Donald Trump is so enamored with Vladimir Putin he doesn't even know the Russian leader is regularly making fun of him in ways that can?t easily be translated. Trump is also running the White House like it's the Kremlin, with backdoor deals, quick enrichment schemes, nefarious activities, and cronies calling the shots?while people in official positions, like Marco, are just fig leaves. It?s the exact kind of political world where Putin flourishes. And his operation against the United States continues apace. Plus, the backstory on the proposed Venezuela-Ukraine swap, Trump's TACO on Greenland, Canada and Europe have had enough of the U.S. and buying American, Western allies don?t trust Vance?s dependence on tech bros, and hello: Ozempic is a Danish drug.

The one and only Fiona Hill joins Tim Miller.

show notes

Fiona's memoir, " There Is Nothing for You Here: Finding Opportunity in the Twenty-First Century" Fiona's book, "Mr. Putin: The Operative in the Kremlin" David Frum's interview with Fiona

In his rambling mess of a speech at Davos, Trump confused Iceland and Greenland, and demonstrated that he doesn't understand how NATO works. The infamous draft-dodger also seemed to call Truman and Eisenhower "stupid" for not just taking Greenland after WWII. Nevertheless, his threat to somehow get the island is undermining our international rules-based order. Plus, the secret, imperfect alliance in Congress that is blocking anti-trans legislation, the growing Dem opposition to the DHS funding bill, and the need to fight the trust deficit in the country ?and the anger-tainment that is driving it.

Delaware's Rep. Sarah McBride joins Tim Miller.

show notes

Sam's, JVL's and Andrew's reaction to the Davos speech McBride's column in Delaware's News Journal Get 20% off when you go to trustandwill.com/BULWARK

The Republican Party may be deeply unpopular, but the Democratic Party is even more so. The Dems' brand is weak despite the success of the off-year elections in 2025. To have a shot at winning back the Senate in the midterms, and the White House in 2028, the most successful Dems will be the ones who run against the status quo of their own party. In the meantime, Dems should be aggressively holding Republicans responsible for the tariffs, the threat against Greenland, and the terrorizing of Minnesotans? because they're not stopping the administration. Plus, cowardly CEOs, how to use A.I. as a political issue, and Trump & co's efforts to silence Americans.

 Veteran strategist David Plouffe joins Tim Miller.

show notes

Plouffe's NYT piece

Tim's interview with Ryan Grim, the recent lefty guest Tim referenced
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The president's demented rant that the United States has to take Greenland because the Nobel committee has not awarded him his much coveted peace prize is farcical and embarrassing?we are in 25th Amendment territory. At the same time, Trump's alternate claim that conquering the island is about being tough on Russia is so phony since he's busy trying to help give Ukraine to Putin. Meanwhile, ICE agents' constant videotaping of members of the public may be tied to their use of facial recognition software. Plus, in this particularly horrible period of news, we are remembering the hope and optimism that pushed Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to fight for a better America.

Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller.

show notes

Tim's interview with "Minnesota Angry Man," Chris Ostroushko 

The holiday-themed Bulwark Pod with Wright Thompson 

Monday's "Morning Shots"
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Official Mississippi doesn't really want to talk about the murder of Emmett Till?or teach about the murder of Emmett Till. Almost 71 years later, the intentional attempt to erase the crime lives on. On this MLK Day weekend, Wright joins Tim to discuss the role of history and black history in our public consciousness. Meanwhile, Trump and MAGA are busy trying to rewrite the history of modern-day political violence, including the thuggery of ICE agents. Plus, a ranking of the best SEC college towns, a tribute to Bob Weir, the impact of tariffs on farmers?as well as this year's Mardi Gras? and even the White House is starting to get concerned about the optics of Trump's deportation operation.

 ESPN's Wright Thompson joins Tim Miller for the holiday weekend pod.

show notes

Wright's book, "The Barn: The Secret History of a Murder in Mississippi"  JVL on Trump stashing America's money in Qatar  Wright's documentary he did with Mickey Hart, "Rhythm Masters"  Marc Caputo on White House concerns about the optics of deportation  Tim's playlist
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For some reason, the president thinks he is winning the news cycle by occupying a great American city and ordering his agents to violently confront U.S. citizens. But polling and anecdotal evidence suggests otherwise. At the same time, Dems have got to stop tying themselves up in knots over what language to use about ICE. Just keep the messaging fight focused on Trump, Stephen Miller, Kristi Noem, and ICE. Plus, a strike on Iran is looking less likely, Jeff Bezos is a chicken and should sell The Post, the administration is pushing food rationing, our European allies are planning military exercises over the threat to Greenland, and what happened to the Epstein files? 

Sam Stein joins Tim Miller.

show notes

Lauren on the battle among Dems over the term, "Abolish ICE" 

The reporter who applied to be an ICE agent 

Sam's piece about the Dougs 

Tim and Sam debating the worst Cabinet members 

Send tips from on the ground in MN to [email protected]

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To the people who have actually served in war zones?and been up close and personal in real do-or-die situations?the masked, heavily armed agents who are stalking our streets are thugs and cowards. And they would be nobodies without the badges and guns that have been gratuitously handed to them. Meanwhile, amid all the action around Venezuela, Russia's relentless attacks on Ukraine's power sources in the dead of winter is being overlooked by much of the American media. And Trump's fixation with  Greenland has the Swedes talking about making nuclear weapons. Plus, airstrikes on Iran alone would miss the strategic mark, Trump still hasn't stopped eight-plus wars, and the Havana Syndrome is real.

