The Hugh Hewitt Show: Highly Concentrated Pentagon moves carrier strike group toward Middle East amid Iran tension
Jan 16, 2026
Michael Knowles, a conservative commentator, joins former National Security Council chief Alex Gray, senior editor Seth Mandel, and Senator Shelley Moore Capito to delve into U.S. foreign policy and recent actions in the Middle East. They analyze Trump's realist strategy, the strategic significance of Greenland, and the implications of U.S. carrier movements towards Iran. The discussion touches on Iran's protests, military readiness, and the intricacies of appropriations in defense spending, highlighting how these factors shape America's global standing.
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Episode notes
Realism Drives Trump's National Security Posture
- Hugh Hewitt frames Trump's foreign policy as realism focused on tangible U.S. interests and limited risk.
- He argues positioning military assets like the Lincoln carrier signals resolve while avoiding unnecessary escalation.
Position Forces Before Major Strikes
- Deploy force where it changes adversary calculations and protects allies before striking.
- Use carrier strike groups to provide missile defense and time for allied preparations.
Unpredictability As Strategic Leverage
- Commentators note Trump's 'America First' actions often project power, not isolation.
- Strategic unpredictability serves as leverage in coercing adversaries and protecting U.S. interests.
