Posting Through It 060: Department of War Crimes feat. Asawin Suebsaeng
Dec 8, 2025
Asawin Suebsaeng, a senior political correspondent for Zeteo, dives into the controversial tenure of Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. He discusses the purge of traditional reporters at the Pentagon and the rise of pro-Trump media outlets like Lindell TV. The conversation shifts to the Trump administration's contentious military strikes in the Caribbean, raising alarming questions about legality and ethics. Asawin also reflects on the implications of these actions for journalism and the future of Trumpism in American politics.
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Pool Duty Erodes Deep Reporting
- Asawin Suebsaeng described his White House pool experience where time in the room reduced original reporting.
- He emphasized sourcing and off-site reporting as where meaningful scoops originate.
Pentagon Shift From Defense To Culture War
- Pete Hegseth's Pentagon overhaul mixes culture-war theater with sweeping personnel purges that weaken institutional norms.
- The renaming to "Department of War" and Confederate base renamings signal ideological priorities over functionality.
Press Pool Turned Into Propaganda Funnel
- The administration demanded press-pool signoffs preventing independent reporting, prompting many legacy outlets to refuse.
- In retaliation, the Pentagon credentialed a wave of pro-Trump partisan outlets and personalities to fill the pool.
