The Editors Episode 830: Double-Tap Developments
35 snips
Dec 5, 2025 The hosts dive into the controversial double-tap strikes and dissect Pete Hegseth's involvement. They explore the legality of these strikes and the media's portrayal of Hegseth. Political dynamics unfurl in the Tennessee special election and discussions around drug trafficking raise questions about labeling traffickers as terrorists. The panel also discusses Trump's rollback of EV mileage standards and anticipates potential pardons. A light-hearted segment reveals personal curiosities about various drugs, adding a fun twist to the political discourse.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Initial Reporting On Double-Tap Was Misleading
- The Washington Post's initial portrayal of Pete Hegseth as ordering a lethal "double-tap" was vague and relied on anonymous sourcing.
- Triangulating later reporting and testimony suggests Hegseth participated in the first strike but did not authorize the second tap directly.
Policy, Not Just Operators, Shape Strike Responsibility
- The strikes' legality and morality hinge on novel policy choices and top-level decisions.
- When using a "double-tap" approach, responsibility traces back to policy architects rather than only field operators.
Republican Unease Over Caribbean Campaign
- Republicans express unease about the Caribbean drug campaign and want clearer congressional accounting of goals.
- Many suspect the administration's public framing obscures an aim of regime change in Venezuela.