Dan Lamothe

Dan Lamothe, a Pentagon reporter for The Washington Post, and Carrie Howley, a feature writer for New York Magazine, dive deep into the tumultuous world of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. They discuss Hegseth's controversial surprise lecture on 'warrior ethos' that sparked chaos at Quantico. The conversation reveals insights into Hegseth's management style, his focus on hardline standards, and the implications for service members. They also explore the fallout from 'Signalgate' and how loyalty to Trump shapes Hegseth's decisions.

Liz Goodwin, a Congressional reporter for The Washington Post, and Dan Lamothe, a Pentagon journalist, join the discussion on Trump's evolving foreign policy. They analyze Trump's newfound alignment with Putin and the backlash against his unpopular policies on Ukraine. The duo reveals how GOP lawmakers are nervously asking Trump to spare their districts from drastic spending cuts. They also dive into the political repercussions of budget cuts and the internal strife within the Republican Party regarding national defense strategies.

Dan Lamothe and Abigail Hauslohner, national security reporters for The Washington Post, dive into a scandal involving Trump administration officials discussing sensitive military plans in a Signal group chat. They reveal the risks of using unsecured platforms for classified information and explore the ensuing Senate hearing, where officials faced tough questions about accountability. The conversation highlights the need for secure communication channels in the military and critiques varying political responses to such leaks.

Dan Lamothe, Pentagon reporter for The Washington Post, dives into the unprecedented meeting of top U.S. generals called by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. He reveals how the gathering unfolded shortly after significant military firings and Hegseth's controversial plans to eliminate DEI initiatives. The conversation highlights logistical challenges, the role of President Trump at the event, and the implications for military culture and officer careers amidst a tense political climate. Lamothe provides insights into the complex interplay of national security and optics at play.

Dan Lamothe, a Military affairs reporter for The Washington Post, and investigative reporter Carol Leonnig dive into the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran. They discuss President Trump's weighing of military action and the significant implications it poses for U.S. foreign policy. The conversation highlights shifting U.S. military strategies and the potential backlash from a strike on Iran. They also explore the internal divisions within U.S. politics regarding intervention and how this decision could affect Trump's legacy.

Dan Lamothe, a seasoned Pentagon reporter for The Washington Post, and Katherine Kuzminski, a military researcher at the Center for a New American Security, dive into the unconventional choices Donald Trump made for his national security team. They discuss the implications of appointing figures without traditional military backgrounds and the nuances of cultural wars shaping defense policies. The conversation also explores how these selections reflect shifting national security strategies, especially regarding threats from China and Russia, as well as the importance of accountability in military leadership.

Dan Lamothe, a Pentagon reporter for The Washington Post, dives into the controversial plans to deploy troops in Chicago and other American cities. He uncovers the Pentagon's motivations and the legal grounds for this initiative. The discussion offers insights into past troop deployments in Los Angeles and D.C., and explores the ethical implications of using military forces for urban crime control. Lamothe also highlights the financial costs to taxpayers and the mixed feelings among service members regarding these domestic missions.

Dan Lamothe from The Washington Post discusses the challenges of U.S. aid missions and the resurgence of 'zombie mortgages'. The podcast also previews the NBA Finals matchup between the Celtics and Mavericks.

Dan Lamothe, a U.S. military and Pentagon reporter at The Washington Post, dives into President Trump's directive for National Guard mobilization. He discusses the potential impacts on cities like Chicago and New York, questioning the blurred lines between military and civilian law enforcement. Lamothe also highlights financial concerns for service members facing pay discrepancies and explores the proposal for a domestic quick reaction force, drawing parallels with history and delving into the legal complexities of these deployments.

Dan Lamothe, a U.S. military and Pentagon reporter at The Washington Post, delves into President Trump's directive for the National Guard to ready itself for civil disturbances. He analyzes the potential impact on cities like Chicago and New York, questioning the legality of military involvement in policing. The discussion touches on historical precedents, the mental health effects on service members, and public skepticism about using the Guard for urban security. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on military roles during protests and emergencies.