The Bulletin Pete Hegseth’s Future, Farmers on Tariffs, and Religious Decline Stalls
Dec 12, 2025
Charlie Sykes, a seasoned political commentator, delves into the legal controversies surrounding Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth's recent military actions. Gretchen Ronnevik, a Minnesota farmer and author, shares the harsh realities of how tariffs are impacting local farmers, emphasizing the mental health struggles they face. Meanwhile, Bob Smietana analyzes new Pew data indicating that while religiosity in America isn't plummeting as rapidly, generational shifts present both challenges and opportunities for churches. Tune in for insightful discussions on politics, agriculture, and faith.
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Loyalty Trumps Competence In Appointments
- Charlie Sykes argues Pete Hegseth's appointment reflects loyalty over competence in the Trump era.
- The administration's tolerance of risky conduct signals weakened institutional accountability.
Double Tap Raises War Crime Questions
- Sykes and Mike Cosper characterize the boat "double tap" killings as potential war crimes under law.
- They warn transparency is being resisted, implying political protection rather than legal reckoning.
Rhetoric Precedes Policy Outcomes
- Charlie connects Trump and Hegseth's rhetoric praising extrajudicial killings to real policy outcomes.
- He suggests the public release of evidence is being blocked to avoid moral and legal scrutiny.