Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth privately urged Senate Republicans to approve significantly higher defense spending, citing concerns over weapons stockpiles, AI competition with China, and global…

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth privately urged Senate Republicans to approve significantly higher defense spending, citing concerns over weapons stockpiles, AI competition with China, and global security threats. The Trump administration is also considering a larger post-election package that could combine Pentagon funding with other priorities, including a debt ceiling increase, while Democrats were excluded from the classified briefing. Source: Axios