America is a damaged brand. I spent the week in India 🇮🇳 (if you missed my posts on four other platforms) at the Raisina Dialogue hearing angry US allies and partner leaders, public and private, describe how they can endure, withstand, and thrive together amid Trump’s protectionist attacks.

⏰ 100 days until #FIFAWorldCup! FIFA President Gianni Infantino: “The Official FIFA World Cup 2026 Tournament Poster captures the energy, diversity and shared passion that will define the most inclusive edition of the tournament in history." Diversity. Inclusion. Those aren’t accidental words.

Today’s fake Pentagon press conference with fake reporters was sad, disheartening and dangerous. War deserves the utmost scrutiny from America’s experienced and principled defense journalists who have done so for decades. The US officials who wage war deserve the utmost scrutiny.

Watch my Sunday morning chat on the Grounded podcast with my friend Maritsa Georgiou and former Sen. Jon Tester, on Iran, the Pentagon, predictions, and coverage. This could go any which way. open.substack.com/pub/grounded...

During day 1 of the war on Iran, at the Pentagon: - No secretary of defense - No Joint Chiefs chairman - Joint Staff director fired two days ago - No journalists (banned)

The Olympics are inherently an antidote to isolationism, nationalism, racism, and xenophobia. The Olympics are a global competition that helps us win the global competition that matters most. The Olympics matter. www.linkedin.com/pulse/rejoic...

Which America are we to the world? The one of joyful inclusion or violent exclusion? Both are on display. It’s time we think about the strategic importance of this moment. open.substack.com/pub/defenseb...

“Work it harder, make it Do it faster, makes us More than ever, hour after hour Work is never over”

Catch me in this segment on Trump, Venezuela, Greenland, Congress and the destabilizing moment he has caused.

Let’s recap: Trump threatened military attack on a NATO ally and is demanding their territory. If that’s not an impeachable breach of the oath of office, I don’t know what is. Trump has destabilized our hemisphere and Europe’s, creating a two-front crisis. We need NATO. We need stability.

In 2025, I did more news media hits than I had anticipated I would. From global security events to Trump-DC politics and the Pentagon press corps. And I turned down quite a lot. (There’s only so many times you can say the same things about Hegseth.) Thankful for them all.

My heart today is with the Chabad of #Bondi, who many years ago welcomed me in for a special Passover Seder with their Russian immigrant community that I’ll never forget. May these #Chanukkah candles bring light to this world.

Y'all, MATT GAETZ was one of the fake reporters at today's fake Pentagon press briefing. The 2nd question at the fake press conference went to the disgraced and alleged child sex trafficker former congressman who allegedly paid for sex with a homeless 17-year old. So, there.

🏎️ F1 and the US defense industry. And, I’m sorry, Max is not my favorite driver. As the #LasVegasGP continues to unfold (or for after the 🏁) hear or see more with @defensebaron.bsky.social on @indyamericans.bsky.social:

What I wanted to add on air before we changed topics: Congress has a say in arms sales. But this Congress rarely bucks Trump. So, BLUF: We want the Saudi military closer to us than China. Is this deal gonna make a difference among all the other economic & cultural ties and deals? A little.

"China could get a hold of that plane or some of that technology on board and use it for themselves." National security analyst @defensebaron.bsky.social joins @stephruhle.bsky.social to talk about the national security concerns over Trump's plan to sell F-35s fighter jets to Saudi Arabia.

@stephruhle.bsky.social @peterbakernyt.bsky.social @davidmdrucker.bsky.social @dougjones.bsky.social @defensebaron.bsky.social @lbarronlopez.bsky.social

⚡️Manosphere Monday @indyamericans.bsky.social EP 375. @defensebaron.bsky.social Countdown to Conflict in Venezuela. Marines in Shootout in Haiti. Fearless Fathering. Teaching Kids Chaos is the New Normal. Ivy Football Stunner, Landman & F1’s Surprising Finale. Watch: youtu.be/nBAc2bYEL1Q?...

Can AI defeat fascists? For #VeteransDay, here's a story of a veteran-owned company paying it forward. Code 19 Racing is a purpose-driven #AI, #autonomy and #robotics company, advancing global competitiveness from the classroom to the race track to the front lines. youtu.be/9EkpDDZ9Rtw?...

