More and more frequently, news articles report that Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld has seen the exit sign on the wall. The New York Daily News like Loren Thompson of the Lexington Institute proffers Democratic Sen. Joe Lieberman as a likely replacement. While that might seem a stretch to some, the Daily News also offers Gordon England as the “inside contender.” We see a slight problem with England, since he can’t seem to get beyond being the “Acting” deputy defense secretary. Let the guessing games begin.
Air Force Academy Leaders Ousted in Shake Up
Feb. 6, 2026
The U.S. Air Force Academy is getting a leadership refresh after a tumultuous year, with Superintendent Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind and Commandant of Cadets Brig. Gen. Gavin Marks both set to retire this year and Col. James Valpiani set to come on as the new Dean of the Faculty.