Retired Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling joins Tim Miller.

show notes

Mark's piece on Iran

Mark calling for ICE agents to remove their masks

The most recent episode of Sarah's 'Illegal News' pod with Asha Rangappa

Follow "Bulwark Takes" to get the latest "Command Post" from Mark

Daniel Dale's fact check of Trump

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Trump's low approval ratings may be giving people the idea that he is weak and disempowered. But Trump backed into a corner could well be more unconstrained and more dangerous?and it could also fuel his imperialist ambitions toward Greenland, an island he has been obsessed with owning since his first term. Meanwhile, DHS always knew people would die because of their mass deportation efforts and it still wholly accepted the risk of its military-style operations. But the opposition on the street is building. Plus, a year after the LA fires, a look at the role of disinformation in the disaster, the slow recovery, and the lack of emergency planning by government officials.

Jacob Soboroff and Susan Glasser join Tim Miller.

show notes

Tim on the new videos coming out of Minneapolis Jacob's book, "Firestorm: The Great Los Angeles Fires and America?s New Age of Disaster" Susan's latest New Yorker column Friday's episode of The New Yorker's 'Political Scene' podcast Susan?s book with Peter Baker, ?The Divider? The National Review piece on Greenland Susan referenced

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Grandpa Trump looked like he was losing the pep in his step at the end of the year. But with him threatening the independence of the Fed, justifying the killing of an American in cold blood for teasing a federal agent, and toying with the idea of taking an ownership stake in oil companies, he's now dramatically ratcheting up his authoritarian tendencies. At the same time, he's losing sight of America First through his Venezuela distraction?and opening the door to challenges from MAGA true believers like Steve Bannon. Plus, Dems are playing a good hand in Alaska with Mary Peltola, Bill is a resist lib, and the heartwarming desire for freedom from the Iranian people.

Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller.

show notes

Monday's "Morning Shots," including Mark Hertling's contribution Mary Peltola's Senate campaign launch

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey says ICE descended on his city with hopes of rounding up undocumented Somalis. When agents couldn't find any, they started driving around terrorizing people. And now with the killing of Renee Good, they are clearly making the city less safe. But federal officials are also lying about Good's actions before the shooting and her character?and with their bold claims of absolute immunity for ICE agents. More broadly, the administration is trying to intimidate ordinary citizens from documenting the masked agents deployed around the country. Plus, Trump is acting like a conqueror from the Middle Ages when he claims a right to Venezuela's oil, Putin is trying to mask the weakness of Russia's economy, Europeans are back to being anxious over Greenland, and Iranians are taking to the streets again.

Anne Applebaum and Mayor Jacob Frey join Tim Miller for the weekend pod.

show notes

Tim?s ?Bulwark Take ?on the new footage from Minneapolis Anne's latest pod episode about how federal agents are violating the rights of Americans Anne's latest piece on Venezuela Tim's interview with George Retes Tim's playlist Anne?s ?book club? recommendations: The Captive Mind The Oppermanns The Director The Choice of Comrades What We Can Know

Most law enforcement departments train officers not to stand in front of vehicles?or shoot at moving ones?but masked ICE agents in Minneapolis did just that after descending on Renee Good's Honda Pilot and spitting out conflicting instructions to her. Not only did the president of the United States lie about the condition of the officer who shot her, Vance and Noem disparaged the deceased 37-year-old mother of three. Meanwhile, Americans are not down with the idea of the US running Venezuela. And the manosphere podcast world, which helped Trump win the election, is now feeling disillusioned and embarrassed about his betrayal of his "peace president" promise?along with his handling of the Epstein files. Plus, a discourse on white people, a consideration of Epstein's influence with the rich and powerful, and a meaty exchange over Kamala courting the Liz Cheney wing while bypassing the left's demands on Gaza.

Ryan Grim joins Tim Miller.

show notes:

Drop Site news Ryan's 2022 piece on progressive advocacy groups Get 20% off when you go to trustandwill.com/BULWARK

Biden and Merrick Garland thought Trump would just go away, but malignant narcissists must be made to leave. And with Congress not fulfilling its constitutional obligation to hold Trump accountable for running the country like a mob boss, newly minted congressional candidate George hopes to join those Democrats on the Hill who aren't afraid to investigate?and impeach?the president and his miscreants. Meanwhile, Trump is rambling about postponing the midterms as he orders the military to commit piracy at sea.

George Conway joins Tim Miller to discuss his congressional race, his return to New York, Yimbyism, and Mamdani.

show notes

George's campaign website The latest episode of TNL
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Trump wanted to alpha male and take some oil, Hegseth wanted to bomb something, Rubio wanted Maduro gone, and aggrieved Stephen Miller wanted to bully the weak. The White House eventually settled on Venezuela as the best place to take out its aggressions and drive home its anti-immigration message. And now the administration finds itself depending on an acting Venezuelan president who has a long history of being extremely anti-American. Jonathan and Tim take a deep dive into the back story of our latest international intervention. Plus, the State Department is trying to deport an activist against online hate as a favor to Elon Musk.

