Pete Hegseth’s Future, Farmers on Tariffs, and Religious Decline Stalls

The Bulletin

Christianity Today

News, News Commentary, Religion & Spirituality, Society & Culture, Christianity

4.4 • 586 Ratings

🗓️ 12 December 2025

⏱️ 50 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

This week, officials examine Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth’s role in recent drug boat strikes. Charlie Sykes joins Mike and Clarissa to explain the legalities of the recent military action. Then, President Trump’s tariffs are beginning to affect US farmers. Gretchen Ronnevik shares perspectives from America’s heartland. Finally, a new Pew report says religiosity in America isn’t diminishing quite as quickly as in previous years. We ask veteran journalist Bob Smietana to help us interpret the new data. REFERENCED IN THE SHOW: -⁠Hamas Crackdown, Rural Hospitals, and Why Brides Wear White⁠ - The Bulletin GO DEEPER WITH THE BULLETIN: -Join the conversation at our Substack. -Find us on YouTube. -Rate and review the show in your podcast app of choice. ABOUT THE GUESTS: Charles J. Sykes is a political commentator who hosted a conservative talk show in Wisconsin for 23 years. He was the former editor-in-chief of The Bulwark, and is currently an MSNBC contributor. Sykes has written for The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Politico, Salon, USA Today, National Review, The Weekly Standard, and has appeared on the Today Show, ABC, NBC, Fox News, CNN, PBS, and the BBC. Gretchen Ronnevik is the author of Ragged: Spiritual Disciplines for the Spiritually Exhausted and the co-host of the weekly podcast Freely Given. She and her family live in Minnesota on the family farm. Bob Smietana is a national reporter for Religion News Service based near Chicago, covering evangelicals, weird religion, and the changing religious landscape. ABOUT THE BULLETIN: The Bulletin is a twice-weekly politics and current events show from Christianity Today moderated by Clarissa Moll, with senior commentary from Russell Moore (Christianity Today’s editor-at-large and columnist) and Mike Cosper (senior contributor). Each week, the show explores current events and breaking news and shares a Christian perspective on issues that are shaping our world. We also offer special one-on-one conversations with writers, artists, and thought leaders whose impact on the world brings important significance to a Christian worldview, like Bono, Sharon McMahon, Harrison Scott Key, Frank Bruni, and more. The Bulletin listeners get 25% off CT. Go to https://orderct.com/THEBULLETIN to learn more. “The Bulletin” is a production of Christianity Today Producer: Clarissa Moll Associate Producer: Alexa Burke Editing and Mix: Kevin Morris Graphic Design: Rick Szuecs Music: Dan Phelps Executive Producer: Erik Petrik Senior Producer: Matt Stevens Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcript

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0:00.0	He has given speeches over the years where he praises extrajudicial murders in other countries,
0:10.4	praises summary execution of drug dealers, has pardoned war criminals in the past.
0:15.7	So this is one of those moments where, wait, this may be shocking, but it shouldn't be surprising.
0:23.8	From Christianity Today, you're listening to The Bulletin, a podcast about the people,
0:28.2	events, and issues that are shaping our world. I'm Clarissa Mall, producer and moderator of the
0:33.3	Bulletin. This week's Secretary of Defense Pete Pete Hegeseth, comes under more scrutiny for his
0:38.6	leadership, Trump administration tariffs, pinch U.S. farmers, and a Pew report says
0:44.2	American religious sentiment has stabilized. Charlie Sykes, Gretchen Ronovic, and Bob Smitana
0:50.0	join Mike and me for the conversation. Welcome to the show.
1:11.4	This paid message is from Pew Research Center.
1:17.0	The U.S. Census doesn't track religion, but Pew Research Center's religious landscape study does.
1:22.7	Since 2007, it's provided a comprehensive look at the ever-changing role of faith in America.
1:28.6	With responses from more than 35,000 Americans, the religious landscape Study provides authoritative data on religious beliefs, practices, and identities across all 50 states.
1:33.5	To explore how faith shapes your community, visit pewresearch.org slash RLS.
1:42.0	Hello, listeners. Welcome to our Friday Roundtable. Joining me today, our senior contributor, Mike Kossper. Hi, Mike.
1:48.0	Hey, good morning. And political commentator Charlie Sykes. Hi, Charlie. Hey. It's been a busy week for Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. On Tuesday, Hegseth met with top U.S. officials and members of the House Armed Services Committee
2:01.1	to discuss the possible disclosure of drugboat strike videos.
2:04.9	The same day, a Democratic representative introduced articles of impeachment against him.
2:10.6	Hexeth and the administration gave the excuse of fighting narco-terrorism but provided no evidence for their claim.
2:21.1	Then on Wednesday, the House approved a $900 billion defense policy bill,
2:26.0	reported Politico, with the caveat that Mr. Hegeseth has a quarter of his office's travel budget
2:32.1	withheld until he turns over unedited footage of the
	...

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