Human Events with Jack Posobiec
Podcast: Real America’s Voice
Episode Date: December 3, 2025
Location: Live from the Pentagon, "Department of War"
Host: Jack Posobiec
Guests:
- Commander Tim Parlatore, Senior Advisor to Secretary of War Pete Hegseth
- Sean Parnell, Chief Pentagon Spokesman
- General Tata (appeared briefly at end)
Episode Overview
This episode of Human Events features in-depth reporting and exclusive interviews broadcast live from within the Pentagon. Host Jack Posobiec explores headline issues concerning national security, Pentagon transparency, chain-of-command controversies, immigration policy, and the impact of major military actions under the Trump administration. Special guests Commander Tim Parlatore and Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell join to discuss legal questions surrounding military operations, leaks, and the recent Inspector General (IG) report on the use of the Signal app for sensitive communications.
The tone is direct, combative toward mainstream media, and framed by the hosts as a new era of honest, "America First" reporting from inside the Defense Department.
Key Topics & Insights
1. Pentagon Transparency & New Media Access
[03:13–07:29]
- New media welcomed into the Pentagon: Commander Parlatore describes the Pentagon’s move to replace legacy media with independent outlets—like Human Events and other non-mainstream reporters—following a performative walkout by traditional defense press.
- Building access as privilege, not a right: The Pentagon redefined media access, with an emphasis on reporters’ obligation to avoid soliciting crimes (i.e., leaks of non-public information).
- Myth-busting policy changes: Parlatore clarifies that while government employees must not leak confidential information, the new rules were misrepresented by the press as censorship of reporters.
Key Quote:
“Building access is a privilege, not a right. And if you’re soliciting crimes, you don’t get the privilege of being in the building.” – Cmdr. Tim Parlatore [07:14]
2. Chain of Command, Treason Accusations & Investigations
[10:00–14:49]
- Controversy over senators/veterans calling for insubordination: Discussion centers on the case of Senator Kelly, a retired Navy captain, who allegedly solicited leaks or acts viewed as insubordination.
- Possible penalties examined: Parlatore outlines that the Navy investigation could lead to administrative penalties (like pension reduction), not just court-martial, depending on statutory findings.
- Constitutional conflict: If a military retiree serving in Congress is recalled to active duty, it would force resignation from the legislature—raising complex separation of powers issues.
Key Quote:
“It sounded to me that he was soliciting information or leaks or insubordination. …As a retired Navy captain collecting a pension, he is still under the jurisdiction of the Uniform Code of Military Justice.” – Jack Posobiec [10:34]
3. Immigration Crackdown and Security Concerns
[01:31–02:48]
- Somali immigration and fraud scandal in Minnesota: Reference to fraud convictions and resulting rhetoric; administration pauses immigration from 19 "high-risk" countries after an Afghan national is implicated in a DC shooting.
- National security narrative: Rhetoric escalates around the need to secure borders and restrict immigration, justifying the actions as protecting Americans.
Notable Quote:
“Somalians ripped off that state for billions of dollars... and they contribute nothing. I don’t want them in our country.” – Supporter/Commentator [01:47]
4. Drone Strike in Venezuela: Legal and Moral Boundaries
[14:49–19:53]
- Initial & follow-on strikes explained: Parlatore distinguishes between legal strikes on narco-terrorist boats and controversial follow-up strikes that resulted in deaths of survivors.
- Legal determination hinges on intent: Targeting the "boat" (vessel still containing cocaine, serving as contraband for terrorists) is lawful; targeting "wounded people" in the water is not.
- Historical context: Parlatore gives WWII examples for precedent—destroying enemy vessels even with wounded aboard is established military practice.
- Civilian legal exposure: DOJ and FBI also investigating, adding layers of scrutiny beyond military tribunals.
Key Quotes:
“If your intent is to kill the people, that’s potentially a crime. If your intent is to sink the boat, that’s perfectly legal.” – Cmdr. Tim Parlatore [18:22]
5. Inspector General (IG) Report – “SignalGate”
[21:09–37:59]
- Allegations: The Secretary of War (Hegseth) accused of sharing sensitive information about a Houthi drone strike via the Signal app, with concerns over a mainstream media figure (Jeffrey Goldberg, The Atlantic) being mistakenly added to the chat.
