Today, Explained: Episode Summary – "Team America"

Release Date: November 18, 2024
Hosts: Sean Rameswaram and Noel King
Network: Vox Media Podcast Network

Introduction: Trump's Rapid National Security Team Selections

In the latest episode of Today, Explained, hosts Noel King and Dan Lamothe delve into the swift and contentious picks made by former President Donald Trump for his national security team. The selections range from seasoned politicians to polarizing media personalities, signaling Trump's strategic priorities and potential shifts in national security policies.

Pete Hegseth: Controversial Nominee for Defense Secretary

Background and Selection

Noel King opens the discussion by highlighting Pete Hegseth, a Fox News host and former Army National Guard member, nominated by Trump to lead the Pentagon. Hegseth's nomination has sparked significant debate due to his unconventional background and outspoken views.

Noel King [00:01]: "Donald Trump is picking his national security team quickly and his choices run the gamut."

Military Service and Leadership Claims

Dan Lamothe provides an overview of Hegseth's military background, emphasizing his deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan and his subsequent roles in veterans' nonprofits.

Dan Lamothe [02:39]: "Pete Hegseth is currently a Fox News host. He's one of the hosts of Fox and Friends Weekend."

Controversies Surrounding Hegseth

1. Tattoos and Extremism Allegations

   Hegseth faced scrutiny when a National Guard member flagged his tattoos, leading to internal investigations questioning potential ties to extremist groups.

   Unknown Speaker [06:27]: "There's two. And I think the challenge here is there is dual meanings for both of these things. These are things that have been co-opted."

   Hegseth defends his tattoos as religious symbols devoid of nationalist intent.

   Pete Hegseth [07:08]: "It has nothing to do with white nationalism or nationalism or extremism. It's a cross you'll see in Jerusalem when you visit."

2. Sexual Assault Allegation and Settlement

   The episode recounts an allegation from 2017 where a woman accused Hegseth of sexual assault following a consensual encounter. Although no charges were filed, Hegseth later settled the civil claim, raising questions about his character and suitability for defense secretary.

   Unknown Speaker [08:54]: "She alleges sexual assault. He says it was consensual. The police looked into it. They didn't file charges."

Potential Senate Confirmation Challenges

Lamothe discusses the implications of these controversies on Hegseth’s confirmation process, noting uncertainty about Republican senators' willingness to oppose Trump's nominee.

Unknown Speaker [10:08]: "We're not sure what it would take for Republican-led Senate in the year 2025 to knock down a nominee."

Hegseth's Views on the Military and "Wokeness"

Hegseth has been vocal about his dissatisfaction with what he terms a "woke" military, advocating for a return to traditional values and increased focus on military lethality.

Pete Hegseth [08:06]: "Whether it's woke stuff, social justice stuff, gender stuff, environmental stuff... I joined the army to fight extremists. Twenty years later, I was deemed an extremist because of a tattoo I have on my chest."

Opposition to Women in Combat Roles

Hegseth has publicly opposed the inclusion of women in combat roles, arguing it complicates military operations and increases casualties.

Pete Hegseth [21:20]: "We should not have women in combat roles."

Lamothe explains the ongoing debate within the military regarding women in combat, highlighting the potential impact of Hegseth’s stance.

Implications of Hegseth’s Potential Leadership

Policy Rollbacks and Military Structure

If confirmed, Hegseth is expected to reverse previous administration policies, particularly those related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). He may also push for the removal of senior military officers he perceives as disloyal or excessively progressive.

Dan Lamothe [20:37]: "We would expect a rollback of the DoD abortion travel policy... views on women in combat units."

The Warrior Board Executive Order

A significant focus is the proposed executive order to establish a "Warrior Board," aimed at assessing senior military officers for partisan loyalty rather than performance.

Dan Lamothe [22:46]: "The initial Warrior Board occurred after World War II... This Warrior board is something a bit different."

Potential Risks and Challenges

Lamothe raises concerns about undermining military neutrality, as senior officers might become partisan tools, potentially compromising national security by stifling honest counsel and strategic dissent.

Dan Lamothe [24:46]: "If the president prefers to install yes men... real risks that are not being identified..."

Trump’s National Security Priorities Reflected in Team Selections

The episode analyzes how Trump's picks, including Hegseth, reveal his broader national security strategy:

1. End to "Forever Wars": Emphasizing the withdrawal from prolonged conflicts like Iraq and Afghanistan.

   Kristi Noem [18:25]: "I want to bring our troops back from the endless wars."

2. Deterrence Against China: Strengthening military readiness to counter China as a near-peer threat.

   Dan Lamothe [17:54]: "A strong emphasis on deterrence against China..."

3. Troop Reductions Overseas: Advocating for redeployment of American troops from foreign bases to the U.S.

   Kristi Noem [19:31]: "We're going to be reducing Germany very substantially..."

4. Enhanced Border Security: Utilizing military resources to secure U.S. borders until comprehensive measures are in place.

   Kristi Noem [20:09]: "Until we can have a wall in proper security, we're going to be guarding our border with the military."

Impact on Military Trust and Civil-Military Relations

Lamothe discusses how politicizing military leadership could erode public trust in the armed forces and disrupt the essential non-partisan nature of military advice to civilian leadership.

Dan Lamothe [25:42]: "The military and general officers... are not partisan tools... confusion drives a narrative that general officers are themselves partisan actors."

Conclusion: Navigating a Polarized Defense Leadership

Team America paints a complex picture of Donald Trump's national security appointments, particularly Pete Hegseth’s nomination, highlighting the potential for significant shifts in U.S. defense policies and the risks associated with politicizing military leadership. The episode underscores the delicate balance between political objectives and maintaining a professional, non-partisan military apparatus essential for national security.

Notable Quotes:

• Noel King [00:01]: "Donald Trump is picking his national security team quickly and his choices run the gamut."
• Pete Hegseth [07:08]: "It has nothing to do with white nationalism or nationalism or extremism."
• Pete Hegseth [21:20]: "We should not have women in combat roles."
• Dan Lamothe [24:46]: "If the president prefers to install yes men... real risks that are not being identified."

This summary is intended to provide a comprehensive overview of the "Team America" episode for those who have not listened to it. For full insights and detailed discussions, tuning into the Today, Explained podcast is recommended.