

Threat Status
The Washington Times
An edgy and informative look at the biggest U.S. national security and geopolitical issues making headlines right now. Less about hot takes and more about depth, the Threat Status podcast is helmed by veteran Washington Times journalists Ben Wolfgang and Guy Taylor and features regular appearances by insiders with expertise on war, politics and global affairs.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jun 20, 2025 • 35min
Why the U.S. should bomb Iran (and why it shouldn't)
Ben and Guy break down President Trump's looming decision whether to order U.S. military strikes on Iran, Russia's latest attacks on Ukraine, and the dangers to American national security posed by underground tunnels. Then, Ed Wong of the New York Times joins the show to talk about his latest book, "At the Edge of Empire - a family's reckoning with China." Plus, the "Threat of the Week."

Jun 13, 2025 • 34min
Here's why the Army wants to 3D print drones
Ben and Guy discuss the potential for an Israeli military strike on Iran, the U.S. shortfall in shipbuilding, and the long-term ramifications of deploying active-duty Marines on American soil. Then, Lt. Gen. Chris Mohan, deputy commanding general and acting commander of U.S. Army Materiel Command, joins the show to talk about the 3D printing of drones and how the Pentagon is rethinking the way it moves materiel and personnel around the world. Plus, the "Threat of the Week."

Jun 6, 2025 • 33min
What's driving the Army recruiting surge?
Ben and Guy break down the massive surge in Army recruiting, the potential for any U.S. involvement in Ukraine's drone swarm attack on Russia, and the threat from Chinese agro-terror. Then, Chris Jones, chief technology officer at Nightwing, joins the show to talk about American offensive cyber operations and much more. Plus, the "Threat of the Week."

May 30, 2025 • 28min
Here's why U.S. security vetting needs to evolve
Ben breaks down the high-stakes Shangri-La Security Dialogue, the U.S.-Canada rift over the Golden Dome missile shield, and President Trump's efforts to strike a nuclear deal with Iran and end conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. Then, Alex Martin, co-founder and CEO of the company Clearspeed, joins the show to talk about the U.S. security vetting process for prospective government employees and foreign partners — and why it needs to be changed. Plus, the "Threat of the Week."

May 23, 2025 • 29min
Here's how the US can still help Ukraine beat Russia
Ben breaks down President Trump's Golden Dome missile shield announcement, reports of dissension inside the administration over Syria policy, and the president's long-awaited phone call with Vladimir Putin. Then, retired Rear Adm. Mark Montgomery of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies joins the show to discuss his recent trip to Ukraine, the threats from Chinese cyberattacks, and much more. Plus, the "Threat of the Week."

May 16, 2025 • 32min
Is the US ready to build the Golden Dome?
Ben and Guy take listeners behind the scenes of the Threat Status "Golden Dome for America" event and dive into several key topics around the missile shield proposal. And they break down the latest on Russia-Ukraine peace talks and U.S.-Iran nuclear negotiations. Then, Rob Ryan, director of business development at Teledyne FLIR Defense, joins the show from SOF Week 2025 in Tampa, Florida. Plus, the "Threat of the Week."

May 9, 2025 • 34min
Here's what the future of drone warfare looks like
Ben and Guy discuss President Trump's claim that the Houthis want to surrender, soaring India-Pakistan tensions, and why top federal officials rely on commercial apps like Signal to communicate. Then, Ben interviews Ryan Gury, co-founder and CEO of the drone company PDW, live from the SOF Week 2025 convention in Tampa, Florida. Plus, the "Threat of the Week."

May 2, 2025 • 33min
Here's the role of US Special Forces in the 21st century
Ben and Guy discuss the ouster of Mike Waltz from his role as White House national security adviser, the U.S.-Ukraine minerals deal, and why the Pentagon is so secretive about its military strikes on the Houthi rebels. Then, Stu Bradin, president and CEO of the Global SOF Foundation, joins the show to preview SOF Week 2025 and to explain the role of America's elite Special Forces in the 21st century. Plus, the "Threat of the Week."

Apr 25, 2025 • 34min
Here's how AI will transform the federal workforce
Ben and Guy discuss the Houthi rebels' claim to have shot down another American drone, the disintegrating Russia-Ukraine ceasefire push, and the fight inside the Trump administration over whether the U.S. should bomb Iranian nuclear sites. Then, Dan Naselius, president and CTO of Coras, joins the show to talk about how AI will transform the federal workforce and how China is using the technology to fuel its rapid growth. Plus, the "Threat of the Week."

Apr 18, 2025 • 36min
Here's how the Golden Dome will actually work
Ben and Guy discuss the dire warning about America's deterrence capabilities from the new Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman, and they break down the possible end game for U.S.-Iran nuclear talks. Then, Tory Bruno, president and CEO of the United Launch Alliance, joins the show to explain in detail how the Golden Dome missile shield will actually work — and even the possibility of directed energy weapons being a part of it. Plus, the "Threat of the Week."


