Ben Wolfgang
Articles by Ben Wolfgang
Kremlin verifies famed Russian figure skating pair were aboard downed U.S. jet
The Kremlin Thursday confirmed that two well-known Russian-born figure skaters were aboard the D.C.-bound plane that collided with an Army helicopter and crashed into the Potomac River Wednesday evening. Published January 30, 2025
Trump signs executive order to establish an ‘Iron Dome for America’
President Trump late Monday signed an executive order to establish an "Iron Dome for America," a 21st-century missile shield that would fulfill a campaign promise by establishing a sweeping homeland defense system to counter missile threats. Published January 28, 2025
Pentagon pauses most social media activity for 10 days to ‘refocus’ messaging
The Pentagon said Friday night it will sharply curtail social media posts across the Defense Department for the next 10 days to "refocus" the military's messaging around President Trump's policy priorities. Published January 25, 2025
Once dismissed, Trump’s ‘Iron Dome for America’ missile shield now within reach
It's an undoubtedly ambitious proposal. Some critics have even framed it as the "most ridiculous" plan ever floated by new President Donald Trump, one that's unrealistic for a country as sprawling as the United States. Published January 23, 2025
‘Terror threat to America is alive and persistent’: New House GOP report warns of jihadist danger
America's national security defenses are in a "state of disrepair" and the rapid rise in extremist cases across the country underscores the vulnerabilities of the U.S. homeland, key House Republicans warned in a major new report. Published January 22, 2025
Trump’s ‘revolution of common sense’ sweeping Europe as well, former Polish prime minister says
President Trump's "revolution of common sense" is resonating far beyond American shores as the political climate in Europe shifts away from left-wing policy priorities and toward the "rationality" of Mr. Trump's movement. Published January 21, 2025
Chinese vice president, Argentine president, other foreign dignitaries attend Trump inauguration
Chinese Vice President Han Zheng, Argentine President Javier Milei and other foreign dignitaries were in attendance at President Trump's inauguration on Monday, even as the new commander in chief vowed to use the full weight of his power to put U.S. interests first. Published January 20, 2025
Trump vows to reinstate U.S. troops kicked out for refusing COVID-19 vaccine
President Trump said Monday he will reinstate the thousands of American troops kicked out of the military for refusing the Pentagon's COVID-19 vaccine mandate. Published January 20, 2025
‘We fight for the same values’: Romanian conservative leader celebrates Trump inauguration
Many officials across Europe see U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration as a shared victory. Count George Simion among them. Published January 19, 2025
As Gaza ceasefire begins, Hamas releases three Israeli hostages
A fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas began Sunday as the Palestinian terrorist group released three hostages it held for more than a year, marking a seismic shift in the 15-month conflict driven largely by President-elect Donald Trump's return to office in Washington and his personal push for the two sides to reach a truce. Published January 19, 2025
ISIS ‘on the rebound’: New Orleans attack latest sign of terror group’s resurgence
Behind the ISIS-inspired assault in New Orleans on New Year's Day is a disturbing reality: Military officials and national security insiders fear a perfect storm is forming around the world that could lead to more deadly terrorist attacks in the U.S. Published January 3, 2025
FBI: No proven link between New Orleans, Las Vegas attacks despite suspects’ shared Army past
The driver of a Tesla Cybertruck that exploded in front of the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas on New Year's Day was an Army Special Operations soldier on approved leave from his unit when he allegedly carried out the attack, Pentagon officials said Thursday morning. Published January 2, 2025
U.S. airstrikes hit ISIS amid fears of terrorist resurgence in Syria
U.S. forces on Monday struck Islamic State targets in Syria, Pentagon officials said, destroying a truckload of weapons moving through an area of the country previously controlled by former dictator Bashar Assad's troops and their Russian allies. Published December 24, 2024
Two U.S. Navy fighter pilots shot down over Red Sea
Two Navy pilots ejected over the Red Sea early Sunday after their fighter jet was shot down in a "friendly fire" incident, the Pentagon said. Published December 22, 2024
Jared Isaacman, Trump’s NASA pick, foresees ‘era of great experimentation’
The world is entering an "era of great experimentation" in space, as reusable launch systems and other game-changing leaps in technology open a window for rapid advances -- and it's crucial that the U.S. is the first to build a presence on the moon, reach Mars, and travel deeper into the cosmos. Published December 11, 2024
Defense nominee Pete Hegseth confronts misconduct allegations threatening his confirmation
Republican senators said Wednesday they still have questions for Defense Secretary nominee Pete Hegseth as he began to publicly fight a smattering of misconduct allegations that have threatened his confirmation. Published December 4, 2024
Diplomatic ‘rope-a-dope’: Saudi Arabia key to Trump’s Mideast strategy, but Iran could be spoiler
Saudi Arabia, the host of President-elect Donald Trump's first trip abroad during his first four years in office, is emerging as once again the linchpin of Mr. Trump's ambitious and potentially history-making Middle East strategy as his second White House term looms. Published December 2, 2024
Nancy Mace on UFO secrecy: ‘Are they keeping the president of the United States in the dark?’
UFO research remains one of the federal government's most closely guarded secrets. Rep. Nancy Mace wants that to change. Published November 27, 2024
Rep. Mace says she won’t stop effort to bar transgender women from ‘female spaces’
Rep. Nancy Mace is not backing down on her opposition to transgender women in women's restrooms, and is ready to take her case nationwide. Published November 26, 2024
‘We will respond in every way’: Russia warns South Korea against arming Ukraine
Russia will respond "in every way that we find necessary" if South Korea sends arms to Ukraine, a top Kremlin official said Sunday. Published November 24, 2024
