Hegseth's Military Makeover - Inside Politics with Dana Bash and Manu Raju - Podcast on CNN Podcasts

CNN

CNN Podcasts

Shutdown timeline, Tesla’s sales, rogue planet & more
5 Things
Listen to
CNN 5 Things
Thu, Oct 2
New Episodes
How To Listen
On your computer On your mobile device Smart speakers
Explore CNN
US World Politics Business
showcast

CNN Inside Politics

Each weekday, Dana Bash and a panel of well-sourced reporters bring you the most important political stories of the day. On the weekend, Manu Raju kicks off CNN's Sunday morning political programming with Inside Politics Sunday. Dana and Manu get answers from the people making headlines, explain the political stories that matter, and report on how the news will impact you.

Dana Bash and Manu Raju

Back to episodes list

Hegseth's Military Makeover
CNN Inside Politics
Sep 30, 2025

Addressing a rare gathering of top US military officials from around the world, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announces new standards designed to eliminate "fat generals and admirals." And if his mandatory fitness tests means fewer women in the military, he says, "so be it." We analyze his comments as well as those from President Trump, joined by an Air Force veteran in Congress who just happens to be female. 

Also on today's show: A government shutdown is just hours away and there is no sign that the two sides are even talking. The only thing crossing the aisle is blame.