Episode

General Barry McCaffrey (Replay). America Is The Bad Guy. Can Nato Survive Trump?

Podcast: Independent Americans with Paul Rieckhoff
Published: Aug 31, 2026
Duration seconds: 1980
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Canonical source: https://bleav.com/shows/independent-americans-with-paul-rieckhoff/episodes/general-barry-mccaffrey-replay-america-is-the-bad-guy-can-nato-survive-trump/
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Summary

General Barry McCaffrey has seen more war and more national security decision-making than almost anyone alive. A retired four-star, four combat tours, three Purple Hearts, veteran of the National Security Council under three administrations. In this replay, he sits down with Paul Rieckhoff for a no-BS conversation about a moment most Americans still haven't fully absorbed: the U.S. is no longer trusted by its closest allies, our institutions have been hollowed out, and the most trusted institution in American life — the armed forces — is being dragged into domestic politics in ways that should alarm every citizen, regardless of party.