Imran Ahmed and The New Yorker's Jon Blitzer join Tim Miller.

show notes

Jon's reporting on Venezuela's acting president

Jon on the administration's chaos in the Caribbean 

Imran's Center for Countering Digital Hate 

"Everyone Who Is Gone Is Here," Jon's book? recommended by a number of Tim's guests 

Bill and Tom Joscelyn's retrospective on the fifth annivesary of Jan 6 

Toppling the leader of Venezuela looks to be about greed and Trump's vanity. It's not about national security, and is likely to produce bad outcomes?including more repression of ordinary Venezuelans and more refugees fleeing the country. And even the monetary value of plundering a sovereign country's oil is vastly overstated. Meanwhile, fake imagery of Venezuelans celebrating in response to the US intervention are being shared across social media, and a polymarket bet before the strike smacks of insider trading. Plus, the idiocy of the Donroe Doctrine, JD Vance should shut up, Tim Walz was not ready for national politics, Hegseth looks like a total dork over the censure of Mark Kelly, and Tim reads from the Monday Mailbag.

Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller.

show notes

Will Saletan's guide on the other countries Trump could target

Monday's "Morning Shots," including Mark Hertling on the "belly-button rule" 

Tim?s 2025 Music Year in Review 
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Only six months ago, the wheels felt like they were coming off of America, and our democracy experiment. But since the Epstein case broke wide open, the wheels started to come off Trump instead. And he's not just lost his way in politics but in the broader culture too?with his despicable words about Rob Reiner, his trying to get Jimmy Kimmel fired, and his pedophile cover-up. At the same time, we are likely stuck with his family grift, which will last for generations. Over on the Democratic side, the left has the momentum but there is room for a McCain-style reform candidate. Meanwhile, JD may be too repellant to win the presidency and the expectations for Mamdani are likely unrealistic. Plus, some love for Oasis, Geese, and Cameron Winter?and some hope that people are longing for something tangible in their music again. People need a rock star.

John Heilemann joins Tim Miller for the year-end pod.

show notes:

John's "Impolitic" podcast John's columns at Puck Tim's 2025 Music Year in Review Filmmaker Charles Curran's recut of the Melania trailer with Miss Piggy Shane Gillis on how we got Trump Tim's playlist

The DOJ is releasing random Epstein documents to distract the public, while also intentionally covering the faces of men in images. It's also pulling docs that reveal Trump's name. Epstein's victims think the government's messy release is all designed to protect their not publicly-known perpetrators. Meanwhile, more victims are coming forward to Julie, THE reporter who got the Epstein matter reopened after her investigation of his 2008 deal that no other modern pedophile would ever have received. Ghislaine Maxwell is key to understanding the whole case, Republican donors may be named in the files, and Trump flew on the Epstein plane eight times.

Julie K. Brown joins Tim Miller.

show notes:

Julie's Substack Julie's reporting at the Miami Herald "Perversion of Justice," Julie's investigation into Epstein The NYT on Epstein's wealth Robert Draper on MTG's break with Trump, referenced by Tim

After a campaign built on the promise that Trump was going to look out for his voters, he started his administration getting sidetracked by DOGE and Musk's phony ideas about saving money. After that petered out, he got distracted by his need to put his name all over the place. In the process, he's totally forgotten to help his people?or even fake trying to help them. Meanwhile, Trump is trapped in a Groundhog Day of his own making on Ukraine-Russia. Plus, his bruising has now moved to his left hand, Melania can't speak English, the DOJ is still working to find the 'real' people who made the rioters descend on the Capitol, the withholding of information in the Epstein case is worse than the redactions, and Dems need to forcefully call out the Medicaid fraud in Minnesota.

Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller.

show notes:

Monday's "Morning Shots," including what Andrew learned from his extended family The 12 Days of Christmas, Bulwark style Addison's piece on America's two Christmases Bill's "Bulwark on Sunday" with Ryan Goodman Phrase Tim and Bill referenced: ?Every great cause begins as a movement, becomes a business, and eventually degenerates into a racket.? Our listeners get the Harry?s Plus Trial Set for only $10 at https://www.Harrys.com/THEBULWARK #Harryspod

The year started with America's tech overlords kissing the ring at Trump's inauguration, and it's ending with the public fed up with the ostentatiously rich?and more distrustful of Silicon Valley than ever, particularly on AI. Plus, Kara's key role in the revelations about the relationship between RFK, Jr. and Olivia Nuzzi, Trump is giving away the store to China and setting back university research and innovation by a generation, the AI advances in healthcare are mind-blowing, media companies are going to accelerate their consolidation, much of the tech oligarchy has daddy issues, JD is like a Cybertruck, "Pluribus" is great, and "KPop Demon Hunters" is golden.

Kara Swisher joins Tim Miller for the holiday weekend pod.

show notes

Kara?s podcasts: "Pivot," with Scott Galloway" and "On with Kara Swisher"

Tim's playlist

Tim's Ulimate Christmas Mix
"Pluribus"

"KPop Demon Hunters" 

Six months ago, MAGA world was strutting around with their chests puffed out. But now, many of them are having a blue Christmas over the infighting, the economy, the DOJ's inability to deliver revenge, and Trump's cover-up of child sex traffickers?one of the key things they really cared about. All Trump can think to do is plaster his name on another large object, including most recently a new fleet of warships. Plus, the bourbon shutdown, Bari's getting burned by Canada also airing "60 Minutes," the president could move Ghislaine out of her cushy prison, and Epstein in his alleged letter to Larry Nassar really sounds like "Access Hollywood" Trump. 

