The Mona Charen Show

Mona Charen talks with Adam Isacson and John Walsh of the Washington Office on Latin America about Operation Southern Spear, the Trump administration’s deadly strikes on suspected drug-smuggling boats, and the secret legal theory being used to justify them. They examine the killing of survivors in a second strike, Pete Hegseth’s purge of military lawyers, the evidence that the campaign hasn’t reduced the cocaine supply, and why U.S. allies are increasingly wary of sharing intelligence that could be used in the strikes. Upgrade your everyday essentials with Quince, from Mongolian cashmere and premium-stretch denim to leather bags, 14k gold jewelry, bedding, bath, kitchen essentials, and furniture. Quince works directly with ethical factories to offer quality pieces at prices 50–80% less than similar brands. Find the fall pieces you’ll reach for most at https://www.quince.com/MONA. Get free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada and the UK, too. Further reading: WOLA — Killing Spree: Extrajudicial Executions in the U.S. Boat Strikes Campaign https://www.wola.org/analysis/killing-spree-extrajudicial-executions-in-the-u-s-boat-strikes-campaign/ The Washington Post — Deadly U.S. boat strikes have failed to curb cocaine supply, Pentagon and DEA officials say https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2026/07/27/operation-southern-spear-has-not-slowed-cocaine-entering-us/ Reuters — We bought everything needed to make $3 million worth of fentanyl. All it took was $3,600. https://www.reuters.com/investigations/we-bought-everything-needed-make-3-million-worth-fentanyl-all-it-took-was-3600-2024-07-25/

Mona Charen is joined by Bill Galston, Linda Chavez, and Damon Linker for a "Beg to Differ" reunion! They discuss the Trump administration’s foreign policy and corruption, America’s standing in the world, Israel and Gaza, antisemitism, the Democratic Party’s internal battles over the DSA, and the political significance of upcoming races in Pennsylvania and Michigan. Plus: recommendations for books and TV shows.

Mona Charen speaks with former CIA officer Julie Curlee about her two decades in intelligence, her removal from the Trump White House, and what she describes as the dangerous erosion of expertise and nonpartisan analysis across the national security apparatus. They examine intelligence politicization, Iran and Venezuela, and why Curlee believes the loss of experienced public servants could take a generation to repair. Make laundry day the best day of the week! Get 20% off your entire order @LaundrySauce with code MONA at https://laundrysauce.com/MONA #laundrysaucepod If you value long-form interviews that resist the rush to the next topic and give deeply knowledgeable guests room to explain not just what is happening but why it matters, consider becoming a paid member of The Bulwark. Your support gives us the freedom to keep making conversations with this kind of depth.

Mona Charen and Will Saletan discuss the fallout from Trump’s Iran war, his attacks on America’s allies, growing trouble for Republicans ahead of the midterms, and the Democratic message that could capitalize on MAGA’s failures.

Mona Charen is joined by Bill Kristol to discuss Mark Twain’s Pudd’nhead Wilson for the August edition of The Bulwark Book Club with viewers. Published in 1894, the novel tells the story of two boys—one born into slavery, the other the master’s son—who were switched in the cradle. They’ll discuss how the book relates to our world today, and whether Mark Twain is more relevant than ever. Get 15% off OneSkin with the code MONACHAREN at https://www.oneskin.co/MONACHAREN #oneskinpod