“Maximum lethality”: the US military under the Trump administration

Defense Secretary Hegseth doesn’t want the US military to fight with “stupid rules of engagement”.

On this episode of After America, Allan Behm and Angus Blackman discuss the American ‘double-tap’ strike on an alleged drug boat, Pete Hegseth’s use of Signal to share sensitive military information, and why Trump spent a night posting 160 times on Truth Social.

This discussion was recorded on Friday 5 December 2025.

A time for Bravery: what happens when Australia chooses courage is available now via Australia Institute Press. Use the code ‘POD5’ to get $5 off.

Aiming Higher: Universities and Australia’s future by Professor George Williams is also available now.

Guest: Allan Behm, Advisor, International & Security Affairs, the Australia Institute

Host: Angus Blackman, Executive Producer, the Australia Institute // @AngusRB

Show notes:

War Crimes: Where do Responsibility and Accountability Start and End? By Allan Behm, the Australia Institute (May 2025)

What legal experts say about second US strike on Venezuela boat by Lucy Gelder, BBC (December 2025)

Pentagon Report: Hegseth Risked Endangering Troops With Signal Messages, The Atlantic (December 2025)

Trump’s night of 160 posts on Truth Social fuels debate about US president’s stamina by Richard Luscombe, The Guardian (December 2025)

Theme music: Blue Dot Sessions

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