S9 Ep23: Espresso Martini | Trump Targets Cartels, NSA’s Word Purge, and Iran’s Drone Carrier
Feb 15, 2025
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Dive into the latest on global espionage as discussions heat up over Trump's controversial push to label Mexican drug cartels as terrorists. Explore the implications of increased U.S. surveillance flights and potential military actions. Discover the NSA's alarming decision to delete key terms like 'bias' and 'inclusion' from intelligence discussions. The conversation also tackles Trump’s demands regarding Ukraine's rare earth minerals amid its ongoing conflict, while Iran's new drone carrier sparks debate—is it a game changer or just a PR move?
Trump's proposal to classify Mexican drug cartels as terrorist organizations indicates a shift toward aggressive military strategies against drug trafficking.
The NSA's decision to delete 27 banned words raises significant concerns about censorship and the potential impact on intelligence assessments.
Iran's new drone carrier, the Shahid Bagheri, reflects its strategy for asymmetric warfare, though its effectiveness against advanced naval forces is debated.
Deep dives
Trump's Military Strategy Against Drug Cartels
President Trump is advocating for designating Mexican drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations, which reflects his strategy to combat drug trafficking. This designation could potentially allow for military action against the cartels, though experts warn this may not grant direct authority for such operations. The administration's military surveillance has increased significantly along the southern border, indicative of a more aggressive approach towards cartel activities. However, some analysts caution that a direct military offensive may lead to diplomatic challenges and further violence, as cartels are deeply embedded in Mexico’s social and political frameworks.
NSA's Controversial Deletion of Banned Terms
The NSA is preparing to delete content from its platforms containing 27 banned words, such as privilege and inclusion, due to a new executive order from the Trump administration. This initiative is expected to disrupt valuable mission-critical information and impact various internal documents, raising concerns about broader censorship within U.S. intelligence. Critics argue that such actions could lead to a confirmation bias epidemic among intelligence analysts, as filtering out crucial data may impair their ability to provide accurate assessments. The challenge lies in balancing national security needs with maintaining a diverse and complete range of perspectives in intelligence work.
Trump's Deal for Ukraine's Rare Earth Elements
President Trump suggests conditioning U.S. support for Ukraine on securing access to the country's rare earth materials, which are essential for high-tech industries. While he claims this would bolster negotiations to end the ongoing conflict with Russia, Ukrainian President Zelensky insists that any discussions must include Ukraine's direct involvement. The prospect of U.S. support potentially hinges on military resources would cause ethical concerns regarding the exploitation of Ukraine's natural resources during a time of war. This raises questions about the U.S.–Ukraine relationship and how much leverage Trump intends to exert over negotiations.
Iran's New Drone Aircraft Carrier
Iran has commissioned a new unconventional aircraft carrier, the Shahid Bagheri, which is a repurposed container ship boasting a flight deck and capabilities for launching various drones and missile boats. This development highlights Iran's commitment to asymmetric warfare within maritime domains and its intent to project power beyond regional waters. Despite its potential for limited operational effectiveness, the carrier symbolizes Iran's growing focus on drone technology and naval capabilities. Analysts express skepticism about its survivability against advanced naval forces, raising concerns that it may merely serve as a statement of intent rather than a genuine military threat.
Air Traffic Safety Concerns Following Potomac Collision
Following a military-civilian aircraft collision over the Potomac, investigations revealed that the Army Blackhawk's ADS-B system was off, preventing it from being detected by the regional jet's TCAS system. This gap in safety measures raises serious questions about protocols in training exercises within congested airspace. The FAA's findings suggest a failure to ensure safety compliance during what was presumably a routine operation, sparking concerns about the adequacy of existing operational guidelines. As safety regulations are reassessed, the incident underscores the need for stricter enforcement and awareness to avoid future accidents.
In this episode of Espresso Martini, Chris and Matt unpack the latest intelligence, national security, and espionage stories shaping current affairs. First, they examine Trump’s push to classify Mexican drug cartels as terrorist organizations, the spike in U.S. surveillance flights over Mexico, and whether covert military action is on the table. Then, they break down the NSA’s sweeping deletion of 27 “banned words,” including “bias” and “inclusion,” raising serious concerns about politicized intelligence failures. They also dig into Trump’s demand for Ukraine’s rare earth minerals in exchange for U.S. aid and what it signals for Kyiv’s future. Finally, they assess Iran’s unconventional new drone carrier, the Shahid Bagheri—a floating experiment in asymmetric warfare or just a high-risk PR stunt?
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Secrets and Spies is produced by Films & Podcasts LTD.
Music by Andrew R. Bird
Secrets and Spies is an enthralling spy podcast that guides listeners on an immersive journey into the hidden realm of espionage, terrorism, geopolitics, and international intrigue. Expect insight into the world of news, politics, and current affairs through the lens of espionage & geopolitics. Guests include former spies, authors, and experts.
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