The Al Franken Podcast Mark Leibovich on Hegseth, Trump, & More!
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Dec 7, 2025 Mark Leibovich, a staff writer for The Atlantic known for his insightful political commentary, joins the conversation to delve into the latest tumultuous happenings in Washington. He discusses the troubling allegations against Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, who reportedly ordered killings and endangered American troops. The pair also recap a chaotic Cabinet meeting where Marco Rubio fawned over Trump, who delivered a controversial rant about Somalis. Additionally, they unpack the implications of Trump’s pardons and explore the Republican Party's growing fractures.
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Signal Leak Endangers Military Ops
- Signal leaks from senior administration chats reveal dangerous operational exposure.
- Mark Leibovich and Al Franken stress that careless messaging can endanger missions and lives.
Survivors Called After Boat Strike
- Al Franken recounts survivors calling after a missile strike saying nine were dead and cocaine was in the water.
- The survivors asked to be picked up and to recover the drugs, highlighting the chaotic aftermath.
Allegations Against Pete Hegseth
- Washington reporting alleges Pete Hegseth ordered killing two survivors after an initial strike, a claim he denies.
- Leibovich notes Congress and Pentagon reviews raise serious legal and moral questions about possible war crimes.