- IG findings: Report exonerates Hegseth—no classified info was shared, no law broken. Calls the "sensitive information" narrative "meaningless" and points to successful operations as proof no risks materialized.
- Procedural recommendations: Only improvement suggested is more cyber awareness training for DoD staff.
- Communication challenges: Parnell and Posobiec discuss the need for secure, efficient modern communications for top officials, highlighting the Pentagon's antiquated tech and physical office restrictions.
Key Quotes:
“The signal report is out… It proves what we’ve known all along, that the secretary shared no classified information, and he’s totally exonerated.” – Sean Parnell [27:22]
“They’re going to use the term ‘sensitive’ because it’s a meaningless term. ...There’s like ‘sensitive’ is ill-defined. It’s not a classification. They’re just using it to make the story sound scary and say that … he put troops lives in danger. Well, how can that possibly be true when Operation Rough Rider was a resounding success?” – Sean Parnell [28:20]
“If the recommendation was simply more cyber awareness training, obviously the IG report was not damning.” – Jack Posobiec [32:54]
6. Broader Pentagon/Congress Tensions & Public Accountability
[38:33–40:52]
- Ongoing Congressional scrutiny: Secretary Hegseth regularly briefs Armed Services Committee chairs as operations and legal questions remain in the spotlight; emphasis placed on the administration’s efforts to keep Congress informed.
- Military priorities & readiness: Discussion briefly pivots to how the new administration prioritizes border security, the fight against fentanyl/narco-terrorism, and trying to unify the Pentagon around mission rather than political ideology.
7. Pentagon Morale, Recruitment & Culture Shift
[50:05–51:41]
- Shift from divisive social issues: General Tata notes a renewed focus on unity, mission, and service member quality of life, claiming divisive cultural programs like Critical Race Theory are out.
- Surge in military recruiting: All service branches reportedly exceeding recruitment goals, attributed to renewed clarity of mission and "America First" leadership.
Key Quote:
“We’re focused on those things that unify us instead of those things that divide us. We’re focused on unity, command, unity of mission, instead of critical race theory.” – Gen. Tata [50:19]
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- “This is what happens when the fourth turning meets fifth generation warfare.” – Jack Posobiec [00:38]
- “I watched that first strike live.” – Jack Posobiec [03:00]
- “We're coming up on our first break. We'll be right back here from the Pentagon.” – Jack Posobiec [07:29]
- “We're here asking serious questions. And in fact, I appreciate the fact that they gave us serious answers.” – Jack Posobiec [44:49]
- “Whether now, whether in the past, or whether it's in the future, we will always stand for that. And if America's interests are being called into question, then we want to know, are these operations being done for the interest of the American people or are they being done to serve some other purpose?” – Jack Posobiec [48:09]
- “Recruiting is off the charts, Jack.” – Gen. Tata [50:56]
Timestamps for Major Segments
- [03:13] – Pentagon opens up to new media; access and policy changes
- [10:00] – Discussion of Senator Kelly and chain of command controversy
- [14:49] – Examination of drone strike legality; Venezuela case
- [21:09] – IG Signal app report; Parnell joins to address narrative and exoneration
- [31:11] – Operation Rough Rider outcome as defense against leak narrative
- [35:46] – Need for modern secure comms in Defense Department
- [38:33] – Congressional hearings and Pentagon transparency
- [50:05] – General Tata on readiness, unity, and recruitment
Conclusion & Takeaways
The episode provides a combative, behind-the-scenes look at the Pentagon under the Trump administration, focused on restoring "order and discipline," confronting legacy media, and pushing an "America First" agenda. Legal nuances of military action, chain of command adherence, technological gaps in communication, and persistent media/Congressional scrutiny are all dissected with unfiltered candor. The discussion frames the Pentagon’s current leadership as serious, proactive, and vindicated against accusations of wrongdoing—while also highlighting a clear contrast in military culture and priorities from previous administrations.
For listeners seeking sharp analysis of defense and national security issues—especially those skeptical of mainstream media—the episode delivers principal-source arguments, exclusive interviews, and a snapshot of the new media’s disruptive role inside the Pentagon.