Tom Nichols joins Tim Miller.

Show Notes:

Tom on Trump?s new ?golden fleet? of warships

Navy Secretary John Phelan
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On the Epstein matter, the current DOJ is not just putting its thumb on the scale for Trump. It's his defense team. Make no mistake: The top two officials at the Justice Department are executing Trump's wishes to cover-up the victims' statements and the details about Epstein's 2008 sweetheart deal. It's the president's cover-up, and the mainstream media needs to call it for what it is. And over at CBS's "60 Minutes," Bari Weiss wants Trump to know she's on the administration's side as well. Meanwhile, Vance made clear at AmericaFest that he's cool with literal Nazis in the MAGA coalition as he readies for his 2028 run. Plus, Kushner and Witkoff are still doing Putin's bidding, the governor of Louisiana is adding the (pretend) invasion of Greenland to his portfolio, and Tim reads from the Monday Mailbag.

Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller.

show notes

Bill's "Bulwark on Sunday" with Rep. Ro Khanna on the Epstein files

Tim on Gavin Newsom's podcast

Lauren on the DNC burying its 2024 autopsy report

The LIVE 'Bulwark Take' on the Stefanik crash and burn

Part of Bob Dole's '96 Republican convention speech that Tim referenced 

Monday Mailbag email: [email protected]

Of all the images of Trump, the only times he seemed to be authentically smiling in the presence of another person was when he was with Jeffrey Epstein. The two of them had the same interests, and other people in the 80s and 90s assumed they were best friends. Over in MAGA land, a proxy war has broken out among rightwing influencers?like Ben Shapiro, Tucker, and Candace?because the economy and the party are in trouble. Plus, SCOTUS rulings and cryptocurrency have created a public corruption free-for-all, the failed tariffs are masking the shortage of immigrant-built new housing, Trump has illegally added his name to the Kennedy Center, and despite the large military build-up off of Venezuela, the administration seems to be winging it.

David Frum joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod.

show notes

JVL's 'Triad' on Trump's Venezuela adventure Catherine's "Receipts" on the impacts of the immigration crackdown on the construction industry NYT on the friendship between Epstein and Trump David's most recent podcast episode on crypto Tim's playlist Tim's Ultimate Christmas Mix

Trump's power of persuasion is failing him on the affordability issue. He even broke MAGA creed on live TV by calling on Americans to trust the word of foreign leaders?who supposedly claim the U.S. economy is golden?over the pain they're feeling at the supermarket and at the pump. Meanwhile, NYC's mayor-elect seems to be understand the zeitgeist: We are not living in a right v. left political moment, but an insider v. outsider one. Plus, what Dems can learn from Mamdani, why the party needs to move on from its Obama and Bernie factions, and how aid programs like PEPFAR can be resurrected in a new administration.

Former Obama and Mamdani advisor Patrick Gaspard joins Tim Miller. 

show notes

AOC's and Sen. Smith's NYT piece on social housing that Patrick referenced

Tim, Andrew, and Will Saletan on Trump's White House address
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POTUS is firing or censoring the statisticians who collect data on health and climate, as well as the kind of experts who could verify his lofty claims of an A++++ economy. And while Vance says that Trump is really turning things around, job losses are rising from his destructive tariff and immigration policies. Plus, the back story on Palantir and how it's helping to facilitate the administration's authoritarian ambitions.

Author Mike Steinberger and Catherine Rampell join Tim Miller.

show notes

Tim's 'Bulwark Take' on current China policy Catherine's newsletter, "Receipts" Mike's new book, "The Philosopher in the Valley" For a limited time only, get 60% off your first order, plus free shipping, when you head to Smalls.com/THEBULWARK.

The people running the Republican grassroots are nativist populists, and it?s a space where opposition to Israel thrives, along with a heaping serving of antisemitism. Candace?s wild theories about the Charlie Kirk assassination has had a big impact among the young who get their news from TikTok and Instagram. And JD?who is the top-billed speaker at this year?s AmericaFest?is sending signals that he?s absorbing the nativist and anti-Zionist views among right-wing influencers like Tucker. Plus, Susie Wiles dishes on Trump and other top figures, and Stephen Miller?s wife is running a North Korea-style podcast with some of the biggest names in the administration?but with virtually no audience.

Will Sommer joins Tim Miller.

show notes

Will's "False Flag" newsletter The recent Atlantic piece that Tim referenced Vanity Fair's interview with Susie Wiles Exclusive $35 off Carver Mat at https://on.auraframes.com/BULWARK. 
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From the shooting at Brown University, to the Oct. 7-style slaughter in Australia, and the shocking murder of Rob Reiner and his wife?it?s been one blow after another. But leave it to Trump to seize the moment to remind Americans what a disgusting human being he is. Meanwhile, social media algorithms keep pushing people to antisemitic content, and Kash is going to have to quit with the live-tweeting during FBI investigations. Plus, the MAGA crackup continues, Trump sounds like he?s losing his fight fight fight spirit, DOGE cuts hit red America, Dems should invest in campaigns in Iowa and Kansas, and Tim reads from the mailbag.

Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller.

show notes

Sonny's tribute to Reiner's remarkable work as a director

Monday's "Morning Shots," including a contribution from Hannah in Providence

Trump defending his grotesque comment 

Politico on the DOGE cuts in Trump country

Axios on how Kamala may run again
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Despite death threats and harassment, Republicans in Indiana delivered the biggest political setback to Trump since officials in Georgia wouldn?t help him find 11,780 votes in 2020. Turns out, some conservatives at the state level still have enough principles to not gerrymander on demand. Meanwhile, antisemitism, white nationalism, and neo-Nazism are flourishing among the very online right, including among people who used to be showcased by Fox. And they?re chewing on and mainstreaming some of the deepest, darkest conspiracies out there. But now those voices are more influential than the cable channel?even our vice president, ever mindful of 2028, won?t distance himself from the crowd. Plus, MTG?s come to Jesus moment, and the PR instead of reporting that is happening in the press room at the Pentagon.

Alyssa Farah Griffin joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod.

show notes

Tim's 'Bulwark Take' on Tucker and Candace

Friday's "Morning Shots"

Mother Jones on Posobiec's PR moves at the Pentagon

ABC's "The View"

Tim's playlist

Republican disunity is being obscured by affection for Trump, but just below the surface, MAGA is being pulled apart at the seams. At the same time, the administration is busy committing war crimes while conducting an illegal, nonsensical war, and the FBI is investing progressive groups for their views. The state of free speech protections may be worse than during the Red Scare. Meanwhile, SCOTUS keeps shaping the power of the presidency, Tucker and Candace?s conspiracies and Israel fear-mongering are way past an act, and the Andrew Tates of the manosphere are giving cover to men who just want to be a**holes.

David French joins Tim Miller.

show notes

David's recent piece on MAGA  Ken Klippenstein on the FBI investigating progressive groups  NYT on the Trump administration helping out Andrew Tate  David's podcast, "Advisory Opinions"  "Everyone Who Is Gone Is Here," book referenced by Tim

Big Boss Trump, who claims the power to run the whole government via executive order and pushes all our allies around, is a man suddenly with no agency when it comes to the economy. He says the high cost of living is a Democratic hoax, or in true Christmas spirit, he?s back to blaming parents for spoiling their daughters with too many dolls. And while his approval rating slips into the the 30s, voters keep rewarding Democrats at the ballot box. On the healthcare front, Republicans have been promising an alternative to Obamacare for 15 years with nothing to show for it. Plus, the corruption of Trump & Co is so pervasive, it?s hard for voters to get their minds around it, and Dems have to go all-in on recapturing the Senate next year?which means winning independents and non-MAGA republicans in red states.

Neera Tanden, at the Center for American Progress, joins Tim Miller.

show notes

The "Trump's Take" tracker at the Center for American Progress Tim and Andrew's 'Bulwark Take' after Trump's rally Tuesday night Exclusive $35 off Carver Mat at https://on.auraframes.com/BULWARK. Promo Code BULWARK F*%k your khakis and get The Perfect Jean 15% off with the code BULWARK15 at theperfectjean.nyc/BULWARK15 #theperfectjeanpod

Heaping scorn and disdain on Europe, Trump called its countries decaying and its leaders weak, but the U.S. likely needs Europe more than they need us. And while POTUS is whining that Zelensky won't consider his rigged deal with Putin, the corruption of Trump's negotiating team is off the charts, with Witkoff and Kushner trying to work a land deal rather than a peace treaty. Meanwhile, the boat bombings seem to be about performative politics, Hegseth is pushing out another high-ranking black officer?for voicing concerns about the strikes on alleged drug-runners in the Caribbean?and where is the video of that Sept 2 restrike that killed two survivors?

Lt. Gen Mark Hertling joins Tim Miller.

show notes:

Hertling's piece on Trump's new National Security Strategy Hertling on the potential misuse of Special Forces in the boat strikes Remembering National Guard Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, by Hertling Email for Tim's mailbag: [email protected] Trump's Politico interview Exclusive $35 off Carver Mat at https://on.auraframes.com/BULWARK. Promo Code BULWARK

ICE and Border Patrol are kidnapping people in the suburbs near New Orleans based on racial profiling?it?s like the South of 70 years ago. Mini Greg Bovino cares far more about his video team capturing him menacing and harassing people going about their lives than he does about due process and the Fourth Amendment. But despite her own pinup-style social media spreads, Trump may be readying to dump Kristi Noem from DHS. Meanwhile, the administration keeps creating new excuses for why it killed the two shipwrecked men near Venezuela, while also withholding key information. Plus, Trump is handing out more welfare checks to farmers, MTG says MAGA is not America First, the Dems get another shot this week on the affordability issue, Colin Allred may have been unwisely pushed out of the Texas Senate race, and Tim and Bill share a rare ?you gotta hand it to Ted Cruz? moment.

Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller.

show notes

Adrian's scoop on how Trump may be moving on from Noem

Tim's 'Bulwark Take' on the protests and raids in greater NOLA

Bill's "Bulwark on Sunday" with Sen. Warner on the boat strikes

Monday's "Morning Shots"

Cruz's good tweet 

Trump is overseeing extrajudicial killings off the coast of Venezuela but nothing was going to stop him from getting a peace prize?even if it?s a fake one from super highly reputable FIFA. He also helped himself to a federal agency that used to work on peace initiatives, but which Elon DOGE?d. Democrats should embrace the spirit of McCain and focus on the massive corruption in the administration around crypto, the ballroom, the pardons, and more. At the same time, the Dems have a disconnect between leaders and the base over Israel, Netanyahu, and AIPAC. Plus, Candace may be less worried about the French taking her out than she plays on her podcast, and Fox doesn?t seem like it?s rooting for war in Venezuela.

Tommy Vietor joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod.

show notes

Tommy's podcast, "Pod Save the World" 

Hillary on TikTok influencing young people's opinions on Israel 

Ben Rhodes's piece on Israel in the NYT

Tim's playlist
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Trump?s use of his pardon power is downright crazy, and that?s not even counting his rescue of a convicted drug kingpin. He?s also sabotaging his own redistricting plans in Texas by pardoning Rep. Henry Cuellar, and wasting taxpayer money absolving a sports executive who was indicted by his own Justice Department earlier this year. Meanwhile, down in NOLA, two men with a Napoleon complex are unleashing misery of the psychic and economic kind on the city through its ICE and Border Patrol operation. Plus, someone needs to scour the immigration history of Phil Mickelson?s family, and why is Tucker so obsessed with the gays?

Sam Stein joins Tim Miller.

Sam's 'Bulwark Take' on the DOJ attorney fired for not restoring Mel Gibson's gun rights

Lauren on the Dems itching to go after AI
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Trump?s rallies have been his signature event, but since he returned to the White House, he has stopped doing them. And his allies are worried he?s losing touch with voters, as well as his political antenna. Instead of traveling the country, he?s dining with billionaires, playing golf, and going abroad in search of his elusive peace prize. Meanwhile, he can?t stay awake in own Cabinet meetings. Plus, the heat is on Hegseth, the ex-Honduran president Trump pardoned bragged about stuffing drugs up the noses of Americans, and the results of the Tennessee special election are a good sign for Democrats?and a reminder for the party to go all-in on the gerrymandering war.

Jonathan Lemire joins Tim Miller.

show notes

Jonathan's piece on Trump not doing rallies The Atlantic on Germany permanently stationing troops beyond its borders 

There are no shortage of scandals plaguing Washington D.C. right now.

One that has captivated much of the political and media professions involves Olivia Nuzzi, a political writer formerly of the magazine New York, and now an editor with Vanity Fair, who was involved in a relationship with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. during the 2024 campaign.

Nuzzi?s relationship has provided incredible fodder for the press, not least because her ex-fiance, Ryan Lizza, has penned a multi-part series on the matter where he has unspooled numerous accusations against her and RFK Jr., in anticipation of the publication of Nuzzi?s book, American Canto, which was released Tuesday. Those accusations are quite serious, many of which Nuzzi addresses in her book, including an admission that she secretly aided RFK Jr.?s campaign. The more important ones, however, deal with RFK Jr. himself, including the charge that he has hid drug use and was both manipulative of and threatening to Nuzzi during their relationship.

Nuzzi has not discussed any of it on camera.

Until now.

In a sit down interview with Tim Miller, she talked about the ethical breaches that cost her her job, the conflict between her responsibilities as a reporter, the private relationship that blurred those boundaries, and the fear and isolation she experienced as the scandal unfolded. She describes withdrawing from the world, fleeing across the country, and trying to rebuild her sense of self while contending with public shaming and, what she saw as, the ?weaponization? of her personal life against her.

She also offers some insights and revelations regarding the now Health and Human Service secretary, who has denied the relationship. She and Tim discuss her relationship with RFK Jr. and the wreckage that followed, whether he continues to use drugs while occupying a cabinet post, what type of threats she felt, and why she didn?t feel compelled to speak up as it became clear that Kennedy was ascending to remarkable heights of political power.

They also discuss the broader political moment that shaped all of it: the Trump era?s constant tug between reality and spectacle, the corrosion of public trust, and the ways journalists become characters in the dramas they cover.

And they broach one of the more understated questions throughout this entire, sordid ordeal: why even bother writing this book to begin with? Nuzzi explains that writing was an act of survival and the clarity that came from separating herself from Washington, D.C.?s rituals and delusions. Along the way, she says, she became further entrenched in the delusions she was hoping to escape.
show notes

Buy American Canto by Olivia Nuzzi

As a candidate, Trump knew to steer clear of Project 2025. But as president, he embraced its deeply unpopular policy goals and it has been driving down his poll numbers. Meanwhile, what are we doing with Venezuela? No one in the administration has made a remotely convincing case for the intimidation campaign against President Maduro. And the boat bombings are putting members of our military in legal danger under the guidance of Hegseth. Plus, the threats against legislators in Indiana who aren't going along with redistricting, and the broad-based coalition standing up to ICE?including people in costumes and grannies on scooters?has been one of the most successful responses to Trump's immigration agenda.

