POLITICS10/01/26

Musk Joins Pentagon's Project Meridian

Hegseth announces Musk, Luckey, and Gingrich will lead Pentagon's new future-of-warfare study.

Photo: Fox News Politics

DIFFERENT FOCUS

Axios and New Republic emphasized Trump Loyalists Return to Power; Fox News Politics emphasized Musk Strengthens Military Innovation Role.

LEFT FOCUS

▸This marks Musk's first official advisory role since his public feud and subsequent reconciliation with Trump. — Axios
▸New Republic described the three leaders as 'Trump loyalists,' framing the appointments as politically motivated. — New Republic
▸Hegseth said there are 'obvious biases and risks' in asking the Pentagon to both pose and answer questions about future warfare. — New Republic

RIGHT FOCUS

▸The project is tasked with identifying emerging warfare domains and capabilities the U.S. military will need to dominate them. — Fox News Politics
▸Musk is described as 'former leader of DOGE,' framing Project Meridian as a natural extension of his government service. — Fox News Politics

Hasan Execution Livestream Canceled

Trump announced the December firing squad execution of Fort Hood shooter Nidal Hasan will not be livestreamed.

DEVELOPING TIMELINE

First Report Oct 6: Trump approves firing squad execution for Fort Hood shooter Nidal Hasan

Oct 13: Trump privately expresses doubts about livestreaming

Friday: Trump cancels livestream of Hasan execution

Left: sees Trump retreating from a "sick" plan.

Right: Survivors call it proof America isn't barbaric.

Anti-Iran-war protesters repeatedly interrupted Defense Secretary Hegseth at an Army drone panel on Oct. 14.

Left: PBS reports protesters shouted and were removed.

Right: 'Foul-mouthed' mob derailed Hegseth's remarks.

DOJ charged 28 noncitizens and arrested 11 in California under 'Operation Protect the Vote.'

DEVELOPING TIMELINE

First Report Thursday: The Justice Department gave California 48 hours to review flagged noncitizen voters or face emergency legal action.

Sunday: DOJ threatens criminal prosecution for processing noncitizen ballots

Tuesday: DOJ charges 28 noncitizens, arrests 11 in California

Left: Defendants say they never registered to vote.

Right: DOJ arrests 11, charges 28 noncitizen voters.

VP Vance declined to endorse Netanyahu for reelection, one day after Trump backed him.

DEVELOPING TIMELINE

First Report Monday: Trump endorses Netanyahu for Israel's Oct. 27 election, says U.S. may have to fight Iran alone without him

Tuesday: Vance declines Netanyahu endorsement one day after Trump backs him

Left: Vance breaks from Trump on Netanyahu endorsement.

Right: Vance: neither for nor against Netanyahu.