US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth stated that the US War Department is seeking a historic, generational investment in military spending through a new $1.5 trillion budget. He emphasized that President Trump does not tolerate free-riding and that the United States is "not here for games," adding that citizens and nations deserve and expect real, concrete actions.

Budget Proposal Details

Hegseth described the proposed budget as a necessary, historic investment to ensure America remains the dominant military power on earth. He noted that while there is work to do with Congress, the department will work as hard as possible with Republicans to deliver the funding.

The announcement underscores a push for significant fiscal commitment to defense capabilities. Hegseth framed the request as essential for maintaining global strategic advantage, linking the financial ask directly to national security outcomes.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer demanded an immediate Senate briefing on Tuesday following reports that President Donald Trump was secretly evacuated from Turkey amid a credible Iranian assassination threat. The revelation that Congress was excluded from the security decision has sparked intense bipartisan criticism, with Democrats accusing the White House of bypassing constitutional oversight and prioritizing personal safety over transparency. Schumer stated it is "unacceptable" that lawmakers learned of the serious threat through press reports rather than official channels.

Congressional Backlash and Oversight Demands

In a post on X, Schumer called for a briefing covering the Iranian threats, the extraordinary measures taken to remove the President from Turkey, risks to U.S. personnel, and potential threats to the homeland. He argued that Congress must reassert its constitutional authority to bring an end to what he described as an "unnecessary and reckless war." Schumer further criticized Republican leadership for allegedly prioritizing "Trump’s luxury and vanity over America’s security."

Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) and Gov. JB Pritzker (D-Ill.) also condemned the operation. Kelly remarked, "Cowards look out for themselves. Leaders look out for their people," highlighting the secrecy surrounding the aircraft switch. Pritzker told CNN that Trump "put people in harm’s way to save himself," referring to the staff and journalists who remained aboard Air Force One as decoys.

Details of the Secret Evacuation

According to reports, Trump switched from Air Force One to a smaller Air Force C-32A while leaving Ankara during the NATO summit. This maneuver was executed in response to intelligence warnings provided by Israel regarding Iranian plots to target the President using shoulder-fired missiles. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other staff members reportedly remained on Air Force One, effectively serving as decoys to obscure the President's actual location. Trump later characterized the flight as "dangerous," stating he is under threat "all the time."

Geopolitical Context and Compensation Demands

The evacuation occurs against a backdrop of escalating tensions between the U.S. and Iran. On Monday, Trump demanded compensation from Iran for deaths and injuries, asserting this would be included in all future negotiations. Conversely, Iran has demanded compensation, an end to sanctions and military threats, and the removal of the U.S. blockade as prerequisites for reopening the Strait of Hormuz. The secret nature of the evacuation underscores the severity of the perceived threat and the operational complexities involved in protecting the President abroad.