American Friction Pete Hegseth vs. the US Military
Mar 26, 2025
Ben Makuch, a freelance national security reporter and host of the American Terror podcast, dives into the scandal surrounding Pete Hegseth, Trump's Secretary of Defense. They discuss the dangers of unsecured communication methods following a major breach involving sensitive military discussions. Makuch critiques Hegseth's controversial views on military leadership and their implications for diversity and inclusion. The conversation expands to the evolving landscape of global conflicts and challenges facing modern military effectiveness.
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Hegseth's Support for Gallagher
- Pete Hegseth gained notoriety for defending Eddie Gallagher, a Navy SEAL convicted of war crimes.
- This defense played a role in Hegseth's appointment as Secretary of Defense.
Surprise Appointment
- Hegseth's primary known role was as a Fox News host, making his appointment surprising.
- Senior military leaders were reportedly shocked by this unexpected choice for Defense Secretary.
Signal Group Chat Incident
- Hegseth shared classified information about a planned attack on Yemen in a Signal group chat.
- This chat included a journalist, revealing a major security breach.