Appointments and Executive Changes

Hegseth’s Views May Clash With Reality at Defense Department

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The new defense secretary’s goals run counter to the military’s apolitical tradition and efforts to build a force that mirrors America.

C.I.A. Now Favors Lab Leak Theory to Explain Covid’s Origins

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A new analysis that began under the Biden administration is released by the C.I.A.’s new director, John Ratcliffe, who wants the agency to get “off the sidelines” in the debate.

Trump Reinstates Longstanding Republican Anti-Abortion Policy

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The move came after he addressed thousands of abortion opponents in Washington to mark the 52nd anniversary of the Supreme Court’s 1973 decision in Roe v. Wade.

Senate to Vote on Pete Hegseth’s Confirmation, With Outcome Uncertain

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With two G.O.P. senators opposed, Pete Hegseth, President Trump’s pick for defense secretary, can afford to lose only one more. If he is confirmed, it is likely to be by the smallest margin for that post in modern times.

Pence Wages Lonely Crusade Against Kennedy as Abortion Opponents Avoid Fight

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Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has taken different positions on the issue, has pledged to promote President Trump’s anti-abortion agenda in a bid to get confirmed as health secretary.

Hegseth Could Be Confirmed With Smallest Margin of Any Defense Secretary

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For the last 50 years, almost every nominee to lead the Pentagon has been a consensus pick who drew lopsided margins of support in the Senate. Pete Hegseth’s nomination has been a notable exception.