PROGRAMMING NOTE: Hot Takes Happy Hour with myself and
will take place FRIDAY at 4p in observation of Yom Kippur. May all those who celebrate have an easy and peaceful fast.There was so much news this week - Friday’s discussion should be next level!
This week’s meeting at Quantico—and the remarks from both President Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to the assembled generals and admirals—drew shock, condemnation, some agreement, and plenty of memes. Most importantly, it raised critical questions about whether the U.S. military under Trump and Hegseth will be ready to fulfill its mission, and whether future generations, particularly women, will continue to serve. Few journalists can cut through the noise to focus on what truly matters like Barbara Starr. As I said yesterday, Barbara’s reporting is sharp, thoughtful, and essential—and this conversation was no exception. If you weren’t able to watch live, check out the recording.
SHOW NOTES:
Barbara’s piece: Are you ready for a life-changing week ahead? (Substack, Sept. 27, 2005)
Secretary Pete Hegseth’s Convocation, the Warrior Ethos, and Our Military’s Covenant with American Society (HR McMaster’s Substack, Sept. 30, 2025)
Trump Tells Generals the Military Will Be Used to Fight ‘Enemy Within’ (Wall Street Journal, Sept. 30, 2025)
Hegseth’s Quantico Farce: Terrifying, or Oddly Reassuring? (The Nation, Oct. 1, 2025)
Female veterans slam Hegseth’s questioning of their combat fitness (Axios, Sept. 30, 2025)
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