The Daily Podcast Summary
Episode: The Metamorphosis of Pete Hegseth
Released on: November 26, 2024
Hosts: Michael Barbaro and Sabrina Tavernise
Duration: Approximately 34 minutes
Introduction
In this episode of The Daily, hosted by Michael Barbaro and Dave Phillips, the focus centers on Pete Hegseth, President Donald Trump's controversial nominee for Secretary of Defense. The discussion delves into Hegseth's military background, his perspectives shaped by three major deployments, his transition to media, allegations of personal misconduct, and the potential implications of his appointment on the U.S. military establishment.
Pete Hegseth's Military Background
Timestamp: [02:17]
Pete Hegseth's military career began with a traditional upbringing in Minnesota and an education at Princeton University, where he was an outspoken conservative. Influenced by the post-9/11 environment, Hegseth joined the ROTC and was commissioned as an Army officer in 2003. His nearly two-decade-long service includes three deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, primarily in leadership roles on the ground.
“He spent almost 20 years in uniform and he deployed three times. He's been to Iraq, he's been to Afghanistan.” – Dave Phillips [02:17]
Experiences in Deployments
First Deployment: Guantanamo Bay ([05:02] - [07:07])
Hegseth's first deployment to Guantanamo Bay in 2004 exposed him to the inefficiencies within the military justice system. Tasked with administrative duties, he observed the stagnation in prosecuting terror suspects, leading to his frustration.
“Here we are, almost 20 years later, and nothing's happened.” – Pete Hegseth [06:34]
Second Deployment: Iraq ([07:07] - [12:24])
Returning frustrated from Guantanamo, Hegseth volunteered for the 101st Airborne Division in Iraq. He encountered conflicting rules of engagement, balancing strict legal restrictions with aggressive combat directives. Choosing a measured approach, Hegseth prioritized caution, earning respect from his troops.
“We're just going to be really careful. We don't want to shoot anyone... my soldiers loved him for it.” – Pete Hegseth [09:03]
During the Iron Triangle operation, Hegseth witnessed his colleagues committing war crimes, which deeply embittered him towards Pentagon leadership.
“...a view where he's deeply supportive of the people who went and tried to make things work in Iraq and Afghanistan and deeply, deeply distrustful of the leadership that made it all fall apart.” – Dave Phillips [15:04]
Third Deployment: Afghanistan ([12:24] - [14:09])
In 2011, Hegseth volunteered for Afghanistan, teaching counterinsurgency strategies to Afghan officers. Despite his efforts, the impending U.S. withdrawal in 2012 led to the collapse of his initiatives, reinforcing his disillusionment with military leadership.
“It's a metaphor for the entire conflict in Afghanistan... an exercise in futility.” – Pete Hegseth [14:09]
Views on Military Leadership and Counterinsurgency
Timestamp: [10:40] - [12:24]
Hegseth became a proponent of counterinsurgency, advocating for rebuilding Iraqi society through infrastructure projects to foster stability and reduce violence.
“We need to do counterinsurgency, help these people rebuild. And in doing so, we will help ourselves because we will create a stable nation that will no longer be a breeding ground for violence.” – Pete Hegseth [12:10]
Transition to Media and Advocacy
Timestamp: [17:41] - [20:19]
Post-military, Hegseth engaged with Washington D.C.-based veterans groups, advocating for veterans' care and military interventions. His visibility increased through appearances on Fox News, where he blended conservative cultural commentary with advocacy for soldiers.
“He was making a public case that, hey, we need to double down on this strategy.” – Pete Hegseth [11:27]
Hegseth began to focus on defending soldiers accused of war crimes, framing them as unfairly targeted victims rather than perpetrators.
“Always framed like, hey, this was a good person trying to do their job... they did the wrong thing, and now the military is trying to hang them for it.” – Pete Hegseth [20:03]
Hegseth's Support for Soldiers Accused of War Crimes
Timestamp: [19:49] - [23:43]
Hegseth emerged as a vocal supporter of soldiers accused of war crimes, arguing that these individuals were treated unfairly by the military justice system. Notable cases include Navy SEAL Edward Gallagher and Major Matthew Goldstein, whom Hegseth advocated for vehemently.
