Kurt and Rich sit down with former Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Admiral John Richardson on this Tea Leaves episode. Admiral Richardson shares what it was like being CNO, his thoughts on military discipline and learning from mistakes, and the state of the Navy today. The three also discuss the Pentagon’s reaction to recent events in the Middle East and in Iran, as well as how the United States’ naval capabilities compare with China’s.
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Mehu Sitepu quoted in Associated Press on Trump’s trade deal with Indonesia
March 18, 2026
Media Mentions
The agreement requires ratification by Indonesia’s parliament before it can take effect. That adds another “layer of uncertainty,” said Mehu ...
Han Lin in The Straits Times on Trump’s China visit delay giving both sides time for trade deal
March 17, 2026
Media Mentions
“Typically, summits ratify progress already made, not create it. If back-channel talks aren’t moving, delay just gives hawks on both ...
Brett Fetterly in Associated Press says delay in state visit is welcome by both U.S. and China
March 17, 2026
Media Mentions
A delay in the state visit is welcome by both the Trump administration and China, said Brett Fetterly, a managing ...
The Asia Group Opens in the Gulf
March 17, 2026
Press Releases
Washington, DC | March 17, 2026 – The Asia Group (TAG) is excited to announce a global expansion strategy and ...