The Josh Hammer Show

Episode Title: “No Man Left Behind” Means No Man Left Behind
Date: April 6, 2026
Host: Josh Hammer

Episode Overview

In this episode, Josh Hammer, Newsweek Senior Editor-at-Large, dives deeply into the dramatic U.S. military rescue of an American airman in Iran, dissecting its military, moral, and cultural significance. He evaluates America’s approach to war, the meaning of “No Man Left Behind,” current tensions with Iran, domestic debates about patriotism, and key Trump administration changes. Hammer contextualizes these developments within the broader vision for American greatness and moral clarity, tying them to themes of religious redemption during the confluence of Easter and Passover.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Daring Rescue in Iran: “No Man Left Behind” in Action

[02:30 - 12:25]

• Rescue Details:

  • An American F-15 was downed over Iran near Isfahan, a city known for its hidden nuclear infrastructure.
  • While one crew member was rescued quickly, the second—a weapons systems officer (WSO)—survived by activating his emergency GPS and hiking for 24 hours up a 7,000-foot mountain to evade capture.
  • U.S. Special Forces, using the emergency beacon, orchestrated a complex rescue under the threat of closing Iranian military convoys.
  • Local Iranian civilians attempted to impede their own regime’s forces, echoing past resistance and highlighting civilian bravery during regime crackdowns.
  • The U.S. executed a deception operation, spreading misinformation that the rescue had already occurred, enabling helicopter extraction under fire and the destruction of downed equipment to prevent enemy capture.

• Moral & Cultural Reflections:

  • Hammer underscores the principle:

    “No man left behind is an easy thing to say in the abstract... It’s a whole different thing to actually do it in practice.”
    [04:24]

  • He frames the rescue as “Hollywood film esque” and a demonstration that American military values are lived realities, not just rhetoric.

• Answering Critics:

  • Addressing international and domestic leftist critics who questioned the lengths taken to save one life, Hammer appeals to biblical and moral values:

    “There is Genesis 1:27: the notion that God made man in his image—therefore human life is fundamentally on a different level than all other forms of life.”
    [09:03]

  • He also argues this ethos is vital for military recruitment and morale.

Notable Quote:

“Because ‘no man left behind’ means no man left behind. It’s just an extraordinary, extraordinary tale.”
—Josh Hammer [09:01]

2. Trump, Iran, and Operation Epic Fury: Escalation and Deadlines

[12:59 - 23:11]

• Operation Epic Fury:
  • Ongoing U.S.-led campaign against the Iranian regime after the assassination of its leader, with broader implications for global security and energy.
  • Trump sets an absolute deadline (Tuesday, 8pm ET) for Iran to reopen the strategic Strait of Hormuz, critical for world oil transit.
  • Trump describes negotiations as making a “significant step,” but not yet satisfactory.

Notable Quotes:

“The appeal of Donald Trump is that he is Donnie from Queens. If random Joe Six Pack struck it rich, they would act like Donald Trump acts.”
—Josh Hammer [16:38]

• Misinformation Campaigns & Domestic Discord:
  • Hammer details a coordinated spread of false rumors on social media claiming Trump was hospitalized during the rescue operation. He attributes this to a coordinated campaign by leftist actors and draws a parallel to similar rapid-response narratives used in other crises.
  • He laments:

    “So many folks here... have outed themselves as rooting against America. That’s the most astounding thing to me, folks.”
    [22:31]

3. Public Opinion, War, and America’s Endgame

[23:46 - 30:49]

• Polling on the Iran War:

  • Hammer reviews a new poll (TIPP) showing a near-even split: 46% support vs. 45% oppose U.S. military action against Iran.
  • Republicans overwhelmingly support (+62), Democrats mostly oppose (–52), with Hispanics showing surprising levels of support.
  • He notes the “schizophrenic” quality of U.S. public opinion—wanting regime change without boots on the ground.

