Top Stories • April 29, 2026

War Secretary Pete Hegseth is on Capitol Hill testifying before the House Armed Services Committee in his first appearance since the start of the conflict in Iran, facing bipartisan questioning over U.S. troop commitments, military objectives, and a proposed $1.5 trillion defense budget. President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social urging Iran to “get smart” and agree to a nonnuclear deal, reinforcing continued pressure as ceasefire tensions remain unstable. The administration is also meeting with major oil executives as the conflict drives volatility in global energy markets and raises concerns over U.S. fuel prices. In Washington, federal prosecutors have filed new charges against former FBI Director James Comey, intensifying scrutiny over past bureau decisions and prompting renewed congressional oversight of federal law enforcement and national security authorities.

Daniel Compatangelo reports.