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In Trump鈥檚 last cabinet meeting of the year, we hear the US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth - under pressure over possible war crimes in the Carribean Sea - give his fullest explanation yet over what he knew, and when. Citing the 鈥渇og of war鈥� in a chaotic situation, Hegseth said he 鈥渄id not personally see survivors鈥� after a deadly strike on an alleged drug boat in the Carribean, amid concerns that US forces may have violated laws governing armed conflict.

Sarah, Anthony and Justin unpack Hegseth鈥檚 explanation, and where it leaves Trump鈥檚 ongoing dispute with the Venezuelan president, Nicolas Maduro.

We also hear Trump鈥檚 tirade against Somalian immigrants and why he doesn鈥檛 want them in the United States, telling reporters they are 鈥済arbage鈥� who should go back to where they came from and that 鈥渢heir country is no good for a reason鈥�. Americast looks at the reasons behind Trump's outburst, and how immigration authorities will now be targeting Minnesota鈥檚 large Somali community.

And - did Trump fall asleep during Tuesday's cabinet meeting?

HOSTS:
鈥� Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter
鈥� Sarah Smith, North America Editor
鈥� Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent

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鈥� Or use #Americast

This episode was made by George Dabby and Grace Reeve. The technical producer was Dafydd Rees. The series producer is Purvee Pattni. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

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