Dan Lamothe
@danlamothe.bsky.social
Military affairs reporter with The Washington Post. State-school alum. Beer-league softball enthusiast. Dog guy. Signal for encrypted tips: danlamothe.30
Pinned
Dan Lamothe
@danlamothe.bsky.social
· Oct 1
I remain reachable on Signal at danlamothe.30
"Videos analyzed by The New York Times appear to contradict accounts given by Homeland Security officials about the shooting."
www.nytimes.com/live/2026/us...
www.nytimes.com/live/2026/us...
Here’s the latest.
www.nytimes.com
January 24, 2026 at 10:02 PM
"Videos analyzed by The New York Times appear to contradict accounts given by Homeland Security officials about the shooting."
www.nytimes.com/live/2026/us...
www.nytimes.com/live/2026/us...
And so concludes another week w/ no routine news briefing at the Pentagon.
The last on-camera briefing was held for the "new" right-wing press corps nearly two months ago, on Dec. 2.
The press space has been mostly vacant since the traditional press corps departed in October.
The last on-camera briefing was held for the "new" right-wing press corps nearly two months ago, on Dec. 2.
The press space has been mostly vacant since the traditional press corps departed in October.
January 23, 2026 at 5:37 PM
And so concludes another week w/ no routine news briefing at the Pentagon.
The last on-camera briefing was held for the "new" right-wing press corps nearly two months ago, on Dec. 2.
The press space has been mostly vacant since the traditional press corps departed in October.
The last on-camera briefing was held for the "new" right-wing press corps nearly two months ago, on Dec. 2.
The press space has been mostly vacant since the traditional press corps departed in October.
NEW: Autopsy report classifies ICE detainee’s death as a homicide
www.washingtonpost.com/business/202...
www.washingtonpost.com/business/202...
Autopsy report classifies ICE detainee’s death as a homicide
The report deeming an ICE detainee’s death in Texas a homicide comes the same day that a federal judge temporarily barred the deportation of two witnesses.
www.washingtonpost.com
January 22, 2026 at 1:57 AM
NEW: Autopsy report classifies ICE detainee’s death as a homicide
www.washingtonpost.com/business/202...
www.washingtonpost.com/business/202...
Still feels like this storm will deliver somewhere between six inches of snow and "The Day After Tomorrow."
a person is holding a piece of snow in their hands .
ALT: a person is holding a piece of snow in their hands .
media.tenor.com
January 21, 2026 at 10:00 PM
Still feels like this storm will deliver somewhere between six inches of snow and "The Day After Tomorrow."
"We must end this uncivil war."
-- President Biden, five years ago today upon inauguration
-- President Biden, five years ago today upon inauguration
January 20, 2026 at 9:33 PM
"We must end this uncivil war."
-- President Biden, five years ago today upon inauguration
-- President Biden, five years ago today upon inauguration
Where we are:
"... Military planners are modelling a U.S. invasion from the south, expecting American forces to overcome Canada’s strategic positions on land and at sea within a week and possibly as quickly as two days."
Such an order is still seen as unlikely, the officials add.
"... Military planners are modelling a U.S. invasion from the south, expecting American forces to overcome Canada’s strategic positions on land and at sea within a week and possibly as quickly as two days."
Such an order is still seen as unlikely, the officials add.
January 20, 2026 at 8:54 PM
Where we are:
"... Military planners are modelling a U.S. invasion from the south, expecting American forces to overcome Canada’s strategic positions on land and at sea within a week and possibly as quickly as two days."
Such an order is still seen as unlikely, the officials add.
"... Military planners are modelling a U.S. invasion from the south, expecting American forces to overcome Canada’s strategic positions on land and at sea within a week and possibly as quickly as two days."
Such an order is still seen as unlikely, the officials add.
Reposted by Dan Lamothe
Pentagon readies 1,500 soldiers to possibly deploy to Minnesota, officials say
www.washingtonpost.com/national-sec...
www.washingtonpost.com/national-sec...
Pentagon readies 1,500 soldiers to possibly deploy to Minnesota, officials say
Soldiers with the Army’s 11th Airborne Division in Alaska have been placed at the ready following Trump’s Insurrection Act threat, according to defense officials.
www.washingtonpost.com
January 18, 2026 at 5:06 AM
Pentagon readies 1,500 soldiers to possibly deploy to Minnesota, officials say
www.washingtonpost.com/national-sec...
www.washingtonpost.com/national-sec...
