On Offense: Conversations with Kris Goldsmith

Yesterday, I had the chance to do something new: a Substack Live event with my friend Reed Galen from The Home Front. Thanks to Substack, the video recording is now available, and I'm excited to share it with you here.

We talk about the urgent need to go on offense against the rising tide of authoritarianism in America. Topics we dig into include:

How veterans (through Task Force Butler and Veterans Fighting Fascism) and civilians (through Join the Union) can work together to rebuild pro-democracy communities

Why hyperlocal organizing—at the school board, county commissioner, and neighborhood coffee shop level—is key to fighting fascism

How reviving "third places" like book clubs, union halls, and community spaces can rebuild civic trust

How to channel anger and grief into productive, hopeful action without losing empathy

This is a raw, honest conversation about where we are, what’s at stake, and how we can start making a difference right where we live.

📚 Resources mentioned:

* Start an Antifascist Book Club

* Join the Union

* Find Out Podcast

Thanks for being part of this movement. On offense is the only way forward.

— Kris

P.S. Thank you DEO, Deedles, Cat F, Ajhview, Michelle25, and many others for tuning into my live video with Reed Galen! Join me for my next live video in the app.

I know one of the guys who was kicked out of the Pentagon last week.

His name is Dan Caldwell, and for more than a decade, he’s been one of Pete Hegseth’s most trusted advisors. I’ve known Dan for about that long too. We’ve disagreed—vehemently—on some of the most important questions facing the veteran community. That includes the future of the Department of Veterans Affairs and the privatization agenda pushed by his former employer, Concerned Veterans for America (CVA). But despite our fundamental ideological differences, I’ve always found Dan to be a principled person, and someone who treats others with honesty and respect.

That’s why I was genuinely shocked to hear that he—and a small group of other longtime Hegseth allies—were marched out of the Pentagon by security, accused of leaking sensitive national security information. The media firestorm that’s followed their departure has revealed something much bigger than just an internal HR dispute. It’s exposed the cracks inside a chaotic and deeply factionalized Defense Department, where power struggles are escalating and national security is taking a backseat to petty rivalries, ideological purges, and influence games involving Elon Musk.

These are not routine personnel shuffles. They represent a breakdown in the basic functioning of the civilian leadership of the U.S. military. When experienced advisors are removed under murky circumstances, when investigations are launched and concluded without transparency or due process, and when the media narrative is driven by anonymous leaks rather than public accountability, the integrity of the Pentagon is put at risk.

Let’s be clear: something is deeply wrong at the Pentagon.

These aren’t routine personnel shuffles—they’re ideological purges with national security consequences.

A Veteran With Principles—Even If We Don’t Agree

Despite our fundamental ideological differences, I’ve always found Dan to be a principled person.

Dan Caldwell is a Marine Corps veteran who deployed to Iraq. After his service, he worked on Capitol Hill, became a prominent policy staffer at CVA, and later advised Defense Priorities, a think tank that advocates for restraint in U.S. foreign policy. I first got to know him while I was a student veteran trying to pass legislation to expand education and healthcare access. He was, at the time, part of the government affairs team for CVA.

My opposition to CVA’s mission—especially its efforts to privatize the VA—is no secret. I’ve testified against it. I’ve written about it. I’ve protested it. But unlike some of the figures who cycled through that organization, Dan always struck me as someone motivated by principle. His support for veterans’ choice wasn’t just a libertarian reflex—it came from a deep distrust in large, inefficient institutions, a belief system I don’t share but at least respect for its internal logic.

Over the years, I saw how he remained steady in his beliefs while the political winds shifted around him. He could have chased a Fox News career. He could have reinvented himself as a political consultant. But he didn’t. Dan Caldwell stayed focused on policy, on ideas, and on his belief in what was best for the country—even when I strongly disagreed with his conclusions.

And unlike Pete Hegseth—who, in my view, used CVA as a stepping stone to a Fox News contract and a political career—Dan stayed in the weeds. He did the hard policy work. He tried to build bridges across political divides. That counts for something.

So when I heard that he’d been fired from the Pentagon and accused of leaking classified information, my first reaction was disbelief. And the more we’ve learned since, the more it looks like this wasn’t about national security at all—it was about power. It was about control. And it was about silencing dissent.

On Offense with Kris Goldsmith is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

The Timeline of a Purge

Caldwell was fired alongside Darin Selnick (Hegseth’s deputy chief of staff) and Colin Carroll (chief of staff to Deputy Defense Secretary Stephen Feinberg). All three had long histories with Hegseth and had helped shape the Trump administration’s veterans and military policy for over a decade. They were known quantities, deeply trusted by Hegseth, and aligned with his original political trajectory.