• Defining Victory & Regime Change:

  • Victory is defined as “the neutralization of the Islamic Republic of Iran as a threat.”
  • Hammer downplays the likelihood of full regime change, referencing logistical barriers and past show guests.
  • He plays remarks from Trump revealing that U.S. weapons intended for anti-Iran factions may have ended up with the wrong Kurdish groups, raising concerns about unintended consequences.

Notable Quote:

“If anyone can do it, frankly, it would be the CIA and/or Mossad.”
—Josh Hammer [27:57]

4. Domestic Political Fallout and Cabinet Changes

[34:02 - 42:30]

• Pam Bondi Firing:

  • Trump’s Attorney General, Pam Bondi, was replaced by Todd Blanche after mixed reviews, especially regarding handling of the “Epstein files.”
  • Hammer defends Bondi’s record overall, citing DOJ successes in crime reduction and enforcement of Trump’s legal agenda.
  • Bondi is the second major cabinet departure after Kristi Noem, who Hammer criticizes harshly, contrasting with his praise for standouts like Mark Wynne (DHS) and Pete Hegseth (Defense).

• Hammer’s Assessment:

  • He anticipates more administration shakeups as Trump “settles MAGA family business.”
  • Offers nuanced endorsements and pushback against the “haters” on the right wanting Bondi’s ouster.

Notable Quotes:

“In all other areas, frankly, I thought that Pam Bondi was doing actually a very good job.”
—Josh Hammer [36:25]

5. Artemis 2: America Returns to the Moon

[42:30 - end]

• Artemis 2 Mission:

  • The first manned U.S. lunar mission in over 50 years, symbolically affirming American ambition and unity.
  • The mission is led by Victor Glover, notable as both a Black astronaut and a man deeply motivated by faith, defying woke intersectional narratives.

• Hammer’s Perspective:

  • Frames Artemis 2 as a quintessential act of “MAGA” America—a great nation doing “big and great things.”
  • Celebrates the biblical, faith-driven spirit behind space exploration.

Notable Quote:

“This is the quintessence of Trumpism and MAGA: a great nation should do big and great things. We should land on the moon... I love it.”
—Josh Hammer [43:30]

Additional Notable Quotes & Moments

• On the rescue operation:

  “It is Hollywood film-esque stuff... just an astounding story.”
  [11:59]

• On Trump’s style and appeal:

  “If you’re still talking about the way that Donald Trump comports himself on social media 10 years after he defeated Hillary Clinton... you really need to get a life, really.”
  [16:59]

• On leftist criticisms:

  “Just because you don’t agree doesn’t make it a war crime. Sometimes words actually mean something.”
  [31:28]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [02:30] — U.S. Airman Rescue Story begins
• [12:59] — Trump’s negotiation with Iran over Strait of Hormuz; Deadline set
• [14:54] — Audio from Trump’s post-Easter press conference
• [23:46] — Polling and public sentiment on the war
• [27:20] — Trump discusses arming Kurds; complications with arms deliveries
• [30:49] — Democratic critiques: War crimes claims & media coverage
• [34:02] — Pam Bondi firing, cabinet analysis
• [42:30] — Artemis 2 lunar mission; American greatness and symbolism

Summary & Takeaways

• Hammer paints America as a moral, exceptional nation, especially in moments of crisis and valor, like the recent dramatic rescue in Iran.
• He rebuffs critics (both domestic “fifth column” leftists and international moral relativists) who question the costs of military heroism, rooting his argument both in faith and practical military necessity.
• Domestic politics and unity are foregrounded, with Hammer critiquing anti-American narratives and defending effective Trump appointees.
• The Artemis 2 mission is held up as a symbol of American aspiration and MAGA principles: pursuing greatness not just in policy, but in spirit and ambition.
• Throughout, Hammer’s tone is combative, proud, and unapologetically patriotic, urging listeners to recognize and defend American exceptionalism, unity, and faith as guiding values.