Balance of Power — Bloomberg
Episode: "Hegseth Rejects Boat Strike Claim"
Air Date: December 3, 2025
Host: Joe Weisenthal
Contributors: Rick Davis, Nick Wadhams, Jane Harman, Caitlin Legacki, Caroline Hyde
Episode Overview
This episode dives into breaking news and high-stakes debates in Washington, focusing on two central political stories:
- The Signalgate scandal involving Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and the controversy over a deadly U.S. strike on a Venezuelan boat, including upcoming Senate testimony on possible war crimes.
- Analysis of the recent special election in Tennessee and what the results signal for the 2026 midterms, featuring strategists from both parties.
The program also touches on U.S. policy toward Ukraine and Russia, debates over AI chip export controls, and the dynamics of big tech competition in Washington.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. The Venezuela Boat Strike Scandal & Signalgate Fallout (00:56–12:21)
Main Issues:
- Breaking of Pentagon rules by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, as detailed in a new Inspector General (IG) report (the Signalgate scandal).
- The U.S. military strike on an alleged drug boat off Venezuela, with the contentious “second strike” that killed survivors, raising potential war crime allegations.
Key Developments:
- Hegseth was present for the initial strike, but claims he left before the controversial second attack occurred. President Trump expressed support for Hegseth and distanced him from ordering the second strike.
- Admiral Frank Bradley, who ordered the second strike, is set to testify in the Senate, with expectations of tough questioning regarding legal justifications and adherence to military conduct.
Legal and Policy Implications:
- Experts highlight that attacking survivors—so-called "double tap" strikes—violate the Geneva Conventions.
- Indications of a potential shift in U.S. military policy after the incident, with recent operations focused on rescuing survivors rather than targeting them.
Memorable Quotes:
- Joe Weisenthal (02:05): “While he was watching the attack live on a video feed, [Hegseth] had left the room before it was clear that there were survivors in the water who were then killed by the second strike.”
- Nick Wadhams (03:15): “It is undeniable that he has had a series of controversies... His confirmation hearing was fraught. He cleared by a single vote... At the same time, president continues, at least publicly, to say he remains satisfied with Pete Hegseth... an official who has been unstintingly loyal, really pushed the MAGA agenda...”
- Rick Davis (06:40): "There is very little doubt that if you take out the boat, it is no longer a threat and you have survivors clinging to the boat... the laws of war prevent you from going around and executing people who have been wounded. You can't do that."
Timestamps:
- Breaking news and context: 00:56–02:13
- Analyst reaction (Nick Wadhams): 03:15–04:39
- Legal discussion (“double tap”): 06:28–07:36
2. Congressional Oversight, Accountability, & War Powers (09:48–12:21)
Guest Insight — Jane Harman:
- Former Rep. Jane Harman criticizes Congress for not asserting its role over military actions and intelligence oversight.
- Praises some bipartisan voices pushing for clarity and accountability but argues broader congressional abdication.
- Expresses skepticism about Hegseth's denials and points to internal dissatisfaction within the Pentagon.
Memorable Quotes:
- Jane Harman (10:09): “If I were running the Intel Committee... I would be raising hell. Congress not only has a right to be briefed, but Congress is abdicating its role.”
- Jane Harman (11:20): “I believe [the order] was illegal and I believe he should have known that.”
- Jane Harman (11:46): “…maybe he needs to get a little busier about being on top of the workload there. Just saying, rumors are rampant… that his days are numbered... not well liked in the building.”
3. Ukraine-Russia Policy & Congressional Dynamics (12:21–16:59)
Discussion Points:
- Lack of transparency from the White House on recent high-level U.S.-Russia contacts regarding Ukraine.
- Debate over Marco Rubio’s 28-point plan for Ukraine, widely criticized and deemed “dead on arrival.”
- Bipartisan pressure in Congress for new sanctions on Russia, reflecting frustration with administration policy and concerns about the outcome of negotiations.
Memorable Quotes:
- Jane Harman (14:10, quoting Roger Wicker): "Any suggestion that we can pursue arms control with a serial liar and killer like Putin should be treated with great skepticism."
- Jane Harman (15:42): “It’s a very bad message to NATO. We are a member of NATO. We’re not a bystander here. We’re a leader of NATO. And I think that’s a terrible message.”
- Jane Harman (16:04): “That is a veto-proof majority, which means if Lindsey Graham... calls up that bill, that bill passes. That is real pressure on Putin.”
4. Special Election in Tennessee & The Trump Factor for 2026 (18:33–29:19)
Context:
- GOP candidate Matt Van Epps wins a special election in Tennessee but by a much narrower margin than Trump’s prior 22-point victory in the district.
Political Analysis:
- Democrats cut the margin by 15 points, seeing momentum, particularly in suburban districts.
- Both parties see lessons: for Democrats, the race underscores the benefit of local candidates over nationalized campaigns; for Republicans, concern over turnout in midterms when Trump is not on the ballot.
Memorable Quotes:
- Rick Davis (21:44): “If every House district in the country shifted left by this same amount, we would be looking at a blue wave far worse than 2018.”