The public rationale for their removal was an investigation into leaks—reportedly involving U.S. military plans for the Panama Canal, a second carrier heading to the Red Sea, and a proposed intelligence pause related to Ukraine. Yet as reporting from Politico, Reuters, AP, and Responsible Statecraft has made clear, these allegations remain entirely unsubstantiated. The Pentagon never even conducted polygraph tests. > “None of the three men have been told what they were specifically being investigated for.”

None of the three men have been told what they were specifically being investigated for.

In a joint statement, Caldwell, Selnick, and Carroll said:

“We are incredibly disappointed by the manner in which our service at the Department of Defense ended. Unnamed Pentagon officials have slandered our character with baseless attacks on our way out the door... At this time, we still have not been told what exactly we were investigated for, if there is still an active investigation, or if there was even a real investigation of 'leaks' to begin with.” Source

Meanwhile, the individual most responsible for initiating the investigation—Joe Kasper, Hegseth’s chief of staff—is also reportedly on his way out after internal disputes and mounting criticism from within the building. According to Politico, there were clear signs of a power struggle, with one defense official stating: “Joe didn’t like those guys... it was a personality clash.”

Musk, Yemen, and the Signal Chats

The internal warfare at the Pentagon might have stayed hidden if it weren’t for what came next: the Signal chat leaks.

First came The Atlantic's bombshell revelation that National Security Advisor Mike Waltz had included journalist Jeffrey Goldberg in an unclassified Signal group where top officials, including Hegseth, were discussing U.S. airstrikes in Yemen in real time. That same thread named Dan Caldwell as the go-to staffer for coordinating with the National Security Council—hardly the behavior of someone trying to leak classified info to the press.

Then The New York Times revealed that Hegseth shared additional operational details about Yemen in a separate Signal chat that included his wife and brother. These revelations have triggered an inspector general investigation into whether the Defense Secretary himself violated the Federal Records Act and endangered national security.

That these messages were leaked is bad enough. That they were sent in unsecure chats including people with no clearance—like Hegseth’s spouse and lawyer—is a catastrophic breach. National security protocols exist for a reason. And the fact that someone like Caldwell is being scapegoated while these breaches are brushed aside is deeply telling.

They’re scapegoating restraint advocates while ignoring actual breaches by the Secretary of Defense himself.

And yet it was Caldwell—a known restraint advocate who had publicly called the Iraq War a "monstrous crime"—who got escorted out of the building last week.

A Fight Over War and Peace

This isn’t just about office politics. What we’re witnessing is an internal war over the future of American foreign policy.

Caldwell has long opposed the "forever wars" and costly interventions. He was skeptical of U.S. military aid to Ukraine (another thing he and I have tremendous disagreements about) and warned against confrontation with Iran and China. He is part of a camp of "realists" in the GOP who believe in restraining U.S. military power and focusing on diplomacy.

That has put him in direct conflict with the more hawkish neoconservative faction within Trump’s coalition. Responsible Statecraft reported that other restraint-oriented voices—like Elbridge Colby and Daniel Davis—have also been marginalized or attacked in recent months. And it’s worth noting that Elon Musk, whose influence over national security decisions has grown dramatically, stands to benefit from having those realists purged.

So while some pundits frame this as just another round of Trumpworld infighting, it may actually be something more dangerous: an effort to silence dissenting voices and centralize influence over the Pentagon in the hands of Musk, Hegseth, and a loyalist inner circle.

The end result of this ideological battle could reshape the U.S. military’s posture for years to come. And if the factional victors are more interested in loyalty than competence, in performative masculinity over diplomacy, and in billionaire influence over constitutional process, the consequences will be dire—not just for the troops, but for the country and the world.

Why This Should Alarm You

Even if you disagree with Dan Caldwell’s views, you should be alarmed by what’s happening.

We’re watching a Defense Department abandon norms, purge experienced public servants, and allow personal vendettas to dictate national security decision-making. Civilian control of the military is being eroded in favor of personal loyalty. Strategic restraint is being cast as subversion.

The most powerful military on Earth is being run like a group chat drama.

And it’s clear that personal loyalty, not public service, is now the dominant currency inside the Pentagon.

