Fred M. Kaplan

Fred Kaplan, Slate’s War Stories columnist and author of the upcoming novel A Capital Calamity, dives into President Trump's bold decision to rename the Department of Defense the 'Department of War.' He discusses the symbolic and real-world implications this change could have on U.S. military policy and global perception. Kaplan also tackles the legality of a recent U.S. military operation against a Venezuelan boat linked to drug trafficking, sparking debates on military engagement and the evolving terminology of war.

Fred Kaplan, Slate's War Stories columnist and author, dives deep into the Iran-Israel conflict, offering sharp insights on recent U.S. military postures. He discusses the muddled messaging from President Trump and the implications of ambiguous threats toward Iran, which only heighten tensions. Kaplan also highlights the fallout from the U.S. withdrawal from the nuclear deal and analyzes the historical consequences of foreign interventions in Iran. The podcast reflects on political inertia among Democrats regarding potential military actions, sparking listener frustrations and concerns.