Podcast Summary: The Tucker Carlson Show – "Seth Harp Exposes the Murder & Drug Trafficking Taking Place Inside America’s Largest Military Base"
Overview
In the August 15, 2025 episode of The Tucker Carlson Show, host Tucker Carlson engages in a profound and revealing conversation with Seth Harp, a former military serviceman turned investigative reporter. Harp discusses his latest book, The Fort Bragg Cartel, which delves into the alarming instances of murder and drug trafficking within Fort Bragg—the largest military base in the United States and home to the elite Special Forces, including Delta Force. The discussion uncovers a web of corruption, unpunished crimes, and the dark underbelly of military life that challenges the perceived honor and discipline of the armed forces.
1. Introduction to Fort Bragg and Delta Force
[00:00 – 03:26]
Tucker Carlson opens the conversation by introducing Seth Harp, highlighting his military background and his investigative journey into Fort Bragg's internal issues. Harp explains the genesis of his book, which began with an ordinary news article about the double homicide of two Special Operations soldiers, Billy Levine and Timothy Dumas, at Fort Bragg. The unexpected murder of a Delta Force operator, an elite and secretive unit, piqued Harp’s interest and led him to suspect deeper, concealed activities.
Notable Quote:
Seth Harp [00:28]: "The police were saying that this was believed to be a double homicide from a drug deal gone wrong. And so I knew that there had to be more to the story..."
2. Understanding Delta Force
[02:02 – 04:24]
Harp provides an in-depth explanation of Delta Force, detailing its origins, missions, and the nature of its operations. He emphasizes the unit's role in clandestine and covert missions, including counterterrorism and hostage rescue. Despite their critical functions, Delta Force maintains an ironclad secrecy, seldom making public appearances or divulging mission details.
Notable Quote:
Seth Harp [02:04]: "Delta Force is what’s called a Special Mission unit... they primarily specialize in clandestine operations, covert operations, or we might call them black operations."
3. The Murders of Billy Levine and Timothy Dumas
[05:03 – 07:50]
The discussion shifts to the central mystery of Harp’s book—the murders of Levine and Dumas. Harp reveals that Billy Levine, an active-duty Delta Force operator, had previously killed his best friend, Mark Leshiker, under suspicious circumstances involving severe drug abuse. Despite multiple felony offenses, Levine faced minimal repercussions, raising questions about potential cover-ups within military and local law enforcement.
Notable Quote:
Seth Harp [05:13]: "Levine, having previously killed a guy, then goes on to commit three, or excuse me, I think four or five felony offenses... in every case, the DA had dropped the charges against him."
4. Drug Trafficking and Normalization within Special Forces
[08:36 – 10:09]
Harp highlights a disturbing trend of normalized drug use and trafficking within Fort Bragg's Special Forces. Contrary to the disciplined image of military elites, extensive drug abuse is commonplace, with authorities seemingly turning a blind eye. Harp underscores the chaos and moral decline within what is supposed to be one of the most disciplined environments.
Notable Quote:
Seth Harp [08:40]: "Operators have a particular type of physical fitness... but they are also smoking crack every day and doing a lot of other drugs."
5. The Impact of the War on Terror and Assassination Programs
[13:37 – 27:12]
The conversation delves into the broader implications of the War on Terror, particularly the legitimization of assassination programs post-9/11. Harp explains how President George W. Bush reversed a longstanding ban on assassinations, leading to an increase in covert operations aimed at eliminating perceived threats. He argues that these actions have had unintended consequences, contributing to a surge in domestic drug abuse and moral corruption within the military.
Notable Quote:
Seth Harp [20:16]: "Assassinations are a central part of [U.S.] foreign policy and war-making efforts."
6. The Case Against Accountability and Perceived Impunity
[28:45 – 37:05]
Harp discusses the lack of accountability within the military regarding misconduct and criminal activities. Using the murders at Fort Bragg as a case study, he illustrates how elite operators like Levine and Dumas evade justice, perpetuating a cycle of violence and corruption. The conversation touches upon the Department of Justice's controversial indictment of a Delta Force member, which Harp views with skepticism regarding its validity and motives.
Notable Quote:
Seth Harp [37:05]: "I find it hard to imagine that they weren't [involved in drug trafficking]."
7. The Connection Between War, Drug Trafficking, and the U.S. Opioid Crisis
[59:52 – 70:46]
A significant portion of the discussion connects U.S. military interventions, particularly in Afghanistan, to the proliferation of drug trafficking and the ensuing opioid crisis in the United States. Harp details how the U.S. occupation inadvertently boosted heroin production in Afghanistan, overwhelming global demand and flooding the U.S. with potent drugs like fentanyl. He critiques the Department of Education and defense agencies for ignoring or covering up these connections.
Notable Quote:
Seth Harp [65:09]: "Afghanistan under US occupation produced more heroin than the whole world could absorb."
8. Corruption within U.S. Military and Government Agencies
[77:12 – 93:49]
Harp extends his critique to the broader U.S. military and governmental structures, asserting that corruption is pervasive and often goes unchecked. He cites instances of military police officers involved in drug trafficking and weapon theft, emphasizing a systemic failure to uphold accountability. The discussion also touches upon the influence of former administrations, particularly Trump’s, in exacerbating these issues through poor leadership and support of rogue elements within special operations.
Notable Quote:
Seth Harp [77:12]: "There is a pervasive practice... drug availability on Fort Bragg that's comparable to any dense urban city in the United States."
9. Personal Background and Motivations of Seth Harp
[45:16 – 53:57]
Harp shares his personal journey from serving in Iraq to becoming a journalist committed to uncovering the truth behind military corruption and its societal impacts. His firsthand experience in war zones informs his perspective on the moral and psychological toll of prolonged military engagements, fueling his dedication to exposing uncomfortable truths.
Notable Quote:
Seth Harp [46:28]: "I have dedicated all my work as a journalist and reporter ever since then to opposing, you know, the continuation of these wars."
10. The Future of Military Reform and Accountability
[111:14 – 114:41]
In the concluding segments, Harp expresses skepticism about the prospects for meaningful reform within the U.S. military and government. He points to the entrenched corruption and the influence of problematic leadership as significant barriers to change. Harp warns of the continued decline in military integrity and effectiveness, suggesting that without substantial oversight and accountability, the issues within Fort Bragg are likely to persist and worsen.
Notable Quote:
Seth Harp [113:02]: "I really don't think people are aware of the degree to which the military is incapable of fulfilling its functions."
Conclusion
This episode of The Tucker Carlson Show presents a compelling and sobering examination of corruption and ethical decay within one of America's most prestigious military institutions. Seth Harp's revelations challenge the glorified image of the Special Forces, exposing a network of unpunished crimes and systemic drug abuse that undermine national security and societal well-being. The conversation underscores the urgent need for transparency, accountability, and reform to address the deep-rooted issues plaguing the military and, by extension, the nation.