Ex-CIA Director Reflects on the Bin Laden Raid and More

Former U.S. Secretary of Defense and CIA Director Leon Panetta joins us for a wide-ranging conversation on leadership, national security, and the moments that shaped modern American history.

Panetta reflects on his upbringing as the son of Italian immigrants in Monterey, his path into public service, and the values that guided his decades in government. He offers a firsthand account of the 2011 operation that led to the death of Osama bin Laden, describing the intelligence work, risks involved, and weight of decision-making at the highest level.

The conversation also explores global threats, including those posed by China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea, as well as Panetta’s concerns about disinformation, social media, and the growing role of artificial intelligence in shaping information and society.

“Democracy depends on truth,” Panetta says, warning that technology without accountability poses one of the greatest challenges of the 21st century.

Watch the full interview for rare insight from one of America’s most experienced national security leaders.