About 1,500 soldiers w/ 11th Airborne Division in Alaska have been placed on prepare-to-deploy orders with a mission in Minnesota in mind, defense officials tell me tonight. Unclear if some or all of them ultimately will go.
News reported tonight by ABC News, too.
News reported tonight by ABC News, too.
January 18, 2026 at 4:08 AM
About 1,500 soldiers w/ 11th Airborne Division in Alaska have been placed on prepare-to-deploy orders with a mission in Minnesota in mind, defense officials tell me tonight. Unclear if some or all of them ultimately will go.
News reported tonight by ABC News, too.
News reported tonight by ABC News, too.
Good Saturday evening to you.
Lots going on. As always, I'm reachable at [email protected], here by DM, or on Signal at danlamothe.30 for tips as I cover the Pentagon.
Tell me what you're seeing, with thanks.
Lots going on. As always, I'm reachable at [email protected], here by DM, or on Signal at danlamothe.30 for tips as I cover the Pentagon.
Tell me what you're seeing, with thanks.
January 17, 2026 at 10:31 PM
Good Saturday evening to you.
Lots going on. As always, I'm reachable at [email protected], here by DM, or on Signal at danlamothe.30 for tips as I cover the Pentagon.
Tell me what you're seeing, with thanks.
Lots going on. As always, I'm reachable at [email protected], here by DM, or on Signal at danlamothe.30 for tips as I cover the Pentagon.
Tell me what you're seeing, with thanks.
NEW: Trump officials extend National Guard’s D.C. mission through 2026.
H/T earlier reporting from @halbritz.bsky.social
www.washingtonpost.com/national-sec...
H/T earlier reporting from @halbritz.bsky.social
www.washingtonpost.com/national-sec...
Trump officials extend National Guard’s D.C. mission through 2026
The domestic military mission, which is the subject of an ongoing court challenge, was due to expire at the end of February.
www.washingtonpost.com
January 16, 2026 at 11:06 PM
NEW: Trump officials extend National Guard’s D.C. mission through 2026.
H/T earlier reporting from @halbritz.bsky.social
www.washingtonpost.com/national-sec...
H/T earlier reporting from @halbritz.bsky.social
www.washingtonpost.com/national-sec...
And so concludes another week w/ no routine news briefing at the Pentagon.
The last on-camera briefing was held for the "new" right-wing press corps more than a month ago, on Dec. 2.
The press space has been mostly vacant since the traditional press corps departed in October.
The last on-camera briefing was held for the "new" right-wing press corps more than a month ago, on Dec. 2.
The press space has been mostly vacant since the traditional press corps departed in October.
January 16, 2026 at 10:13 PM
And so concludes another week w/ no routine news briefing at the Pentagon.
The last on-camera briefing was held for the "new" right-wing press corps more than a month ago, on Dec. 2.
The press space has been mostly vacant since the traditional press corps departed in October.
The last on-camera briefing was held for the "new" right-wing press corps more than a month ago, on Dec. 2.
The press space has been mostly vacant since the traditional press corps departed in October.
Our colleague @hannahnatanson.bsky.social is diligent, generous and resourceful. Proudly stand with her today.
F.B.I. Searches Home of Washington Post Journalist for Classified Documents www.nytimes.com/2026/01/14/u...
F.B.I. Searches Home of Washington Post Journalist for Classified Documents
www.nytimes.com
January 14, 2026 at 4:45 PM
Our colleague @hannahnatanson.bsky.social is diligent, generous and resourceful. Proudly stand with her today.
Trump officials eye West Potomac Park for Garden of Heroes
This area has long been relied upon by sports leagues of all kinds -- everything from softball to cricket. Such a move could upend that and eliminate some of D.C.'s only athletic fields.
www.washingtonpost.com/entertainmen...
This area has long been relied upon by sports leagues of all kinds -- everything from softball to cricket. Such a move could upend that and eliminate some of D.C.'s only athletic fields.
www.washingtonpost.com/entertainmen...
