Idrees Ali

Idrees Ali, a national security correspondent for Reuters, shares his insights on a peculiar gathering of military leaders at Quantico. He critiques Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's emphasis on grooming and his controversial remarks on diversity. Ali discusses Trump's suggestion to deploy troops in American cities, the risks of eroding public trust in the military, and the Pentagon's shift in focus towards the Western Hemisphere. The conversation also touches on press access challenges and the climate of uncertainty within military leadership.

María Luisa Paúl, a Washington Post reporter on immigration, highlights rising child detentions and the high-profile Liam Conejo-Ramos case. Idrees Ali, a Reuters correspondent, breaks down the U.S. shooting of an Iranian drone near a carrier and the tense diplomacy that may follow. They discuss motives, regional talks, and how leaders are positioning ahead of uncertain negotiations.

Join Pentagon reporters Idrees Ali and Phil Stewart as they dive into the upheaval at the Pentagon under a new defense secretary. Ali, who covers defense and national security, and Stewart, a specialist in U.S. military reporting, discuss the controversial staff cuts that have sparked fear and skepticism among military insiders. They explore the challenges of enhancing strategic readiness amidst chaos and the potential impact on military operations, revealing concerns over readiness for future crises in an unpredictable world.