All In with Chris Hayes U.S. fighter jet downed by Iran: one rescued, one missing
Apr 4, 2026
Brad Onishi, scholar of Christian nationalism, explains religious rhetoric's political sway. Maxwell Frost, U.S. Representative from Florida, discusses subpoenas and the Epstein files probe. Adam Smith, U.S. Representative from Washington, offers military strategy and oversight perspective. They cover the downed F-15, rescue risks, Iran's asymmetric leverage, Pentagon personnel turmoil, and congressional enforcement tactics.
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Asymmetry Means Iran Can Inflict Disproportionate Harm
- Congressman Adam Smith frames the conflict as asymmetric: Iran needs only survival and leverage to inflict outsized regional damage.
- He argues military force couldn't achieve strategic change and Iran exploited asymmetries like missiles and Strait control.
Alienating Allies Reduced U.S. Diplomatic Options
- Cutting allies and insulting partners undermined U.S. diplomatic options, enabling France to negotiate passage while the U.S. is sidelined.
- Adam Smith cites Trump's alienating behavior and taunts of allies as reasons partners de-risk from the U.S.
War Funding Used To Justify Cutting Domestic Programs
- Trump asked Congress for a $1.5 trillion war fund and used that to justify cutting domestic programs like daycare.
- Antonia Hilton plays Trump's deleted video where he calls daycare 'little scams' and prioritizes military protection over social spending.