The Business Times Podcasts S2E127: Pentagon Flags Messaging Lapses; US Eases Car Standards; Thai Asset Seizures
Dec 4, 2025
A Pentagon probe uncovers mishandled strike data related to Yemen, raising concerns about military transparency. President Trump attempts to roll back fuel economy standards, aiming for a boost in gasoline car sales. Meanwhile, Hong Kong faces tragedy as the death toll from a devastating apartment fire rises to 159. Thailand takes decisive action by seizing 388 million Singh dollars linked to scam networks, while GXS Bank announces significant job cuts amidst a strategic review.
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Risk Of Personal Messaging For Sensitive Ops
- The Pentagon probe found that Secretary Pete Hegseth used Signal on a personal device to send sensitive strike details about Yemen.
- The report warned this could have endangered U.S. troops if intercepted and noted the IG did not rule on classification because the Pentagon head can classify information.
US Moves To Weaken Fuel Economy Targets
- President Donald Trump proposed cutting fuel economy standards to make it easier to sell gasoline cars.
- The NHTSA plan would lower the target to 34.5 mpg by 2031 from Biden's 50.4 mpg, reversing EV-focused rules.
Pension Vote Looms Over German Coalition
- Germany's far-left party said it would abstain on a pensions bill, likely allowing its passage and saving Chancellor Friedrich Mertz political embarrassment.
- The bill preserves state pensions until 2031 and is central to the coalition agreement with slim parliamentary margins.