Amanda Carpenter joins Tim Miller.

show notes:

Protect Democracy's web site Amanda's Substack "If You Can Keep It" on Substack Take advantage of Ridge?s Biggest Sale of the Year and GET UP TO 47% Off by going to https://www.Ridge.com/THEBULWARK #Ridgepod

Not only are the opportunities for personal financial gain for Trump and his White House cronies driving the administration?s foreign policy decisions, his tariffs look more and more about grift. Trump also inexplicably granted clemency to a private equity exec who ripped off ordinary Americans in a Ponzi scheme, while he plans a pardon for a former Honduran president who trafficked cocaine to America?even as he orders the bombings of suspected drug smugglers in the Caribbean. Meanwhile, on the immigration front, Border Patrol is moving into NOLA, and the administration is exploiting the heinous and tragic DC Guard shooting to try to rid the country of black and brown immigrants.

Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller.

show notes

Bill's 'Bulwark on Sunday' on Trump's anti-immigrant agenda Tim's 'Bulwark Take' on Scott Jennings WSJ's piece, "Make Money Not War: Trump?s Real Plan for Peace in Ukraine" NYT on David Sacks Andy McCarthy on the killing of two survivors of a missile strike in the Caribbean Makeup-less Trump at Mar-a-Lago New Bulwark merch! Go to https://www.american-giant.com and get 20% off your first order with promo code BULWARK. Thanks to American Giant for sponsoring the show!

Americans were already losing touch with basic decency before Trump came along?and he exploited that indecency, distrust, and division to win power. In his new novel, George Packer spins a story of an imaginary country that just collapses, and how ordinary people have to learn to live together again. Fiction has a way of making the real world more clear. Plus, Charlie Kirk?s influence on our political climate before his death, JD?s phoniness and lust for power, Trump may be flailing but he?s still amassed immense power, and how AI moving us away from the written word threatens our democracy.

The Atlantic?s George Packer joins Tim Miller for the holiday weekend pod.

show notes

George?s new book, ?The Emergency: A Novel?

Tim's playlist

George?s piece on Arizona and Charlie Kirk from last year

?The Talented Mr. Vance? piece by George

Other books by George:

?The Assassins? Gate?

?The Unwinding: An Inner History of the New America?

?Last Best Hope: America in Crisis and Renewal?

Trump needs to quit the games and his defamatory accusations about who's in the Epstein files, and just release the 300 gigabytes of data from the Epstein case?even if he has an army of elves trying to redact or whitewash any references or images of Trump himself. Meanwhile, the dismissal of charges against Comey and Tish James show how bad Team Trump is at political retribution. Plus, the commander-in-chief doesn't want members of the military hearing the truth, spies are listening in to Steve Witkoff, and is Weissmann going to sue Trump for defamation?

Andrew Weissmann joins Tim Miller.

show notes:

Andrew's Substack Andrew and Mary McCord's podcast, "Main Justice" New Bulwark merch!

A troika of foreign policy amateurs?Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, and JD Vance?are trying to impose a Russia-drafted peace plan on Ukraine. While Trump was in the loop, other senior officials in the administration were in the dark, even as Kushner was using backchannels to work with a Putin ally. Vance eagerly got on board because he?s desperate to stab Ukraine in the back and declare himself MAGA?s heir apparent for 2028. But rival Marco Rubio?who sees that Russia doesn?t really want peace?is working on an alternative deal.

Michael Weiss joins Tim Miller to break all the machinations down.

Michael's Substack, "Foreign Office" Michael's reporting at "The Insider" Today?s Morning Shots New Bulwark merch!
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Unrest has broken out in MAGA, and Mike Johnson looks like he?s losing control of the House?which means that Trump could be losing control of the party. And the fear of Trump is morphing into loathing because Republicans are not winning. Meanwhile, DOGE has ended in another total Elon failure: Not only was no money saved, the program?s biggest success was cutting assistance to the world?s most vulnerable people. Trump has only been ?fixing? the government to work for his grift. Plus, Mamdani showed real political skill in meeting Trump, but the left needs to cool it with its 'Trump is a populist' take. As MTG pointed out, he definitely is not.

Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller.
show notes

'Bulwark on Sunday' with Bill and Catherine Most recent 'Shield of the Republic' Jon on the fraud in the health care system Tim's 'Bulwark Take' on Trump turning 'fascist' into a punchline The Bulwark's new merch! Don?t miss NOBL?s biggest Sale of the Year! Head to NOBLTravel.com for up to 62% off your entire order! #NOBL #ad

As a man who?s not used to losing, Trump is going through a bit of a rough patch since his party turned against him over the Epstein case. He?s flailing, lashing out, and acting afraid. After all, he knows how many times his name comes up in the Epstein files, and Ghislaine Maxwell continues to enjoy a bevy of special perks at her cushy prison for some reason. At the same time, the economy isn?t helping him, the stench of a lame duck is growing, and the threat of oversight by Dems after the midterms feels real. Plus, some skepticism about MTG?s new-found clarity, Fox and Trump?s war on Christmas, the crash of bitcoin, and the Kinzinger documentary.

