Pentagon

• The Pentagon released dozens of files on unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAPs) on Friday, May 8, 2026, per President Trump's directive. • Documents detail previously classified sightings and investigations, aimed at increasing transparency on aerial threats. • This move addresses congressional demands for disclosure amid national security concerns over unexplained incursions.

Release follows Trump directive for agencies to declassify government files related to unidentified flying objectsThe Pentagon on Friday released an initial group of previously secret files documenting reports of UFOs – a move sought for decades by some.“These files, hidden behind classifications, have long fueled justified speculation – and it’s time the American people see it for themselves,” Pete Hegseth, the defense secretary, said in a statement posted on X. Continue reading...

• The Pentagon disclosed a large collection of UFO-related documents on May 8, 2026, at 10:04 AM EDT, as reported by Politico. • The release includes previously classified files but provides no new explanations for unidentified aerial phenomena, according to government statements. • This action fulfills long-standing demands for transparency on UAP sightings, potentially influencing public discourse and future congressional inquiries.

• A Pentagon administrative error revealed flaws in implementation of the Trump-Xi trade ceasefire agreement, according to May 7, 2026 analysis on PBS NewsHour. • The blacklist fumble suggests coordination breakdowns between US military and trade policy officials regarding China sanctions enforcement. • Michael Shepard noted that the error undermines confidence in both governments' ability to maintain the fragile truce and raises questions about enforcement mechanisms.

• Amazon Web Services, Microsoft, and NVIDIA have been selected to provide artificial intelligence technology to the Pentagon, joining existing partners Google, OpenAI, and xAI. • The announcement represents a major government endorsement of these tech giants' AI capabilities for defense applications and strategic military infrastructure. • The expansion of AI providers to the Defense Department underscores the military's commitment to leveraging multiple AI platforms for national defense and operational readiness.

• The United States naval operations in the Gulf of Oman and Strait of Hormuz have caused Iran nearly $4.8 billion in lost oil revenue, according to Pentagon estimates reported by Axios. • Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell, citing Press Secretary Joel Valdez, states the blockade enforces sanctions and curbs Iran's maritime oil trade to weaken funding for militant activities. • The Strait of Hormuz remains central to tensions as a vital global oil chokepoint, risking escalation in energy markets and regional stability.

• The U.S. Defense Department announced AI procurement contracts with seven companies: Amazon Web Services, Google, Microsoft, Nvidia, OpenAI, SpaceX, and Reflection AI, which raised $2 billion in funding last year. • The AI products will be deployed in Impact Level 6 and 7 Defense Department systems capable of storing classified information, with access provided through an internal portal called GenAI.mil. • Anthropic notably was excluded from the contracts after the Trump administration designated it as a supply chain risk in February, though the Pentagon reportedly continues using Anthropic's Claude Mythos Preview model.

Agreements with artificial intelligence firms spark concerns over public spending, cyber security and domestic surveillanceSign up for the Breaking News US email to get newsletter alerts in your inboxThe Pentagon said on Friday it had reached agreements with seven leading artificial intelligence (AI) companies: SpaceX, OpenAI, Google, Nvidia, Reflection, Microsoft and Amazon Web Services.“These agreements accelerate the transformation toward establishing the United States military as an AI-first fighting force and will strengthen our warfighters’ ability to maintain decision superiority across all domains of warfare,” the Pentagon said in statement. Continue reading...