These developments don’t exist in isolation. They follow the firing of top uniformed leaders like the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the head of U.S. Cyber Command, and the U.S. military representative to NATO. They reflect a coordinated effort to centralize power, weaken oversight, and undermine the chain of command. And they portend a future where war and peace are decided not by deliberation, but by ego, ideology, and signal threads.

I never thought I’d be writing in defense of someone from CVA. But this isn’t about policy anymore. It’s about whether we can trust the people running our military to act with integrity, transparency, and a basic respect for democracy.

Right now, the answer is no. And that should scare the hell out of all of us.

What You Can Do

This isn’t just political infighting. It’s a breach of national security and a breakdown of public trust.

If you want to take action, 5Calls has launched a campaign demanding accountability for Hegseth, Waltz, and other Trump administration officials involved in the unsecured Signal chats that revealed U.S. military strike plans.

📞 Click here to contact your representatives and demand real accountability.

Thanks for reading On Offense with Kris Goldsmith! This post is public so feel free to share it.

If you’ve been keeping up with my previous posts—"Organize Locally: How Antifascist Book Clubs Can Build Power" and "I Want You! To Start an Antifascist Book Club"—you already know why antifascist book clubs are so important right now. Since those posts went live, the response has been incredible—thousands of new readers, countless messages, and a lot of people asking the same question:

How do I actually start an antifascist book club?

So, let’s talk about it. This post is your guide to getting started. It's about building a local community that can resist authoritarianism and advance democratic values. And to make that a bit easier, we’ve added a ton of new resources on the Veterans Fighting Fascism website. I’ll be linking to them throughout this post.

On Offense with Kris Goldsmith is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Start with a Purpose, Not Just a Reading List

Let’s get one thing straight: the goal isn’t to just sit around and talk about books. The goal is to transform that knowledge into action. When you’re setting up your book club, think about what you actually want to accomplish. Is your primary focus political education, mobilizing for direct action, or building coalitions with other groups in your area?

Having a clear purpose doesn’t just keep meetings from turning into rambling discussions—it also gives people a reason to show up and keep showing up.

Transforming knowledge into action can mean a lot of things. Maybe it’s organizing petition drives, showing up to town hall meetings, or starting community watch programs to monitor local extremist activities. Or it could mean using what you’ve learned about historical resistance movements to inspire strategies for confronting authoritarian tactics today—like challenging disinformation campaigns at school board meetings, organizing against voter suppression efforts, or pushing back on local policies that target marginalized communities. The point is to take what you learn and find ways to apply it directly to the issues facing your neighborhood.

If you need help defining your mission, check out the How to Start an Antifascist Book Club guide on the VFF website.

It’s All About the Core Group

You don’t need a huge group to get started. A handful of dedicated people is more than enough to build something powerful. But it’s important to make sure everyone’s on the same page about what you’re trying to do.

Forming a diverse group of locals can make your club a lot stronger. Each person will have their own priorities and insights based on their lifestyle and identity. For example, parents with children of different ages are more likely to know what’s happening at local schools and whether your club should be paying attention to school board meetings. Older folks in assisted living might have concerns about the rumors and disinformation that’s impacting their peers. Or consider veterans in your community—they might be tuned in to local VA policies or veterans’ organizations, which can open doors for coalition-building.

And don’t forget about your local librarians—they’re often the unsung heroes of community organizing. Whether it’s helping you secure space for meetings, recommending books for your reading list, or even pointing you to local archives and research resources, librarians can be invaluable allies in getting your core group started.

The Leader Guides on the VFF website are intended to make your life as a Club Leader a lot easier. They’ve got agendas, key discussion questions, and even action steps to keep things on track.

Choose Your Readings Like It Matters—Because It Does

The books you choose aren’t just there to fill time—they’re shaping your group’s understanding of the threats we face and how to counter them. That’s why we encourage groups to start with the first six recommendations from the Antifascist Book Club Reading List and read them in order. These books cover the historical roots of authoritarianism, strategies for resistance, and practical lessons for defending democracy in the age of Trump. They’re designed to give your club a strong foundation—not just for discussing these threats, but for organizing against them effectively.

The Leader Guides are there to help you through these first readings. They include detailed agendas, key discussion questions, and actionable steps to turn what you’ve read into real-world strategies. We’re still working on publishing more guides, but what’s available now is more than enough to get your club started on solid ground.

And once you’ve made it through those first six readings, that’s when things get interesting. At that point, your club should start operating like a mini democracy—discussing and voting on what to read next based on the interests and priorities of your members. This not only keeps people engaged but also ensures that your club continues to reflect the needs and concerns of your community.