- Rick Davis (22:27): “Half the Republicans in these districts will only show up when Donald Trump’s on the ballot. So, buddy, in the House, you’re on your own.”
- Ron DeSantis via Joe Weisenthal (23:31): "A chunk of voters who put them in power in 2024 are Trump specific voters... They will vote GOP down ballot when Trump is running, but won't turn out to vote for a typical congressman in a midterm..."
Strategic Takeaways:
- Both parties urged to field candidates aligned with local values and focus on district-specific issues (24:54).
- Nationalizing races around Trump seen as risky moving into 2026 given his declining approval and unpredictable effect on turnout (24:33–25:46).
5. Congressional Dynamics & Legislative Agenda (25:58–28:34)
Key Points:
- Impact of GOP’s slim House majority after the Tennessee win.
- ACA (Obamacare) subsidies face uncertain path, with members in swing districts facing pressure to show independence from Party leadership and Trump.
Memorable Quotes:
- Rick Davis (27:23): "Republicans really have to figure out how to get out of this trap because the trap is they look like they are stopping health care from reaching Americans without a plan to replace it with anything."
- Caitlin Legacki (28:15): “I agree. I think Rick should take over all strategy for the Republican Party these days.”
6. AI, Chips, and Tech Policy: The Washington Perspective (30:55–42:55)
Main Topics:
- Legislation proposed to limit the export of advanced AI chips (Gain AI Act), debated in the context of national security and US-China tech competition.
- Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang lobbies lawmakers to permit some level of exports, arguing dependency on US tech can be leveraged strategically.
Industry Perspective:
- Caroline Hyde explains how US tech companies are divided: cloud giants want prioritized access to chips, while Nvidia prefers broader exports, even as China accounts for little present revenue.
- Broader tensions in AI sector: open competition, regulatory anxiety, and the scramble to build “the best” large language models.
Memorable Quotes:
- Caroline Hyde (32:30): “The answer is not to ban... technology from China. It’s... to allow him [Huang] to export his sophisticated chips, because then China becomes ever more dependent on his infrastructure...”
- Caroline Hyde (38:42): “I think it just shows you how competitive this whole space is, Joe, because this is a company that has 800 million weekly users of ChatGPT and it's worried about Gemini 3.”
Tech & Market Impact:
- Microsoft’s cloud business faces headwinds as large clients (e.g., Carlyle Group) rethink AI spend, fueling the “AI bubble” debate.
- OpenAI’s Sam Altman reportedly declares a “code red,” signaling intensifying competition and the urgent need to refocus on core product development (41:21).
Notable Quotes & Moments with Timestamps
| Speaker | Quote & Context | Timestamp | |-----------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------| | Joe Weisenthal | “While he was watching the attack live… [Hegseth] had left the room before it was clear…” | 02:05 | | Nick Wadhams | “President continues… to say he remains satisfied with Pete Hegseth… unstintingly loyal.” | 03:15 | | Rick Davis | “There is very little doubt that… survivors clinging to the boat… you can’t do that.” | 06:40 | | Jane Harman | “If I were running the Intel Committee… I would be raising hell. Congress… abdicating…” | 10:09 | | Jane Harman | “I believe [the order] was illegal and I believe he should have known that.” | 11:20 | | Rick Davis | “Half the Republicans in these districts will only show up when Donald Trump’s on…” | 22:27 | | Ron DeSantis* | “Trump-specific voters… won't turn out to vote for a typical congressman in a midterm…” | 23:31 | | Caroline Hyde | “The answer is not to ban… technology from China…to allow him to export his chips…” | 32:30 | | Caroline Hyde | “800 million weekly users of ChatGPT and it's worried about Gemini 3.” | 38:42 |
*Attributed via host quoting Ron DeSantis
Summary Table of Important Segments
| Segment | Start | Summary | |----------------------------------------------------|---------|--------------------------------------------------------------| | Hegseth & Boast Strike Scandal | 00:56 | Pentagon IG report, legality of U.S. military strikes | | Legal/Policy Analysis by Experts | 03:15 | Loyalty vs. controversy, Geneva Conventions | | Congressional Oversight (Jane Harman) | 09:48 | Congressional accountability, skepticism about Pentagon execs | | Ukraine-Russia Policy & Congress | 12:21 | Rubio’s 28-point plan, sanctions, NATO signals | | TN Special Election & 2026 Midterm Strategies | 18:33 | Trump’s effect, margins, lessons for both parties | | House Dynamics & ACA Subsidies | 25:58 | Impact of slim majorities, legislative implications | | AI & Tech: Nvidia, Microsoft, OpenAI | 30:55 | Export bans, tech competition, AI bubble, OpenAI “code red” |
Final Thoughts
This episode provided a thorough, nuanced discussion of some of the most pressing issues in Washington politics and policy—from allegations of war crimes and accountability at the Pentagon, to the shifting midterm battlegrounds and the fast-moving, high-stakes world of AI and tech regulation. With sharp analysis from reporters and strategists on both sides, listeners get an unvarnished view of what’s driving headlines and looming policy shifts on Capitol Hill.
For further analysis, listen to the full episode or catch livestreams on Bloomberg’s YouTube.