Michael Birnbaum

White House reporter with The Washington Post, offering context on White House and Trump administration responses to the boat strikes and to diplomatic efforts with Russia and Venezuela.

Best podcasts with Michael Birnbaum

Ranked by the Snipd community

6 snips

Dec 5, 2025 • 29min

Hegseth defends boat strike; Putin rejects Trump peace plan

Matthew Choi, co-anchor of The Early Brief newsletter, and Michael Birnbaum, a White House reporter, dive into the legality of U.S. military actions against drug-smuggling boats. They discuss Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s controversial orders and the bipartisan scrutiny that followed. The conversation shifts to Trump's peace efforts regarding Russia and Ukraine, contrasting his negotiation style with the complexities of geopolitical relations. Both guests highlight the implications of these actions on Trump's legacy and the administration's shifting justifications.

The AI-powered Podcast Player

Save insights by tapping your headphones, chat with episodes, discover the best highlights - and more!

Get the app