Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered top military officials to DC for a surprise lecture on the "warrior ethos." Chaos ensued. With Hegseth, it usually does.
This episode was produced by Ariana Aspuru and Devan Schwartz, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Patrick Boyd and Adriene Lilly, and hosted by Noel King.
Secreta ... Show More
Sep 27
The end of etiquette
It’s not just about being nice. Manners allow us to peacefully coexist at work, in transit, and out in the wider world. This episode was produced by Ariana Aspuru, edited by Jenny Lawton, fact-checked by Melissa Hirsch, engineered by Bridger Dunnagan, and hosted by Jonquilyn Hill ... Show More
30m 30s
Oct 2025
Extra: Sec. Hegseth's War On Military 'Wokeness'
This past week, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth addressed top U.S. commanders at the Marine Base in Quantico, Virginia, calling for a renewed focus on discipline and elevated standards in basic training. He complained that the military has spent the past few years putting too much ... Show More
21m 23s
May 2025
Department of Offense: Inside Pete Hegseth’s Bombastic, Chaotic Tenure
The scandal-scarred Defense Secretary is hanging on—but for how long? On this episode, Vanity Fair editor-in-chief Radhika Jones, along with executive editor Claire Howorth and Hive editor Michael Calderone, discuss Pete Hegseth’s pugilistic style and tumultuous tenure atop the D ... Show More
35m 6s
Oct 2025
The US military’s MAGA makeover
Pete Hegseth, a Fox News anchor turned Secretary of Defense, summoned US military leaders from around the world to present a new, “anti-woke” vision for the military – one without transgender troops, “fat” generals, or beards. Then, he closed with a prayer. It’s all part of a lon ... Show More
22m 12s
Nov 2024
The Metamorphosis of Pete Hegseth
<p>Now that Matt Gaetz has withdrawn from consideration as attorney general, President-elect Donald J. Trump’s most controversial cabinet pick is his selection of Pete Hegseth as secretary of defense.</p><p>Dave Philipps, who reports on war and the military for The Times, discuss ... Show More
29m 55s
Apr 2025
Signal chats, leaks, and sackings... What's going on in the Pentagon?
There’s trouble in the Pentagon - again! Pete Hegseth and Donald Trump have dismissed new reports that the defence secretary sent details of confidential military plans to his wife, brother, and personal lawyer on Signal. They both criticised journalists at the annual White House ... Show More
27m 31s
Jan 2025
Drunkenness, Women and Wokeness: A Dramatic Confirmation Hearing for Pete Hegseth
<p>On Tuesday, the confirmation process for President-elect Donald J. Trump’s cabinet picks kicked off with Pete Hegseth, for the position of defense secretary.</p><p>Eric Schmitt, who covers U.S. national security, explains how the four-hour hearing unfolded, and what the odds a ... Show More
34m 50s
Apr 2025
Hegseth in turmoil, Trump’s sinking polls
<p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Senior politics reporter Aaron Blake talks with The Washington Post’s chief correspondent covering national politics, Dan Balz, and national security reporter Abigail Hauslohner about </span><a href="https://www ... Show More
32m 52s