DeProgram with John Kiriakou and Ted Rall Did Hegseth Just Commit a War Crime? | DeProgram with Ted Rall and John Kiriakou
Dec 1, 2025
Political cartoonist Ted Rall and CIA whistleblower John Kiriakou dive into shocking allegations about a Pentagon 'double tap' strike on survivors after a bombing in the Caribbean. They grapple with whether such actions constitute a war crime, raising questions about legality in a non-declared war. The discussion shifts to Trump's ultimatum to Maduro and the complex motivations behind U.S. pressure on Venezuela. Finally, they explore how rising electricity costs from AI data centers might ignite political unrest, drawing parallels with food price concerns.
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Double-Tap Strike Raises Legal Alarm
- The Pentagon's reported 'double tap' strike that targeted survivors is framed as a potential war crime and has provoked bipartisan congressional scrutiny.
- Ted Rall argues the strikes target a vaguely defined 'Cartel de las Solas' and reveal an undeclared, legally dubious campaign in the Caribbean.
Survivors Should Be Granted Quarter
- Rall highlights that survivors of a struck vessel become noncombatants under maritime and humanitarian norms and should receive quarter.
- He likens the second strike to mass murder rather than lawful military action when victims are helpless.
Congress Can End Undeclared Campaigns
- Rall stresses Congress can stop undeclared military actions by cutting funding, citing Vietnam as precedent.
- He reminds listeners the U.S. hasn't declared war since WWII and most post-1941 conflicts lacked formal Congressional declarations.
