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The Hegseth Effect: David Frum on the Future of the American Warfighter - America at a Crossroads
Is the U.S. military facing an unprecedented ideological purge? David Frum joins Patt Morrison to pull back the curtain on the administration's attempts to "cull" the military of non-partisan leaders and replace them with political loyalists, and calls out Pete Hegseth in the process.
In this deep-dive analysis, David Frum (The Atlantic) explores the shift from a professional, high-tech volunteer force to a military being pressured into party politics. From the controversial appointment of Pete Hegseth to the rumors of a returning draft, Frum explains why modern, capital-intensive warfare requires dedicated professionals—not "arbitrary presidential whim."
We also discuss the "Orbanization" of American institutions, the reality of drone warfare, and why the most powerful tool of military discipline is the ability to "wash out" those who don't belong—a tool that vanishes in a conscript army.
📘 Guest: David Frum, Senior Editor at The Atlantic, former Presidential Speechwriter.
🎙️ Host: Patt Morrison, LA Times Writer and Columnist
📅 Recorded April 2026