Tom Bowman

Tom Bowman, NPR Pentagon correspondent, discusses the scrutiny surrounding Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth after a watchdog report revealed his sharing of classified details. Ryan Lucas, NPR Justice correspondent, breaks down the arrest of Brian Cole Jr., linked to the Jan. 6 pipe bombs, highlighting the forensic evidence leading to his capture. Hansi Lo Wong, covering elections, explains the Supreme Court's decision favoring Texas's controversial congressional map, potentially impacting future elections and redistricting litigation across the country.

Tom Bowman, NPR's Pentagon correspondent, and Lauren Hodges, producer for NPR's Embedded podcasts, dive into the troubling intersection of military service and political extremism. They explore the profound implications of military participation in the January 6th Capitol riot, scrutinizing cases like that of an active-duty Marine involved in the chaos. The conversation unveils how the military grapples with addressing internal threats while balancing freedom of speech and the integrity of armed forces in a politically charged landscape.

This discussion features Tom Bowman, NPR’s Pentagon correspondent, who brings insights on the U.S. military operation that led to the arrest of Nicolás Maduro. Greg Myrie, an NPR national security correspondent, dives into the legal implications of the raid. They cover how U.S. intelligence tracked Maduro, the complexities of running Venezuela post-operation, and the potential Venezuelan military and public response. The episode also highlights the challenges of rebuilding Venezuela's oil infrastructure and the broader geopolitical ramifications.

Tom Bowman, NPR's Pentagon correspondent, and Anthony Kuhn, an international correspondent based in Seoul, delve into the Trump administration's military strategies against South American drug cartels. They discuss a recent Navy strike linked to drug trafficking, questioning its impact on U.S.-Venezuela relations. Kuhn shares insights on China's military showcase, revealing the broader geopolitical implications and advanced capabilities that challenge U.S. dominance, while addressing shifting power dynamics involving Russia and North Korea.

In a riveting discussion, Greg Myre, NPR's national security correspondent, shares insights on the operation that led to Nicolás Maduro's arrest. Tom Bowman gives an inside look at military tactics and challenges in the field. Carrie Kahn reports on the emotional reactions from Venezuelans as they navigate uncertainty, while Rep. Adam Smith emphasizes the critical need for congressional oversight and the complexities of U.S. plans in Venezuela. The conversation dives into the legal and political ramifications of U.S. involvement, offering a nuanced perspective on the future of the country.

In this insightful discussion, Tom Bowman, NPR's national security correspondent who extensively reported on the January 6th Capitol attack, and producer Lauren Hodges examine the troubling intersection of military service and political insurrection. They delve into the compelling case of Marine Sgt. Joshua Abate, who admits to participating in the Capitol riots before a polygraph test. The conversation uncovers the psychological aftermath of that day, the challenges of accountability, and the military's response to extremism among its ranks.

Tom Bowman, a seasoned Pentagon reporter for NPR with 28 years of military coverage, delves into the controversial tenure of Pete Hegseth. He discusses Hegseth's inexperience, the chaos unfolding at the Pentagon, and how he prioritizes 'fighting wokeness' over military effectiveness. The conversation highlights issues like contentious firings of military leaders, biases in decision-making, and concerns over Hegseth's handling of sensitive information. Bowman's insights reveal the profound implications of Hegseth's leadership on military readiness and policy.

Carrie Kahn, an NPR international correspondent covering South America, and Tom Bowman, NPR's Pentagon correspondent, share insights on the stunning detainment of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in Brooklyn. Kahn reveals the mixed emotions of Venezuelans—shock, relief, and fear—amid explosions in Caracas. Bowman analyzes U.S. strategies regarding Venezuela, including oil revenue plans and potential implications for national security. They touch on the challenges reporters face accessing Venezuela and the Pentagon's ongoing review of women in combat roles.

In this engaging discussion, Tom Bowman, NPR's Pentagon correspondent, shares a gripping narrative of an Afghan family's perilous quest for safety in the U.S. Their journey from Afghanistan to Mexico and across the U.S. border reveals the harrowing challenges faced by refugees and the intricacies of immigration policy. The conversation also highlights Wisconsin's evolving political landscape, emphasizing how shifting demographics and abortion politics are reshaping the state's role as a crucial presidential battleground.

This episode features Elliott Abrams, a former U.S. official and advocate for regime change in Venezuela, and Tom Bowman, an NPR Pentagon correspondent. Abrams argues that military strikes are necessary for change in Venezuela, emphasizing a strategy that includes amnesty for defecting officials. He also analyzes the potential for Maduro to survive sustained U.S. pressure. Bowman discusses the Pentagon's controversial strike orders, raising accountability questions amidst the scrutiny over military actions. The conversation reveals deep implications for both U.S. foreign policy and Venezuelan democracy.