The Latest Spin on 'Signalgate.' Plus, a Crypto President is Born.
Mar 28, 2025
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Will Sommer, a Senior reporter at The Bulwark, dives into the 'Signalgate' scandal, where an accidental leak of sensitive military plans led to a media frenzy and intense backlash from conservative circles. Jennifer Berkshire, co-author of The Education Wars, sheds light on the surprising conservative opposition to school voucher programs, exposing deep rifts within the Republican base. Jacob Silverman, journalist and crypto expert, discusses Trump's dramatic pivot to becoming the 'Crypto President,' launching a $TRUMP memecoin and his connection to the crypto industry.
The accidental disclosure of sensitive military plans in a Signal chat sparked concerns over national security and media accountability.
President Trump's proposal to dismantle the Department of Education faces backlash even from his base, raising questions about educational equity.
Trump's shift from criticizing to advocating for cryptocurrency highlights complex financial motivations and potential implications for U.S. regulation.
Deep dives
National Security Controversy from Text Message Leak
A national security controversy arose following the accidental release of messages from a group chat involving Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and top intelligence officials. These messages detailed airstrike plans against Houthi militants and raised concerns about operational security since they were shared on a commercial app. This leak not only prompted questions about the integrity of the communication but also attracted significant media attention, with reports indicating that it became a leading news story due to social media engagement. Critics pointed out the irony of the situation, as the administration attempted to downplay the severity of the breach while insisting that the messages contained no classified information.
Mixed Reactions in Conservative Media
The leak sparked varied responses from conservative media, with some downplaying its significance while others expressed concerns about accountability within the Trump administration. For instance, some right-wing commentators initially praised the content of the leaked messages, framing them as exemplary communication regarding military decisions. However, as the gravity of the situation became clearer, these same voices began to shift blame, emphasizing the need to undermine the credibility of the journalist who reported on the leak. This tendency to redirect focus away from the issue at hand indicates a broader attempt to mitigate damage to the administration's reputation amidst emerging scandals.
Trump's Pivotal Shift Toward Education Policy
President Trump announced a plan to return educational authority to the states, which has created friction among his base, particularly concerning school voucher programs. Many Trump supporters who strongly endorsed his presidency are now opposing these voucher initiatives that use public funds for private education. This tension highlights a clash between traditional conservative funding models and populist sentiments among constituents who are wary of perceived entitlements. The backlash against voucher programs, even in red states, suggests a potential rift within the Republican Party as grassroots voters push back against the establishment's policies.
Crypto's Unexpected Role in Trump's Campaign
Trump's evolving stance on cryptocurrency has raised eyebrows, transitioning from criticism to actively promoting it as a significant part of his financial strategy. As he engages with the crypto industry, questions arise about the motivations behind this shift, particularly in light of substantial campaign donations from crypto entities. His involvement has included launching a personal NFT collection, which generated significant revenue, and advocating for the U.S. to become a global crypto leader. This financial backing from the crypto sector suggests a synergistic relationship, raising concerns about transparency and the potential impact on U.S. financial regulations.
Implications of Dismantling the Department of Education
The proposed dismantling of the Department of Education raises alarms about the consequences for civil rights and educational equality in the U.S. Critics argue that the federal department plays a vital role in enforcing civil rights protections and ensuring equitable funding for disadvantaged schools. The narratives surrounding this issue reveal a growing skepticism among some conservative voters regarding the administration's consolidation of power in education. As rural and low-income students risk losing vital support, the ramifications of eliminating federal oversight could intensify existing disparities in educational access and quality.
When a journalist was accidentally added to a Signal chat that disclosed sensitive war plans, a controversy erupted about our national security. On this week’s On the Media, a look at how right-wing media is processing “Signalgate.” Plus, why Donald Trump is calling himself the crypto president.
[01:00] Host Micah Loewinger speaks with Will Sommer, a senior reporter at the Bulwark, about the controversy surrounding “Signalgate,” or when The Atlantic’s Editor-in-Chief got added to a Signal group chat in which Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth shared detailed plans for bombing Houthi militants. They discuss the response from the Trump administration, and how rightwing media have been covering the scandal.
[17:24] Host Brooke Gladstone sits down with Jennifer Berkshire, co-author of The Education Wars, to explore President Trump’s plan to dismantle the Department of Education. Plus, why MAGA-backed school voucher programs have been met with fierce opposition from conservatives in red states.
[33:32] Host Micah Loewinger chats with Jacob Silverman, who covers tech, crypto, politics, and corruption, and co-authored Easy Money: Cryptocurrency, Casino Capitalism, and the Golden Age of Fraud, about President Trump’s seismic shift from criticizing crypto to naming himself the “Crypto President” and launching a $TRUMP memecoin.
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