The Lawfare Podcast: “The Fort Bragg Cartel” with Seth Harp

Release Date: August 12, 2025

Introduction

In the episode titled “The Fort Bragg Cartel,” hosted by Tyler McBrien of the Lawfare Institute, investigative reporter Seth Harp delves deep into the troubling underbelly of Fort Bragg, one of the largest military bases in the United States. Harp, a US Army Reserve veteran and former assistant attorney general for Texas, discusses his groundbreaking book, The Fort Bragg Drug Trafficking and Murder in the Special Forces, uncovering systemic issues within the military’s elite units.

Unveiling Fort Bragg’s Hidden Crisis

Seth Harp begins by challenging the public perception of the U.S. military as an invincible force. “I think people complacently assume that because we spend a trillion dollars on our military... Strongest military on earth. And that's just not the case today” (02:17). Harp underscores the stark contrast between the substantial military budget and the deteriorating conditions within its ranks, particularly at Fort Bragg.

The Catalyst: Investigating Soldier Murders

Harp recounts how his investigation was sparked in December 2020 after reading a New York Times article about the murder of two soldiers at Fort Bragg. One of the victims, William Levine, was a member of Delta Force—a typically covert and elite unit. “The fact that this had happened at Fort Bragg, I thought there must be something more to the story” (03:05). This initial curiosity led Harp to pen his first Rolling Stone article, "The Fort Bragg Murders," marking the beginning of his in-depth exploration.

Delta Force: The Most Secretive Military Unit

When asked about Delta Force, Harp provides a comprehensive overview, highlighting its clandestine operations and elite status. “These guys wear plain clothes... They do a lot of assassination missions... straight up spying... They do a lot of abduction missions” (06:18). Harp emphasizes the unit’s paramilitary nature and its close collaboration with the CIA, operating under heavy secrecy.

High Mortality Rates at Fort Bragg

A staggering revelation from Harp’s research is the high mortality rate at Fort Bragg. Contrary to official statements, Fort Bragg experienced 54 deaths in a single year, surpassing the notorious 38 deaths at Fort Hood that led to widespread accountability. “That's a soldier dying every week... Fort Bragg has the by far the highest rate of soldier mortality” (20:58). Harp criticizes the lack of transparency and accountability, pointing out that while Fort Hood faced repercussions, Fort Bragg continues with minimal oversight.

Drug Abuse and Mental Health Issues

One of the most disturbing aspects uncovered is the rampant drug abuse among Fort Bragg soldiers, including members of special operations units. Harp explains a dichotomy within the unit: one group comprises disciplined, religious warriors, while the other consists of individuals engaging in illicit activities. “It's just part of the lifestyle that they were known for... it's how these guys live” (11:11). The use of prescription drugs like Adderall and Tramadol is prevalent, often prescribed to manage sleep loss and suppress PTSD symptoms, contributing to widespread addiction and overdose deaths. “The overdose problem really became serious around 2017... especially from fentanyl” (13:10).

Investigative Hurdles: Bureaucratic Obstruction

Harp details the challenges faced during his investigation, particularly the obstruction by the FBI. After initial collaboration with Army CID, the FBI took over the murder case of Levine and Dumas, sealing off all information and restricting access to evidence. “The FBI swept in and completely slammed a lid shut on it... the FBI has such a close working relationship with Delta Force” (17:08). This interference raised suspicions about the integrity of the investigation and the possible protection of individuals within the elite unit.

Afghanistan’s Drug Trade and Its Global Impact

Expanding beyond Fort Bragg, Harp explores the role of Afghanistan in the global drug trade. He reveals that the Taliban, often portrayed as the primary drug producers, were actually not significantly involved. Instead, post-2001 US-led efforts inadvertently supported warlords and militias that fueled opiate production. “Afghanistan was all about drugs from the beginning to the end... the war in Afghanistan was really about drugs” (26:18). This oversight by mainstream media contributed to exacerbating the global heroin crisis, affecting countries worldwide.

Military Decline Amidst Bloated Budgets

Harp critically assesses the state of the U.S. military, highlighting outdated equipment and declining morale despite massive expenditures. “If you look at the actual armored vehicles and helicopters... they're all from the 1980s” (34:48). He argues that the military’s inefficiency and neglect are masked by the perception of unassailable strength, a misconception perpetuated by substantial but misallocated funding.

Presidential Influence and Future Outlook

Discussing the Trump administration’s impact, Harp warns of continuing secrecy and erosion of accountability within special operations. “Trump... held up... as this hero... all trickles down” (37:56). He foresees worsening conditions within the military, with increased autonomy for elite units and diminished oversight, further entrenching systemic issues.

Looking Ahead: Ongoing Investigations

In concluding the episode, Harp touches upon recent developments, including the Department of Justice’s indictment related to the Fort Bragg murders. “The DOJ indicted somebody for the murders of Billy Levine and Timothy Dumas... the trial is scheduled to begin in January 2026” (41:56). Harp plans to continue his investigative work, monitoring the trial and uncovering additional layers of the Fort Bragg cartel.

Conclusion

Seth Harp’s exploration in this episode sheds light on the alarming issues within Fort Bragg and, by extension, the broader U.S. military. From high mortality rates and rampant drug abuse to bureaucratic obstruction and flawed foreign policies, the podcast paints a grim picture of institutional decay. Harp’s meticulous reporting and insider perspective underscore the urgent need for transparency, accountability, and systemic reform within the military’s elite units.

Notable Quotes:

• “I think people complacently assume that because we spend a trillion dollars on our military... Strongest military on earth. And that's just not the case today.” — Seth Harp (02:17)

• “It's just part of the lifestyle that they were known for... it's how these guys live.” — Seth Harp (11:11)

• “The FBI swept in and completely slammed a lid shut on it... the FBI has such a close working relationship with Delta Force.” — Seth Harp (17:08)

• “Afghanistan was all about drugs from the beginning to the end... the war in Afghanistan was really about drugs.” — Seth Harp (26:18)

• “If you look at the actual armored vehicles and helicopters... they're all from the 1980s.” — Seth Harp (34:48)

• “Trump... held up... as this hero... all trickles down.” — Seth Harp (37:56)

This summary omits advertisements, intros, outros, and non-content sections to focus solely on the substantive discussions between Tyler McBrien and Seth Harp.