The updated Antifascist Book Club Reading List is packed with recommendations that cover everything from historical fascism to modern authoritarianism.

Meetings That Matter

Your meetings need to do more than just discuss books—they need to turn those discussions into action. This means creating space to talk about what’s happening in your local community and figuring out concrete steps your club can take to respond. Whether that’s organizing a teach-in about new voter suppression laws in your state, showing up to protest at city council meetings, or partnering with local organizations to support tenants’ rights, the goal is to make sure your club isn’t just learning but doing.

And while it’s great to tackle national issues, don’t underestimate the impact of focusing locally. Authoritarianism doesn’t just show up in Washington—it creeps in through local policies, school boards, and county commissions. Keeping the focus local helps your club build real power and develop leaders who understand the unique challenges facing your community.

The Leader Guides break down how to structure meetings for maximum impact.

It’s Not Just About Reading—It’s About Doing

The real power of these clubs isn’t just in what they can do outside the room—it’s also in how they help people develop leadership skills they might not even know they have. As you plan and run meetings, you’ll start to see certain members naturally step up—maybe someone who was quiet at first becomes a reliable facilitator, or someone else turns out to be great at logistics and organizing events.

Often, people recognize leadership traits in someone long before that person sees it in themselves. Your club can play a huge role in helping folks come out of their shell and realize their potential. Encouraging new leaders isn’t just about filling roles; it’s about making sure your club can keep growing and taking on bigger projects. When people see their contributions being valued, they’re more likely to stay engaged and take on more responsibilities.

This leadership development doesn’t just benefit your club—it strengthens the broader antifascist movement. Leaders who cut their teeth running book club meetings can go on to organize protests, manage campaigns, or even run for local office. This is how we build a pipeline of leaders who understand both the theory and practice of fighting authoritarianism.

This leadership development aspect is also where you’ll see that these clubs aren’t just about resisting authoritarianism—they’re about going on offense. By developing a new generation of leaders who are ready to take initiative, you’re forcing the fascists to respond to us, not the other way around.

Thanks for reading On Offense with Kris Goldsmith! This post is public so feel free to share it.

Stay Safe and Stay Smart

Organizing against authoritarianism comes with risks. The VFF guide has a whole section on operational security that’s worth reading.

First things first: protect your members’ privacy. This means using encrypted messaging apps like Signal for communications and being cautious about what information gets shared online. Avoid using social media to discuss sensitive details about your club’s plans or members.

It’s also a good idea to designate a security officer within your group—someone responsible for staying up to date on best practices for both digital and physical security. This could involve everything from setting up secure email options like ProtonMail to teaching club members how to spot surveillance or handle encounters with law enforcement.

And don’t overlook physical security at your meetings. If you’re gathering in person, consider venues that offer a degree of privacy, like a library meeting room that requires a sign-in or a community center where you can control who enters.

The goal isn’t to create paranoia—it’s to make sure that everyone feels safe participating. When people feel protected, they’re more likely to stay engaged and contribute to the club’s efforts.

Final Thoughts: This Is Just the Beginning

If you’ve made it this far, you’re clearly serious about starting an Antifascist Book Club—and that’s a powerful first step. Now it’s time to put that energy into action.

Here are three things you can do right now to get started:

* Visit the How to Start an Antifascist Book Club guide for step-by-step instructions and resources to help you launch your club.

* Check out the Leader Guides to help you plan your first few meetings and keep discussions focused and productive.

* Share this post with at least one person who you think might be interested in joining or starting their own club. Building a movement starts with one-on-one conversations.

So if you’re serious about making a difference, don’t wait. Get your core group together, set some clear goals, and start building power where you live.

We've got some more exciting updates coming for the Antifascist Book Club that we'll be rolling out in the coming months. A lot of what we're dealing with here can be heavy. With that in mind, we're exploring some fun ways to help Antifascist Book Clubs with the socializing part—maybe even some bookmarks, leaflets, or other items featuring drink recipes to keep things lively. Nothing's set in stone yet, but stay tuned!

Before you go, I’d love to hear from you:

What’s the biggest challenge you’re facing in getting your Antifascist Book Club started—or, if you’ve already got one, what’s been your most successful strategy so far?

Also, we’re curious—what kind of Veterans Fighting Fascism gear would you like to see in our store?

— Kris Goldsmith

P.S. Follow the brilliant creators 'Nope Brigade' and Jonstertruck for some great TikTok videos on the history of fascism.

On Offense with Kris Goldsmith is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.