Reveal Jeffrey Goldberg on Signalgate, Pete Hegseth, and the Risk of WWIII
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Jul 2, 2025 
Jeffrey Goldberg, Editor-in-chief of The Atlantic and a seasoned journalist, shares insights from being unintentionally included in a secret chat about military actions in Yemen. He discusses the alarming implications of the Trump administration's decision-making on national security. The conversation touches on escalating tensions with Iran, the precarious situation in Taiwan, and the role of journalism in safeguarding democracy. Goldberg also emphasizes the need for empathy in society and the importance of balanced reporting amid chaotic political landscapes.
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Confidence in Military Leaders Varies
- Competence varies among current officials involved in U.S. military actions.
- There is high confidence in military generals but low in politically appointed figures like Pete Hegseth.
Risks of Trump's Nuclear Impulsiveness
- Trump's impulsiveness and provocative communication increase nuclear war risks.
- A president with nuclear authority must be calm and analytic, conditions Trump lacks.
Unpredictability as a Diplomatic Tool
- An unpredictable leader can deter adversaries via uncertainty (the "crazy Nixon approach").
- But this only works if the leader is unpredictable in behavior without being truly irrational.