Runaway Country with Alex Wagner What the Hell is Happening at the Pentagon? (with Sen. Elissa Slotkin & Ben Rhodes)
Dec 11, 2025
In this engaging discussion, national security reporter Nancy Youssef reveals the challenges of covering defense without Pentagon access. U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin shares insights into the political dilemmas facing service members and the chilling effects of unlawful orders. Former Deputy National Security Advisor Ben Rhodes critiques the reputational damage of current Pentagon leadership, highlighting the risks of authoritarianism. Together, they explore the intersection of military oversight, political loyalty, and the urgent need for transparency.
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Military Must Refuse Unlawful Orders
- The Trump administration's actions at the Pentagon risk turning the military into a domestic political tool.
- Senators like Elissa Slotkin warn service members they must refuse unlawful orders to protect the Constitution.
Journalists Evicted From The Pentagon
- Nancy Youssef describes the press corps' 'eviction' after refusing Pentagon-imposed restrictions.
- Reporters lost hallway access and the sensory cues that signaled imminent operations.
Hallway Clues About Strikes Disappeared
- Nancy Youssef recounts how reporters once sensed imminent strikes via hallway cues and staff behavior.
- Those informal sensory signals vanished after the press eviction, degrading reporting quality.
