PBS News Hour - Full Show December 4, 2025 – PBS News Hour full episode
Dec 5, 2025
Adam Smith, U.S. Representative and House Armed Services Committee member, critiques the Pentagon's controversial strike on a drug boat, highlighting potential legal implications. Olga Stefanishyna, Ukraine's ambassador to the U.S., shares insights on ongoing peace talks, asserting Ukraine's commitment to dialogue without territorial concessions. Journalist Liz Landers unveils ICE's mass recruitment drive, raising alarms about training standards and vetting processes. The discussions unveil deep divides on national security and international diplomacy.
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Deep Partisan Split Over Drug-Boat Strikes
- Republican leaders accepted the military's account that multiple strikes on a suspected drug boat were lawful and necessary.
- Democrats, led by Rep. Adam Smith, saw the footage as deeply troubling and called for a fuller investigation into legality.
Check Orders Against The UCMJ
- Rep. Adam Smith urged service members to verify the lawfulness of orders and to refuse unlawful commands under the UCMJ.
- He also called for congressional oversight and public hearings to ensure accountability for the strikes and related conduct.
Signal Messages Raised Security Concerns
- The Defense Department inspector general found Secretary Pete Hegseth put personnel at risk by sharing strike details on Signal.
- Rep. Adam Smith said Hegseth minimized the problem and warned it reflects a broader disregard for the law in the administration.
