Brian Lehrer: A Daily Politics Podcast – Veterans Group Leader: Hegseth Misses Military Reason For Diversity

Paul Rieckhoff

November 11, 2025

The Brief

→ Four things from today’s episode

Paul opens from Lower Manhattan under the Tribute in Light o. Paul opens from Lower Manhattan under the Tribute in Light on the week of the 25th anniversary of 9/11

Mayor Mamdani’s release of thousands of documents confirming. Mayor Mamdani’s release of thousands of documents confirming the government lied to first responders about post-9/11 toxins

“They lied. Our friends died. And more will die this week.”. Paul names Giuliani, Bloomberg, and Adams by name

Why every politician. Trump, Mamdani, all of them — should stay the hell away from the 9/11 ceremony

Show Notes

On Veterans Day, we explore recent changes to the US military under Pete Hegseth.

On Today’s Show:
Paul Rieckhoff, independent national security, veterans affairs and political analyst, host of the Independent Americans podcast, founder & CEO, Independent Veterans of America, co-founder of American Veterans for Ukraine, founder of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), discusses how vets are viewing the changes Pete Hegseth is making to the armed forces, and how well they feel they are being taken care of under Hegseth and the Trump administration.

https://www.wnycstudios.org/podcasts/bl-daily-politics-podcast/articles/veterans-group-leader-hegseth-misses-military-reason-for-diversity

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