Defense Now

Today, Wednesday, January 14, 2026, President Trump is engaged in several high-profile activities, including a visit to a production facility in Michigan and addressing ongoing international tensions.

While there is no single "Signing Ceremony" for a major bill dominating the headlines today, his schedule and recent actions highlight a few key areas of focus:

Key Activities for Wednesday, January 14, 2026
Michigan Visit: The President is visiting a Ford production center in Dearborn, Michigan. This visit follows an economic speech he delivered in Detroit, where he focused on American manufacturing and trade, though he also used the platform to criticize Federal Reserve policies.

12 hours ago | [YT] | 36

Defense Now

The DINFOS MCF 190-25 Live Graduation is scheduled to take place today, Tuesday, January 13, 2026. The MCF course is a rigorous program at the Defense Information School (DINFOS) that trains military members in public affairs, journalism, photography, videography, and graphic design. This graduation marks the completion of their transition into professional military communicators.

1 day ago | [YT] | 40

Defense Now

On Tuesday, January 13, 2026, President Donald J. Trump is scheduled to deliver remarks to the Detroit Economic Club (DEC). This visit marks his first trip to Michigan in 2026 and his first time addressing the club while serving as the 47th President.

1 day ago | [YT] | 48

Defense Now

9th Mission Support Command (MSC). Given that the 9th MSC is the most geographically dispersed command in the U.S. Army Reserve—spanning islands across the Pacific including Guam, American Samoa, and Saipan—the "Change of Responsibility" ceremony is a vital tradition to ensure continuity of leadership.

1 day ago | [YT] | 19

Defense Now

Today, January 13, 2026, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is hosting Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan at the Department of State in Washington, D.C.

The meeting is a central part of Mirzoyan's two-day working visit to the United States and marks a significant step in the strengthening of bilateral ties between the two nations.

1 day ago | [YT] | 56

Defense Now

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Panamanian Foreign Minister Javier Martínez-Acha at the Department of State on January 12, 2026.

This meeting follows a period of heightened diplomatic activity between the two nations, particularly concerning security, migration, and the influence of external powers in the region.

Key Discussion Points
Security and Regional Stability: The primary focus of the meeting was the continued strategic partnership between the U.S. and Panama. Both officials emphasized their shared commitment to fighting organized crime and narcotrafficking, which Martínez-Acha described as a global threat affecting multiple continents.


Migration Management: Secretary Rubio praised Panama's cooperation in curbing illegal migration through the Darien Gap. The two discussed the ongoing success of joint repatriation programs that have significantly reduced the number of illegal crossings over the past year.

The Panama Canal: While the Panama Canal has been a point of tension in previous discussions—with the U.S. expressing concerns over Chinese influence—Martínez-Acha clarified ahead of this meeting that the Canal was not officially on the agenda for this specific visit. He reiterated that the Canal remains under efficient and neutral Panamanian administration.

Regional Diplomacy: The leaders discussed the regional agenda, including the "judicious transition of power" in Venezuela following recent geopolitical shifts in that country.

Strategic Context
This visit marks a continuation of the "neighborhood-first" policy championed by the current U.S. administration. Since taking office in 2025, Secretary Rubio has prioritized strengthening ties with key Latin American partners like Panama, Costa Rica, and the Dominican Republic to ensure regional security and counter the influence of the Chinese Communist Party in the Western Hemisphere.

1 day ago | [YT] | 149

Defense Now

On Monday night, January 12, 2026, Secretary of War (formerly Defense) Pete Hegseth delivered a keynote speech at the SpaceX Starbase facility in South Texas. The event was a major stop on his month-long nationwide "Arsenal of Freedom" tour, intended to overhaul the U.S. defense industrial base.

2 days ago | [YT] | 40

Defense Now

On Monday, January 12, 2026, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth traveled to Irving, Texas, to administer the oath of enlistment to a group of new recruits at the Navy Talent Acquisition Group (NTAG) Red River.

This event was a key stop on Hegseth’s month-long "Arsenal of Freedom Tour," which began on January 5, 2026. The tour is designed to revitalize the U.S. defense industrial base, promote "peace through strength," and reenergize the military workforce.

2 days ago | [YT] | 225

Defense Now

On Monday, January 12, 2026, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth visited the Lockheed Martin facility in Fort Worth, Texas, as part of his month-long nationwide "Arsenal of Freedom" tour.

2 days ago | [YT] | 65

Defense Now

On January 11, 2026, President Trump held an informal "gaggle" with reporters aboard Air Force One while traveling from West Palm Beach, Florida, back to Washington, D.C. The conversation covered major foreign policy escalations regarding Iran and Venezuela, as well as domestic security incidents.
Key Foreign Policy Statements
Iran Military Options: Trump stated that the U.S. military is considering "very strong options" in response to the Iranian regime's violent crackdown on nationwide protests. He noted that Tehran has begun to cross his "red line" due to the high death toll of protesters.
Negotiations with Tehran: Trump claimed that Iranian leadership had reached out to request negotiations. He indicated that while a meeting is being arranged, he may still "have to act" militarily before any such meeting takes place.
ExxonMobil and Venezuela: Trump expressed frustration with ExxonMobil CEO Darren Woods, who recently called Venezuela "uninvestable". Trump stated he is "inclined" to exclude Exxon from future U.S.-led oil reconstruction efforts in Venezuela, accusing the company of "playing too cute".
Greenland Acquisition: He reiterated his interest in acquiring Greenland, framing it as a real estate necessity to prevent Russia or China from establishing further control in the Arctic.

3 days ago | [YT] | 88