Congressman Adam Smith (D-WA) — Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee — joins The Marketplace of Ideas with Rohan Radharaj for a wide-ranging, in-depth conversation on U.S. defense policy, national security, and America’s role in the world.

Smith discusses defense acquisition reform, the FY2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), reports of Venezuelan maritime strikes, the proposed “Golden Dome” missile defense concept, efforts to impeach the Secretary of Defense, and the growing threat of isolationism on both the left and right.

The interview closes with a direct message to young Americans interested in public service, national security, and foreign policy.

Timestamps:

0:00 - NDAA Introduction
0:38 - VA Reform
1:02 - NDAA Ai Provision
2:12 - Ai on Force Readiness
3:18 - Ai Arms Race with China
4:40 - Sec. Hegseth on China
6:02 - Ukraine & NATO
7:12 - Golden Dome for America
9:26 - Alleged War Crimes in Venezuela
11:35 - Sen. Slotkin's Defy Orders Video
14:32 - Impeaching Sec. Hegseth, and impeachment at large
15:59 - What are we not talking about enough
17:34 - Message to Isolationist
18:42 - The Marketplace of Ideas

The Marketplace of Ideas features long-form interviews with policymakers and thinkers on power, democracy, and American leadership.

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