I’m Karl Bullock, the voice behind That Smoke Pit Veteran - a fierce, independent platform for Active Military, Veterans, and anyone who values unfiltered truth. We dive deep into U.S. Military current events, serving up raw, no-nonsense takes with the grit and heart of those who’ve served. Expect bold, unapologetic perspectives that slice through the noise with authenticity and edge.

In a significant and decisive move, President Donald Trump has officially signed an executive order to rename the U.S. Department of Defense. According to numerous reports from sources including AP News, The Guardian, and the BBC, the order directs that the agency will now be known as the "Department of War." The signing took place on Friday, with NBC News reporting that the president signed the order, among others, from the Oval Office.

The executive action is being described as a callback to the department's original name. The new title, "Department of War," restores the moniker the agency held prior to its rebranding as the Department of Defense. Following the signing, PBS noted that the president held a news briefing to address the new "Department of War" moniker. While Fox News reports the order calls for using the new name as a secondary title, the majority of outlets have framed the move as an official rebranding of the Pentagon's identity.

The news of the executive order broke quickly, with reports being published within minutes of each other from a wide array of media. The confirmation of the signing solidifies the administration's intent to shift the public and official title of the nation's military leadership. This move away from the modern "Department of Defense" title marks a historic and symbolic change implemented directly by the president.

Other News

A whirlwind of aggressive policy shifts, military repositioning, and domestic crackdowns is reshaping the American landscape, signaling a clear and decisive break from past norms. From renaming the Pentagon to deploying federal agents on an unprecedented scale, recent developments paint a picture of an administration flexing its executive power at home while confronting adversaries abroad with renewed vigor. This is a look at the key fronts in this sweeping transformation.

The Domestic Front: A War on Crime and Immigration

This assertive approach extends deep into domestic policy, with major federal interventions targeting crime and immigration. The White House is touting its success in Washington, D.C., where a surge of federal law enforcement and National Guard troops has been credited with a drop in crime. The Washington Post praised Mayor Muriel Bowser for her "refreshing" cooperation with Trump, even as the D.C. government is suing the administration over the "involuntary military occupation."

This model may soon be exported. Mayors in crime-plagued cities like Portland are expressing alarm, with Keith Wilson warning of potential "bulldozers and mass arrests." Meanwhile, Baltimore residents are divided over a potential National Guard deployment, and commentators like Stephen A. Smith argue that Democratic leaders in cities like Chicago are letting their egos prevent them from accepting effective federal help.

Immigration enforcement has been dramatically escalated. A staggering 33,000 federal employees, including 20,000 from agencies like the IRS, DEA, and USCIS, have been deployed to bolster ICE's detention and deportation efforts. The Trump DOJ has sued Boston over its sanctuary city policies, and Florida has opened two new large-scale migrant detention facilities, including one dubbed "Alligator Alcatraz," which recently survived a court challenge.

These crackdowns have had international repercussions, with South Korea formally protesting after U.S. authorities detained hundreds of its citizens in a raid on a Hyundai-LG battery plant construction site in Georgia. Meanwhile, a new federal task force has located over 22,000 missing migrant children from a backlog under the previous administration, arresting over 400 sponsors for exploitation.

Global Hotspots: Escalating Tensions from Caracas to Gaza

The administration's muscular foreign policy is being felt in multiple global hotspots.

• Venezuela: Tensions have soared following the U.S. strike on the drug vessel. In a "highly provocative" act, two Venezuelan F-16s buzzed the USS Jason Dunham, a U.S. Navy destroyer in international waters. In response, the U.S. is deploying 10 F-35 fighter jets to Puerto Rico to support its escalating counter-narcotics campaign targeting drug organizations and dictator Nicolás Maduro.
• Israel-Palestine: As Israeli forces push to seize all of Gaza City, bombing high-rise buildings they identify as Hamas infrastructure, the U.S. is playing a complex diplomatic role. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has warned allies that recognizing a Palestinian state could prompt Israel to annex the West Bank, undermining peace efforts. This comes as extremist settlers injured at least 14 Palestinians in a raid on a West Bank village, and as European nations like Belgium and Finland signal their intent to recognize Palestine and sanction Israel over the humanitarian crisis.
• Russia-Ukraine: With the war grinding on, Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued a stark warning that any Western forces deployed to Ukraine would be considered "legitimate targets." The threat comes after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky suggested "thousands" of troops could join a "reassurance force" as part of a future peace deal. In a sign of deepening alliances, North Korea is reportedly deploying troops to aid Russia, and Denmark has become the first NATO country to host Ukrainian weapons production.

The Pacific Pivot: Alliances, Arms, and a New Space Race

In Asia, the U.S. is shoring up alliances to counter regional threats. The U.S., South Korea, and Japan are set to conduct the "Freedom Edge" multi-domain military drills, a clear message to North Korea. This follows Kim Jong Un's trip to meet with leaders in China and Russia, where he reportedly secured tacit support for his nuclear program.

The region is also a hotbed for advanced military technology. U.S. Marines are training with new anti-ship missile systems on Okinawa, while North Korea leverages advanced CNC machines to rapidly expand its missile program. At the same time, NASA's acting chief has vowed that America, not China, will be the first to return to the Moon, igniting a new space race.

Washington Whirlwind: Political Battles and Scrutiny

Back in Washington, the political landscape is just as turbulent. HHS Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr. faced a heated Senate hearing over his health policies, but received staunch backing from President Trump and Vice President JD Vance. The administration is also pushing the Supreme Court for the authority to fire independent agency members without cause, challenging a long-standing precedent.

Congress faces its own battles, with House Republicans clashing with the White House over a potential government shutdown. Meanwhile, Rep. Thomas Massie's push to release the Epstein records is stalling amid pressure from leadership. On the accountability front, a DOJ task force chaired by Pam Bondi has reported "numerous instances" of anti-Christian bias under the Biden administration, while a House committee has questioned a former Biden aide over an alleged cover-up related to the former president's health.

Today's VA Mortgage Rates

National Averages and General Trends

Several sources provide a look at the national average for VA loan rates:

• Bankrate: Reports the national average 30-year VA loan APR is 6.29%. The average 30-year VA refinance APR is slightly higher at 6.52%.
• Veterans United Home Loans: Notes that their 30-year fixed VA purchase rate is 5.375%, which is down from the previous week's average of 5.602%.

Rates from Specific Lenders

Interest rates and APRs vary significantly between different financial institutions. Here are the specific rates listed:

• Veterans United Home Loans:
  • 30-Year Fixed VA Purchase: 5.375%
• Navy Federal Credit Union:
  • 30-Year VA Loan: 5.375% interest rate with a 5.765% APR. They provide an example of a $300,000 loan having a monthly payment of $1,679 (taxes and insurance not included).
• USAA:
  • VA Jumbo Purchase Loan: 5.875% interest rate with a 6.193% APR. Another purchase rate is listed at 6.083%.
• Wells Fargo:
  • 30-Year Fixed-Rate VA: 5.750% interest rate with a 5.967% APR.
• Space Coast Credit Union:
  • 30-Year VA Home Loan: 6.500% interest rate with a 6.589% APR.
  • 15-Year VA Home Loan: 5.750% interest rate with a 5.893% APR.
• CalVet (California Department of Veterans Affairs):
  • Offers interest rates as low as 5.50%, with a 5.865% APR.

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Views are solely those of That Smoke Pit Veteran, not reflecting the U.S. Government or Defense / War Department's stance, policies, or endorsements. Content is for informational & entertainment purposes only, not affiliated with or endorsed by any government.