The Commentary Magazine Podcast: "The Signal Scandal and the COVID Conmen"

Release Date: March 25, 2025
Host: John Podhoretz
Guests: Abe Greenwald (Executive Editor), Seth Mandel (Senior Editor), Christine Rosen (Social Commentary Columnist), and unnamed panelists

Overview

In this episode, The Commentary Magazine Podcast delves into two pivotal issues: a significant security breach within the Trump administration involving encrypted communications and the pervasive fraud associated with COVID-19 relief programs. Host John Podhoretz, alongside his panel, dissects the implications of these scandals from security, policy, and political perspectives, offering in-depth analysis and critical insights.

1. The Signal Scandal: A Security Breach in the Trump Administration

a. Incident Overview

The centerpiece of the discussion is the inadvertent inclusion of Atlantic editor Jeffrey Goldberg in a Signal text chat. This chat comprised high-ranking officials planning a strike on Houthi targets in Yemen. The panel examines the potential fallout from this security lapse, categorizing the issues into:

• Security Concerns: Mishandling of highly classified information.
• Policy Disagreements: Internal debates revealed by the leak.
• Political Repercussions: Impact on the administration's standing and public perception.

b. Security and Competence Failures

An unnamed panelist emphasizes the severity of the breach, highlighting fundamental competence issues:

"They have absolutely no recognition or respect for the fact that enemy countries would be listening in on their conversations..." ([03:24])

The use of Signal, an encrypted messaging app considered unsuitable for federal communications, underscores a broader disregard for established security protocols. The panelist criticizes the administration's response, dismissing claims of strategic deception as mere incompetence.

c. Policy Debates Unveiled

John Podhoretz addresses the internal policy disagreements surfaced by Goldberg's leak. The conversation reveals varying perspectives within the administration, particularly between JD Vance and officials like Waltz and Hegseth.

Seth Mandel encapsulates the administrative conflict:

"This is not first timer at a maverick, but Waltz is not." ([09:20])

The panel discusses JD Vance's neo-isolationist stance versus the hawkish approach of Waltz and Hegseth, exploring how these divergent views impact policy formulation.

d. Political Fallout and Accountability

The possibility of leadership changes within the administration is debated. While some argue that key figures may be held accountable, others express skepticism about Trump enforcing consequences.

An unnamed panelist remarks:

"This is an easy story for an average American to understand. These guys did something incompetent. Somebody needs to be held accountable." ([05:09])

John Podhoretz adds that despite the clear breach, the likelihood of officials facing repercussions remains low, citing Trump’s reluctance to discipline loyalists.

2. COVID Conmen: Fraud in Pandemic Relief Programs

a. The Feeding Our Future Case

The podcast transitions to discussing COVID-19 relief fraud, spotlighting a case in Minnesota involving the group Feeding Our Future. Scott Johnson of Powerline is commended for his investigative piece in the Washington Free Beacon, which uncovers substantial fraud within federal child nutrition programs.

Podhoretz summarizes the case:

"...almost entirely Somali immigrants is charged with siphoning some $250 million from the federal child nutrition program..." ([44:00])

The scandal involves inflated meal claims, luxury purchases with misappropriated funds, and even gold-tray wedding gifts, highlighting the depth of corruption.

b. Systemic Issues in COVID Relief Distribution

The panel scrutinizes the broader vulnerabilities in COVID relief programs, noting:

"Pandemic led to the assignment of regulatory waivers, allowing significant financial flows that were ripe for exploitation." ([25:08])

They discuss how expedited processes and emergency measures, while necessary, created loopholes that facilitated widespread fraud and waste.

c. Historical Comparisons and Lack of Oversight

Drawing parallels to past crises, the panel likens the current situation to historical wartime fraud:

"...the Truman Commission investigated WWII profiteering, yet similar oversight is lacking for COVID relief." ([56:25])

John Podhoretz laments the absence of a congressional commission to investigate COVID fraud, contrasting it with robust historical responses to analogous issues.

d. Political Implications and Partisan Dynamics

The discussion touches on the political ramifications, considering how both administrations have struggled with oversight and accountability. The panelists express concern over bipartisan negligence in addressing fraud, emphasizing the need for stringent Congressional oversight.

3. Broader Implications and Future Outlook

a. Institutional Competence and Public Trust

The intertwining of security breaches and relief program fraud erodes public trust in governmental institutions. The panel underscores the necessity for competence and transparency to restore faith.

Abe Greenwald articulates the systemic failures:

"Part of this is a function of the hysteria that seized everyone when Covid hit and we didn't know what was happening." ([61:51])

b. Potential Reforms and Accountability Measures

The panel debates possible reforms to prevent future occurrences, advocating for:

• Stricter security protocols for federal communications.
• Comprehensive audits and investigations into relief fund distributions.
• Enhanced whistleblower protections to uncover misconduct.

Seth Mandel highlights the importance of investigative journalism in uncovering such scandals:

"There are more stories like the one that you just read, if they like to look into it." ([56:25])

c. The Path Forward for the Republican Party

John Podhoretz reflects on the implications for the Republican Party, considering internal divisions and the potential for leadership changes in response to these scandals. The need for a united front to address incompetence and corruption is emphasized as vital for future political success.

Notable Quotes

• Unnamed Panelist on Competence:

  "They have absolutely no recognition or respect for the fact that enemy countries would be listening..." ([03:24])

• John Podhoretz on Jeffrey Goldberg:

  "Goldberg did not reveal any secrets; his conduct as a journalist is exemplary..." ([07:42])

• Seth Mandel on Policy Debates:

  "This is a very easy story for an average American to understand. These guys did something incompetent. Somebody needs to be held accountable." ([05:09])

• Christine Rosen on COVID Fraud:

  "This is the perfect storm story, right? Covid money with unbelievable amounts of fraud..." ([49:37])

• Abe Greenwald on Institutional Failures:

  "My question is, what is Trump gonna say?... He's the one who's... can't keep his mouth shut about anything." ([31:07])

Conclusion

The episode of The Commentary Magazine Podcast provides a comprehensive analysis of two major issues undermining trust in federal institutions: a critical security breach within the Trump administration and extensive fraud in COVID-19 relief programs. Through incisive discussion and expert commentary, the panel highlights systemic failures, the dire need for accountability, and the broader political and societal ramifications. Listeners are left with a nuanced understanding of the challenges facing American governance and the urgent need for structural reforms to safeguard national security and ensure the integrity of relief efforts.

Note: The podcast episode does not include advertisements, introductions, or outros in this summary, focusing solely on the substantive content discussed by the panel.