© 2026 Michigan State University Board of Trustees
Public Media from Michigan State University
DONATE
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

PBS News Hour

How Hegseth could reshape the Defense Department under Trump

Season 2024 Episode 319 | 6m 57s

For perspective on President-elect Trump's pick of Pete Hegseth to be Secretary of Defense, Nick Schifrin spoke with James McPherson. He served as under secretary of the Army and as the Army's general council during the first Trump administration. He also had a 25-year career in the Navy and served as that service's top lawyer in uniform.

Major corporate funding for the PBS News Hour is provided by BDO, BNSF, Consumer Cellular, American Cruise Lines, and Raymond James. Funding for the PBS NewsHour Weekend is provided by Consumer Cellular and Cunard Cruise Line. For a complete list of funders for the PBS NewsHour and PBS NewsHour weekend, click here.
Extras
Watch • 57:46
PBS News Hour
August 12, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
August 12, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
Episode: S2026 E165 | 57:46
Watch • 4:25
PBS News Hour
Sam Roberts joins Geoff Bennett on 'Settle In'
Sam Roberts and Geoff Bennett discuss the art of obituary writing on 'Settle In'
Clip: S2026 E165 | 4:25
Watch • 8:07
PBS News Hour
Spain's plan to give undocumented migrants legal status
A look at Spain's plan to give undocumented migrants legal status
Clip: S2026 E165 | 8:07
Watch • 7:24
PBS News Hour
Democratic, Republican strategists on direction of parties
Democratic and Republican strategists on the direction of both parties
Clip: S2026 E165 | 7:24
Watch • 6:30
PBS News Hour
News Wrap: Trump confirms he was whisked away in Turkey
News Wrap: Trump confirms he was secretly whisked away from Air Force One in Turkey
Clip: S2026 E165 | 6:30
Watch • 9:03
PBS News Hour
Federal judges describe threats amid attacks from leaders
Federal judges describe violent threats amid 'dehumanizing attacks' from political leaders
Clip: S2026 E165 | 9:03
Watch • 6:21
PBS News Hour
Andrew Bird takes eclectic compositions to symphony stages
Andrew Bird takes eclectic compositions to symphony stages
Clip: S2026 E165 | 6:21
Watch • 3:14
PBS News Hour
Primaries yield mixed results for moderate, progressive Dems
Latest primaries yield mixed results for moderate and progressive Democrats
Clip: S2026 E165 | 3:14
Watch • 3:54
PBS News Hour
What to know as your driver's license gets a digital upgrade
What to know as your driver's license gets a digital upgrade
Clip: S2026 E164 | 3:54
Watch • 7:09
PBS News Hour
Credit card debt rises as high rates make it hard to pay off
Credit card debt surges in U.S. as high interest rates make it harder to pay off
Clip: S2026 E164 | 7:09