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

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
April 7, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
Tamara Keith and Amy Walter on Trump’s shifting messaging on Iran war
Farmers warn of food price spike as war drives up fuel and fertilizer costs
News Wrap: Russian strikes on southern Ukraine kill at least 4
People in recovery find a fresh start by crafting Troublesome Creek instruments
Trump claims Iranians 'want to hear bombs' because they want to be free
Artemis II crew breaks distance record on mission around far side of moon
What international law says about Trump's threats to bomb Iran's bridges and power plants
Iran war on verge of escalation as Trump and Tehran exchange threats
People in Tehran on edge as Trump’s deadline for Iran looms