Armstrong & Getty On Demand: Episode Summary Episode Title: Do Not Get Upside Down On Big Macs
Release Date: March 25, 2025
Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts

I. Introduction

In the March 25, 2025 episode of Armstrong & Getty On Demand, hosts Jack Armstrong and Joe Getty delve into a significant national security breach within the Trump administration. The episode explores the inadvertent inclusion of a journalist in a highly classified Signal app group chat discussing US military actions against Houthi rebels in Yemen. This inadvertent exposure has sparked discussions about the integrity of national security communications and the broader implications for US foreign policy.

II. National Security Breach via Signal App

The episode opens with a startling revelation about a breach in national security involving the Trump administration's use of the Signal app for discussing sensitive military operations.

• Joe Getty highlights the issue:

  "A stunning breach in national security involving the ongoing, highly classified US attacks targeting Houthi rebels in Yemen... discussed openly over a group chat on the unauthorized Signal app" ([00:10]).

• Michael Waltz critiques the situation:

  "No one should have been included on that app, especially not a journalist" ([02:07]).

The breach occurred when Jeffrey Goldberg, the editor-in-chief of The Atlantic, was mistakenly added to the Signal group chat. This mishap led to the premature dissemination of sensitive information about the timing and execution of military strikes.

III. Trump's Response and Internal Dynamics

Trump's reaction to the breach has been a focal point of the discussion. According to the transcript, Trump publicly denied any knowledge of the report detailing the breach.

• Michael Waltz imitates Trump’s initial denial:

  "I don't know anything about it. I'm not a big fan of the Atlantic" ([01:28]).

However, internal discussions reveal differing opinions within the national security team:

• J.D. Vance, a member of the group chat, voiced caution against the military strikes:

  "I think we're making a mistake here... There is a strong argument for delaying this" ([26:42]).

• Pete Hegseth, Secretary of Defense, advocated for immediate action:

  "I see it as two things. One, restoring freedom of navigation... and re-establishing established deterrence" ([15:03]).

These conflicting viewpoints illustrate a "team of rivals" dynamic, where differing perspectives coexist within the administration.

IV. Implications for US Foreign Policy

The episode delves into the broader implications of the breach and internal disagreements on US foreign policy:

• Joe Getty observes:

  "There are a lot of interesting questions to be asked about who is using, for instance, Signal and in what way and how right and how wrong it was" ([06:14]).

• Michael Waltz discusses the dependency of the US on European security:

  "We provide their national defense... When they're more independent, they'll say, 'What's in it for me? That sounds like your problem'" ([31:24]).

The hosts express concern over the US’s heavy reliance on European allies for security, suggesting that as these allies become more independent, the US may face challenges in maintaining global cooperation.

V. Related Discussions on Technology and AI

Beyond the main topic, Armstrong and Getty explore additional subjects, including technological advancements and AI:

• AI in Recruitment: Michael Waltz shares his experience with AI-generated resumes, highlighting the challenges in distinguishing between human and AI-produced content:

  "AI is writing it for you. Grammar and blah, blah, blah. Had this actually happened yesterday?" ([15:24]).

• Robot Blood Drawers: The hosts discuss the skepticism surrounding robots performing medical procedures:

  "Would you let a robot draw your blood? Northwestern among health systems trying new device" ([35:13]).

  Joe Getty humorously dismisses the idea:

  "Get that thing away from me" ([35:35]).

VI. Conclusion

The episode wraps up by reaffirming the significance of the national security breach and its potential repercussions on US administration policies and international relations. Armstrong and Getty underscore the necessity for stringent security protocols to prevent such lapses in the future.

• Joe Getty concludes:

  "The big story today is the Trump national security team accidentally including a journalist on their super private string of how we're going to attack the Houthis and when and whether the actual conversation and the differing opinions and philosophies within the Trump team" ([17:56]).

The hosts pledge to continue monitoring the situation, promising further analysis as more details emerge.

Notable Quotes

• Joe Getty on the breach:

  "Do not get upside down on Big Macs" ([15:02]).

• Michael Waltz on Trump's denial:

  "I don't know anything about it" ([01:28]).

• J.D. Vance on caution:

  "I think we're making a mistake here" ([26:42]).

• Pete Hegseth on restoring navigation:

  "Restoring freedom of navigation... and re-establishing established deterrence" ([15:03]).

This episode provides a comprehensive examination of a critical national security lapse, enriched by insightful commentary on internal administration dynamics and the broader implications for US foreign policy. Additionally, the foray into technological advancements and AI underscores the multifaceted nature of contemporary security and operational challenges.