New: Episode 2 🎥 : Elevation Live! with Kevin Baron - Inside Autonomous Racing: When Will #AI Beat a Formula 1 Driver? (And why is the Army interested?) "We want to showcase this to the world, and showcase what #autonomy can really do, at its limits." Meet Code19 Racing: youtu.be/9EkpDDZ9Rtw?...

DEI isn’t dead. Climate change isn’t a hoax. And global corporate sponsors and investors aren’t backing down. Not by a long shot. Not in this high-tech, purpose-driven global sports league where social impact is part of of the prize. Watch… youtu.be/jcEYcXFys60?...

NEW: Meet the remarkable Fiona Morgan, chief purpose officer at ‪#SailGP‬. She’s leading a global sports league with impact its core — faster than most governments. Watch our exclusive conversation on the first episode of 'Elevation Live!' here: www.elevation-live.com/elevation-li...

We are thrilled to announce that our NEW Large Language Model will be released on 11.18.25.

The last time President Trump attended a US Open match, as a presidential candidate in 2015, the booing was so loud that multiple news outlets wrote stories about it. He will be back on Sunday, attending the men’s final, prompting a question: What will ABC/ESPN show and how? >>>

🚨 Trump posted today, declaring war on the city of Chicago. So why is the US Open allowing him to attend the men’s tennis final tomorrow — and censoring broadcasters? #USOpen

UPDATE | Volunteers including State Sen. Carlos Guillermo Smith colored in the Pulse Memorial rainbow crosswalk after it was removed overnight. Full story: https://www.wesh.com/article/pulse-rainbow-crosswalk-orlando-removed-overnight/65861732 

Ask me anything.

Post a non-religious photo you think of as holy

I’m staying up late with Steph Ruhle tonight, watch us:

Tsunami buoys lighting up along Alaska. Hawaii friends evacuate to high ground. No joke. www.ndbc.noaa.gov

🙋🏻‍♂️

🚨BREAKING: TRUMP GAVE IRAN HIS PERMISSION TO STRIKE A US MILITARY BASE IN QATAR “They said we’re going to shoot them. Is 1 o’clock ok? I said, it’s fine.”

*pops another Tostito in mouth…

Don’t lose sight that Trump has no clear foreign policy for anything, including #NATO. The U.S. is no longer leading, not trusted to honor its commitments, nor attractive to our European allies. His bullying has spurred Europe in a way that only makes us less connected, and thus less secure.

Brilliant piece by my brilliant friend, Kori. And exactly why I started Elevation Global Strategies, to help build and expand our community of global partnerships and connections that run deeper than short-sighted, self-destructive policies.

Trump’s trip to the Middle East is revealing more about America’s actual (narrow and outdated) perceptions of the Gulf states than anything. Especially Qatar. My take? There’s work to be done. The gifted 747/AF1 plane story hasn’t helped.

Going to #Miami? See you there! I’ll be down for the #F1 #MiamiGP taking meetings with officials, sponsors, and events teams, plus some parties and races. DM if you’d like to connect! www.elevation-live.com

🗣️ IT'S RACE WEEEEEEEEK We're heading to the 305 for our second #F1Sprint of the year! #F1 #MiamiGP

I’m just sayin’…

Donald Trump fired the heads of the National Security Agency following a meeting with far-right conspiracy theorist Laura Loomer. @defensebaron.bsky.social lays out how these firings give U.S. adversaries the chance to “start trouble.”

Also joining The Weekend today 👇 Rep. @robertgarcia.bsky.social David Jolly @defensebaron.bsky.social @maya4rights.bsky.social @paoramos.bsky.social

Gen Z and Millennials: In ten years when we’re still without a cure and you’re caring for your parents, remember what he did.

CNBC is off the chain today.

Introducing Elevation Global Strategies, a new venture into live events and lasting video content where global affairs meets culture. To learn more, please visit: www.elevation-live.com.

Every American should be concerned by the Trump administration’s announcement of an "Annual Media Rotation Program,” @defensebaron.bsky.social and Price Floyd write. wapo.st/4hmjCd5

I’m too busy tweeting shock over on X to copy it here but…. For real, WTF

Trump wants US troops takeover of Gaza??? And forcibly expel Palestinians. So he can redevelop the real estate.

My op-ed with Price Floyd, posted on the Washington Post this morning: Why the Pentagon’s ‘rotation’ of media outlets is bad news

Don’t forget about USAID.

THREAD: Over on X…