Trump officials eye park near National Mall for Garden of Heroes
The potential site of the National Garden of American Heroes is a prominent area near the memorial to President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, two people said.
www.washingtonpost.com
January 14, 2026 at 2:36 AM
Trump officials eye West Potomac Park for Garden of Heroes
This area has long been relied upon by sports leagues of all kinds -- everything from softball to cricket. Such a move could upend that and eliminate some of D.C.'s only athletic fields.
www.washingtonpost.com/entertainmen...
This area has long been relied upon by sports leagues of all kinds -- everything from softball to cricket. Such a move could upend that and eliminate some of D.C.'s only athletic fields.
www.washingtonpost.com/entertainmen...
Good Sunday evening to you.
Lots going on. As always, I'm reachable at [email protected], here by DM, or on Signal at danlamothe.30.
Tell me what you're seeing, with thanks.
Lots going on. As always, I'm reachable at [email protected], here by DM, or on Signal at danlamothe.30.
Tell me what you're seeing, with thanks.
January 12, 2026 at 1:17 AM
Good Sunday evening to you.
Lots going on. As always, I'm reachable at [email protected], here by DM, or on Signal at danlamothe.30.
Tell me what you're seeing, with thanks.
Lots going on. As always, I'm reachable at [email protected], here by DM, or on Signal at danlamothe.30.
Tell me what you're seeing, with thanks.
And so concludes another week w/ no routine news briefing at the Pentagon.
The last on-camera briefing was held for the "new" right-wing press corps more than a month ago, on Dec. 2.
The press space has been mostly vacant since the traditional press corps departed in October.
The last on-camera briefing was held for the "new" right-wing press corps more than a month ago, on Dec. 2.
The press space has been mostly vacant since the traditional press corps departed in October.
January 9, 2026 at 8:14 PM
And so concludes another week w/ no routine news briefing at the Pentagon.
The last on-camera briefing was held for the "new" right-wing press corps more than a month ago, on Dec. 2.
The press space has been mostly vacant since the traditional press corps departed in October.
The last on-camera briefing was held for the "new" right-wing press corps more than a month ago, on Dec. 2.
The press space has been mostly vacant since the traditional press corps departed in October.
NEW: The fleet of U.S. warships assembled in the Caribbean Sea during the run-up to Saturday’s capture of Nicolás Maduro has begun to thin, officials said Wednesday, though the Trump administration is expected to continue military operations in the region.
www.washingtonpost.com/national-sec...
www.washingtonpost.com/national-sec...
U.S. reduces number of warships near Venezuela after Maduro raid
The USS Iwo Jima and the USS San Antonio have been relocated to waters north of Cuba, and the Air Force also has withdrawn some aircraft from the region.
www.washingtonpost.com
January 7, 2026 at 7:07 PM
NEW: The fleet of U.S. warships assembled in the Caribbean Sea during the run-up to Saturday’s capture of Nicolás Maduro has begun to thin, officials said Wednesday, though the Trump administration is expected to continue military operations in the region.
www.washingtonpost.com/national-sec...
www.washingtonpost.com/national-sec...
The U.S. government assesses that about 75 people were killed during Saturday’s military raid to capture Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, including dozens of fatalities that resulted from a gun battle at his compound in Caracas, U.S. officials said.
www.washingtonpost.com/national-sec...
www.washingtonpost.com/national-sec...
Maduro raid killed about 75 in Venezuela, U.S. officials assess
The sizable death toll adds meaning to President Donald Trump’s public remarks that the operation he approved was “effective” but “very violent.”
www.washingtonpost.com
January 7, 2026 at 3:09 AM
The U.S. government assesses that about 75 people were killed during Saturday’s military raid to capture Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, including dozens of fatalities that resulted from a gun battle at his compound in Caracas, U.S. officials said.
www.washingtonpost.com/national-sec...
www.washingtonpost.com/national-sec...
Wide right. An old phrase with new meaning.
Brutal.
But what a game.
Brutal.
But what a game.
January 5, 2026 at 4:37 AM
Wide right. An old phrase with new meaning.
Brutal.
But what a game.
Brutal.
But what a game.
