Did Donald Trump fall asleep at a cabinet meeting?

23 snips

Dec 3, 2025

The podcast delves into a chaotic cabinet meeting, highlighting Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s controversial comments about U.S. military operations in the Caribbean. The hosts scrutinize Trump’s inflammatory statements about Somali immigrants, connecting them to broader immigration policies targeting Minnesota's Somali community. Additionally, they analyze video evidence suggesting that Trump might have dozed off during the meeting, leading to playful banter about his health and comparisons with previous presidents.

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INSIGHT

Fog Of War And Responsibility Shift

Pete Hegseth framed the Caribbean boat strikes as complex and invoked the "fog of war" to explain limited visibility.
The administration's shifting account and naming of Admiral Bradley suggest deliberate responsibility management.

INSIGHT

Evolving Narrative On The Second Strike

Administration statements evolved from denial of a second strike to acknowledging it and praising Admiral Bradley's decision.
That pattern indicates a strategic attempt to pin operational decisions on military commanders, not political leaders.

INSIGHT

Legal Gray Area And Escalation Risk

The strikes raise legal questions about treating civilians as combatants labeled "narco-terrorists."
Those questions create a legal gray area and increase risk of escalation, including possible land operations.

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In Trump’s last cabinet meeting of the year, we hear the US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth - under pressure over possible war crimes in the Carribean Sea - give his fullest explanation yet over what he knew, and when. Citing the “fog of war” in a chaotic situation, Hegseth said he “did not personally see survivors” after a deadly strike on an alleged drug boat in the Carribean, amid concerns that US forces may have violated laws governing armed conflict.

Sarah, Anthony and Justin unpack Hegseth’s explanation, and where it leaves Trump’s ongoing dispute with the Venezuelan president, Nicolas Maduro.

We also hear Trump’s tirade against Somalian immigrants and why he doesn’t want them in the United States, telling reporters they are “garbage” who should go back to where they came from and that “their country is no good for a reason”. Americast looks at the reasons behind Trump's outburst, and how immigration authorities will now be targeting Minnesota’s large Somali community.

And - did Trump fall asleep during Tuesday's cabinet meeting?

HOSTS: • Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter • Sarah Smith, North America Editor • Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent

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This episode was made by George Dabby and Grace Reeve. The technical producer was Dafydd Rees. The series producer is Purvee Pattni. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

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