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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
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PBS News Hour
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Tamara Keith and Amy Walter on Trump's midterm influence
Clip: S2026 E178 | 8:00
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PBS News Hour
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What the latest U.S.-Iran strikes mean for oil supplies and maritime safety
Clip: S2026 E178 | 7:59
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PBS News Hour
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Artificial intelligence agents going rogue fuel calls for regulation
Clip: S2026 E178 | 6:30
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PBS News Hour
News Wrap: SCOTUS allows ballroom construction to continue
News Wrap: Supreme Court allows Trump ballroom construction to continue amid challenges
Clip: S2026 E178 | 5:40
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PBS News Hour
U.S. and Iran trade strikes over Strait of Hormuz control
U.S. and Iran trade strikes for first time in weeks over Strait of Hormuz control
Clip: S2026 E178 | 3:46
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PBS News Hour
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How NASA's new space telescope could help solve mysteries of dark energy and dark matter
Clip: S2026 E178 | 4:57
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PBS News Hour
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Clip: S2026 E178 | 6:18
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PBS News Hour
Challenges the U.S. will face to unlock Venezuela's oil
Analyst breaks down challenges U.S. will face to unlock Venezuela's oil
Clip: S2026 E178 | 6:52
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PBS News Hour
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Grand Canyon flash flood leaves 2 dead, others missing
Clip: S2026 E178 | 2:26
Watch • 57:46
PBS News Hour
August 31, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
August 31, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
Episode: S2026 E178 | 57:46