Phil Stewart

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.

Nancy Youssef, a national security writer for The Atlantic, Phil Stewart, a Reuters correspondent specializing in military affairs, and Colonel David LaPan, a former Pentagon spokesman, delve into the challenges facing press freedom at the Pentagon. They discuss new restrictive policies, the departure of major media outlets, and the implications of a predominantly right-wing press corps. The conversation highlights the chilling effect on accountability, the importance of independent reporting, and the potential erosion of trust in military narratives.