Vera Bergengruen

Vera Bergengruen, a national security reporter for The Wall Street Journal, dives into the tumultuous influence of Laura Loomer, a far-right activist. They discuss how Loomer's controversial antics, which range from absurd college stunts to direct protests, have gained her unexpected political traction. The conversation reveals the shocking connections between Loomer and President Trump's decisions, like the dismissal of the NSA head. This episode unpacks the unsettling impacts of personal loyalty and conspiracy on national security and the broader political landscape.

Megan Scully, Congress editor at Bloomberg News, analyzes the recent government shutdown and the political machinations behind funding cuts. Karen Tumulty from The Washington Post discusses military messaging amid escalating political tensions. National security experts, Eric Bezell-Emile and Vera Bergen-Gruen, share insights on immigration enforcement and the complexities of U.S. military presence in the Caribbean. Jack Detch presents key details of the Trump-Netanyahu Gaza peace plan, emphasizing international reactions and governance challenges ahead.

Vera Bergengruen, a national-security reporter at the Wall Street Journal, dives into the controversial leadership of Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele. She discusses Bukele's authoritarian crime policies and his strategies to reshape El Salvador's image in the U.S. The conversation highlights the troubling ties between Bukele and the Trump administration, especially regarding deportations and human rights implications. Bergengruen sheds light on how Bukele's extreme rhetoric resonates with a fearful public, raising important questions about democracy and ethics.

Vera Bergengruen, a national security reporter at The Wall Street Journal, dives into Javier Milei's surprising surge in Argentina’s midterms, highlighting voter desperation for change. Paola Diosquez-Reis, an economics associate director at S&P Global, examines Milei's radical economic policies and their impact on inflation and living standards. Historian Ernesto Seaman frames Milei's rise within Argentina's political history, suggesting his approach represents both a radical break and familiar emotional politics. Together, they explore the future of Argentina under Milei's leadership.

Vera Bergengruen, a national security reporter for The Wall Street Journal, joins retired U.S. Army Lieutenant General Mark Hurtling and law professor Mary Ellen O'Connell to discuss the controversial use of military force in the war on drugs. They dissect President Trump's order for military action against Venezuelan drug trafficking and its implications on human rights. The conversation raises critical ethical questions about military strategy and the effectiveness of such operations, emphasizing the need for a more comprehensive approach to combat drug cartels.