NEW: This @washingtonpost.com account of Maduro’s capture is drawn from interviews with senior administration officials and other people familiar with the operation, as well as public remarks Saturday by Trump and his top aides.
wapo.st/4aESWUB
wapo.st/4aESWUB
Audacious Maduro raid relied on months of preparation, surprise strike
Under cover of darkness, highly trained Delta Force troops arrived by helicopter and descended into a compound to grab the Venezuelan president and his wife.
wapo.st
January 4, 2026 at 1:35 AM
NEW: This @washingtonpost.com account of Maduro’s capture is drawn from interviews with senior administration officials and other people familiar with the operation, as well as public remarks Saturday by Trump and his top aides.
wapo.st/4aESWUB
wapo.st/4aESWUB
Key Resolve is yet another one, that one in South Korea, as a Marine noted for me on another app.
Lots of resolve going on around here.
Lots of resolve going on around here.
The Venezuela operation name -- Absolute Resolve -- joins a list that also includes:
Inherent Resolve (counter-ISIS campaign in Middle East),
Atlantic Resolve (Rotational Army mission in Europe)
Classic Resolve (1989 effort in the Philippines)
Lots of resolve around here.
Inherent Resolve (counter-ISIS campaign in Middle East),
Atlantic Resolve (Rotational Army mission in Europe)
Classic Resolve (1989 effort in the Philippines)
Lots of resolve around here.
January 3, 2026 at 11:21 PM
Key Resolve is yet another one, that one in South Korea, as a Marine noted for me on another app.
Lots of resolve going on around here.
Lots of resolve going on around here.
The Venezuela operation name -- Absolute Resolve -- joins a list that also includes:
Inherent Resolve (counter-ISIS campaign in Middle East),
Atlantic Resolve (Rotational Army mission in Europe)
Classic Resolve (1989 effort in the Philippines)
Lots of resolve around here.
Inherent Resolve (counter-ISIS campaign in Middle East),
Atlantic Resolve (Rotational Army mission in Europe)
Classic Resolve (1989 effort in the Philippines)
Lots of resolve around here.
January 3, 2026 at 10:56 PM
The Venezuela operation name -- Absolute Resolve -- joins a list that also includes:
Inherent Resolve (counter-ISIS campaign in Middle East),
Atlantic Resolve (Rotational Army mission in Europe)
Classic Resolve (1989 effort in the Philippines)
Lots of resolve around here.
Inherent Resolve (counter-ISIS campaign in Middle East),
Atlantic Resolve (Rotational Army mission in Europe)
Classic Resolve (1989 effort in the Philippines)
Lots of resolve around here.
Reposted by Dan Lamothe
And it’s the official airfield of the United States military Academy at West Point
January 3, 2026 at 10:12 PM
And it’s the official airfield of the United States military Academy at West Point
Appears that Maduro has landed in Newburgh, N.Y., home to Stewart Air National Guard Base. It's about 60 miles north of Manhattan, in a town of about 30,000.
January 3, 2026 at 10:11 PM
Appears that Maduro has landed in Newburgh, N.Y., home to Stewart Air National Guard Base. It's about 60 miles north of Manhattan, in a town of about 30,000.
Reposted by Dan Lamothe
New year, same deal:
Your tips about all things ongoing on the U.S. defense beat appreciated on Signal at dan.lamothe30
Or reach out through email at Dan.Lamothe (at) washpost.com and we can take it from there.
Please and thank you.
Your tips about all things ongoing on the U.S. defense beat appreciated on Signal at dan.lamothe30
Or reach out through email at Dan.Lamothe (at) washpost.com and we can take it from there.
Please and thank you.
washpost.com
January 2, 2026 at 2:17 PM
New year, same deal:
Your tips about all things ongoing on the U.S. defense beat appreciated on Signal at dan.lamothe30
Or reach out through email at Dan.Lamothe (at) washpost.com and we can take it from there.
Please and thank you.
Your tips about all things ongoing on the U.S. defense beat appreciated on Signal at dan.lamothe30
Or reach out through email at Dan.Lamothe (at) washpost.com and we can take it from there.
Please and thank you.
Trump’s remarks that the United States will need to “run” Venezuela immediately raise questions whether he will order U.S. military deployments to provide security. Such operations have a history of being unpredictable and dangerous for U.S. forces involved.
January 3, 2026 at 5:01 PM
Trump’s remarks that the United States will need to “run” Venezuela immediately raise questions whether he will order U.S. military deployments to provide security. Such operations have a history of being unpredictable and dangerous for U.S. forces involved.