
0
3
3
Republicans are growing uneasy with cuts impacting veterans, who are given preference in the federal hiring process and have been disproportionately affected by the dismissals. GOP members are also concerned that federal services for vets could be affected
www.politico.com/news/2025/02...
loading . . .
The private GOP panic over the slash-and-burn DOGE firings
White House aides are inundated with congressional calls as Republicans fret.
https://www.politico.com/news/2025/02/20/gop-lawmaker-doge-cut-panic-00205282
8 months ago
0
1
1
Musk, after spat with astronaut, calls for deorbiting the International Space Station
www.politico.com/news/2025/02...
loading . . .
Musk, after spat with astronaut, calls for deorbiting the International Space Station
The call could drive a historically bipartisan space agency further into political entrenchment.
https://www.politico.com/news/2025/02/20/elon-musk-iss-deorbit-00205268
8 months ago
25
180
88
“To the extent that the White House said that Ukraine started the war, I disagree,” Kennedy said. “I think Vladimir Putin started the war. I also believe, through bitter experience, that Vladimir Putin is a gangster. … I trust this guy like I trust gas station sushi"
www.politico.com/news/2025/02...
loading . . .
GOP hawks bristle at Trump’s anti-Ukraine tirade
GOP lawmakers distanced themselves from Trump’s condemnation of Ukraine but still emphasized the president's goal to secure a peace deal to end the three-year-long war.
https://www.politico.com/news/2025/02/19/gop-hawks-reactions-trump-anti-ukraine-00204985
8 months ago
0
4
2
Russia rejoices as Trump goes full Kremlin
www.politico.eu/article/russ...
@politico.eu
loading . . .
Russia rejoices as Trump goes full Kremlin
“He understands our position,” beams Moscow’s top diplomat Sergey Lavrov.
https://www.politico.eu/article/russia-donald-trump-kremlin-volodymyr-zelenskyy-ukraine-moscow/
8 months ago
0
9
4
BERLIN — German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is facing fresh scrutiny over an explosive temper after allegedly branding critics of his Ukraine policy “anti-patriotic provincial assholes” during a private dinner with coalition budget lawmakers
www.politico.eu/article/germ...
loading . . .
Germany’s Scholz calls rivals ‘anti-patriotic assholes’
Beleaguered chancellor was said to be unhappy about criticism of his policy on aid to Ukraine.
https://www.politico.eu/article/germany-olaf-scholz-call-rival-anti-patriotic-assholes/
8 months ago
0
1
1
Sen. Susan Collins, the senior Republican senator negotiating a deal to avoid a government shutdown in less than one month, says the Trump administration might be breaking the law — and flouting the U.S. Constitution
www.politico.com/live-updates...
loading . . .
'You would see lawsuits:' Susan Collins fires new warning shot at Trump on spending
The chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee is warning the president and his team not to claw back spending from Congress or face legal consequences.
https://www.politico.com/live-updates/2025/02/19/congress/susan-collins-elon-musk-warning-00204873
8 months ago
1
6
3
Load more
feeds!
log in