“They're not war criminals. They're warriors who have now been accused of certain things that are under review.” – Unknown Contributor [23:34]
Despite initially condemning such actions during his military service, Hegseth's stance shifted post-transition to media, aligning closely with President Trump's views.
“...he was very outspoken, saying, this is wrong. It's not the right way to do things... but when he's on Fox and that's no longer the case.” – Dave Phillips [22:04]
Political Partnership with Donald Trump
Timestamp: [23:43] - [29:14]
Hegseth's alignment with Trump deepened as both shared a disdain for the military establishment. This partnership facilitated a direct pipeline between Hegseth and Trump, culminating in Hegseth's nomination as Secretary of Defense.
“...Donald Trump is so openly disdainful of how the US Military leadership and even civilian elected leadership entered those wars and conducted those wars.” – Dave Phillips [25:09]
Hegseth's appointment promised significant disruption within the Pentagon, reflecting both his and Trump's desire to overhaul military leadership.
“He's putting in someone whose, you know, top line on their resume for the job is that I don't trust the people that have been running this. And so he's all but promising disruption.” – Dave Phillips [29:30]
Personal Misconduct Allegations
Timestamp: [26:07] - [27:35]
Hegseth faced multiple allegations of personal misconduct, including a consensual sexual encounter with a Fox News producer resulting in a child, and accusations of sexual assault at a political convention. Additionally, his removal from a security detail during President Biden's inauguration over concerns about his tattoos linked to white supremacy and Christian nationalism raised further red flags.
“He has said publicly, like, I was forced out over that, essentially, like, they pulled me out of that. He feels he was targeted and it was unfair.” – Pete Hegseth [26:07]
These controversies have cast doubt on his judgment and suitability for the role of Secretary of Defense.
Impact as Potential Secretary of Defense
Timestamp: [28:20] - [29:59]
If confirmed, Hegseth's appointment could lead to significant changes within the U.S. military. His combative stance towards the existing military establishment and advocacy for partisan policies, such as removing women from combat roles, suggest a potential shift towards a more politicized defense department.
“He's putting in someone... whose, you know, top line on their resume for the job is that I don't trust the people that have been running this... he's all but promising disruption.” – Dave Phillips [29:30]
However, there remains uncertainty about how his dual identity as a media provocateur and a "common sense" former officer will influence his leadership style.
“What's clear is that in the rank and file there is some recognition that for the past 25 years the status quo hasn't really been working and they're hungry for change.” – Pete Hegseth [29:14]
Senate Republicans appear optimistic about his confirmation despite his controversies, but his future remains contingent on the ongoing investigation into his personal conduct.
Conclusion
Pete Hegseth's nomination as Secretary of Defense embodies a profound potential shift in the U.S. military's leadership and culture. His extensive combat experience, coupled with his distrust of military bureaucracy and alignment with President Trump's views, positions him as a polarizing figure. The upcoming Senate confirmation process will determine whether his vision for a transformed military aligns with broader governmental and public expectations.
Notable Quotes:
- “Here we are, almost 20 years later, and nothing's happened.” – Pete Hegseth [06:34]
- “We're just going to be really careful. We don't want to shoot anyone... my soldiers loved him for it.” – Pete Hegseth [09:03]
- “We need to do counterinsurgency, help these people rebuild... create a stable nation that will no longer be a breeding ground for violence.” – Pete Hegseth [12:10]
- “He's all but promising disruption.” – Dave Phillips [29:30]
Attributions:
- Host/Interviewer: Dave Phillips
- Primary Subject: Pete Hegseth
- Additional Contributors: Unknown Host, Unknown Analyst, Unknown Expert, Unknown Contributor
This summary provides a comprehensive overview of the podcast episode, capturing the essential discussions, insights, and conclusions regarding Pete Hegseth's potential role as Secretary of Defense.