Adam Kinzinger joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod.

show notes

"The Last Republican," the Kinzinger documentary or watch on YouTube Kinzinger's Substack CBS News on the prediction market Kalshi Ghislaine Maxwell's special prison privileges Tim's playlist For a limited time only, get 60% off your first order, plus free shipping, when you head to Smalls.com/THEBULWARK

Tim Cook and the other tech titans who dined with bone saw murderer MBS?and who?ve given millions to Trump to knock down our history for his gilded ballroom?expect the people who use their products every day to protect American democracy, while they reap its benefits to freely act against the public?s interest. Meanwhile, Trump?s special envoy is acting like an agent of the Russian government, and POTUS shows yet again that he is not a tough negotiator. Plus, Stephen Miller is spreading fear by design, Trump?s Epstein capitulation is still worth savoring, and Tim shares his postmortem on his Kamala interview.

The New Yorker?s Susan Glasser joins Tim Miller.

show notes

Susan and Peter Baker?s book, ?The Divider: Trump in the White House, 2017-2021? Tim?s interview with Kamala in Nashville TAKE THE SURVEY

Before a live audience in Nashville Tuesday, Kamala Harris discussed what it takes to fight back against Trump. But she also threw punches?against the corrupt and callous administration that's trying to gaslight Americans about Jeffrey Epstein, and the tech titans who are bending the knee to a tyrant. Also noteworthy: Both MTG and Mamdani come in for some praise. Plus, the power of a consumer boycott, the challenges of being No. 2 on the job, and the still stinging emotions around her 107-day campaign.

Former Vice President Kamala Harris joins Tim Miller.

show notes

"107 Days," by former VP Kamala Harris TAKE THE SURVEY
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The White House leaks may be more contained in Trump 2.0, but the slavish loyalists who POTUS has surrounded himself with do nothing to keep him within the bounds of the law, ethics, or decorum. So in this round, the chaos is more consequential for the country. Meanwhile, the administration may be prepping to bury the Epstein files. Plus, the bitterness and resentment that drives Trump, the war on truth is winning, and the Bidens' animosity toward Obama.

ABC's Jon Karl joins Tim Miller.

show notes:

Jon's new book, "Retribution: Donald Trump and the Campaign That Changed America" TAKE THE SURVEY

Not a lot of people predicted that Trump would fold and let Congress vote on the release of the Epstein files. But his retreat shows that Democrats have more leverage than conventional wisdom has suggested, and they should not rule out long shots in the fight against Trump?s authoritarian project. Meanwhile, MAGA looks to be fracturing in real time and Trump looks more and more vulnerable?on his ballroom, falling asleep in meetings, and his constant reminders that he?s only out for himself. Plus, MTG?s possible Saul to Damascus moment, Border Patrol?s invasion of Charlotte, bombing Venezuela would not be America First, and the Epstein emails are a reminder of how gross and nauseating the elites can be. Go away, Larry Summers.

Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller.

show notes

 Chris Geidner on Greg Bovino's appalling misuse of E.B. White's legacy and "Charlotte's Web" Bill's "Bulwark on Sunday" with Mark Hertling on Venezuela Tim's book, "Why We Did It" TAKE THE SURVEY
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Our commander-in-chief and breaker of mores can only muster the energy to beg Republicans to stop talking about Epstein. Where is the blustery guy who's declared that only suckers pay taxes and that he could shoot anyone on 5th Avenue? Because of the lame duck smell he's giving off?and the economic problems Trump himself brought on?he's not getting the support he needs from the outer MAGA media world that's obsessed with Epstein. Meanwhile, he's getting ready to have taxpayers pay off his cronies for trying to help steal the 2020 election. Plus, the four kinds of corruption in the Trump administration, the Caribbean boat bombings have driven down the price of cocaine, and the origins and modern flowering of antisemitism on the left and right.

David Frum joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod.

show notes

David's recent episode on the military buildup off the coast of Venezuela David's interview with Sarah this week Tim's playlist

Trump's involvement with Epstein is simultaneously a "hoax," but he was also a "perfect gentleman" when he spent hours with one of Epstein's underage victims, Virgina Giuffre, at Epstein's pad. And Trump was an FBI informant on Epstein's sex trafficking, but again, it's all a hoax. The White House and Fox's defense is not working, and Trump may be in the worst political shape he's been in since the aftermath of January 6. Meanwhile, the wealthy and powerful old men needing teenage girls raises huge questions about manhood and virility. Plus, the shutdown fight was a stress test for how far the Dems were willing to go in the face of an authoritarian, and the party's big tent strategy faces real headwinds.

Alex Wagner joins Tim Miller.

show notes

Alex's new podcast, "Runaway Country" The Atlantic's piece, "The Limits of the Democrats? Big Tent" Don?t get them socks. Get them premium wireless for $15/mo. Shop Mint Unlimited Plans at https://MINTMOBILE.com/bulwark 

New Jersey?s governor-elect credits her big win last week to an affordability message?and ignoring the pundits. But Sherrill also tied rising costs and declining economic opportunity to Trump?s laser-like focus on the worldwide extortion racket he?s running out of the Oval Office. Plus, former D.C. cop Michael Fanone says the current FBI won?t follow up on the threats against him and his family, the Justice Department doesn?t seem too concerned about pedophilia, and ?snowflake? border patrol boss Greg Bovino has small-man complex.

Gov.-elect Mikie Sherrill and Michael Fanone join Tim Miller.
show notes

Tim's 'Bulwark Take' with Julie K. Brown Sarah and Andrew on the Epstein emails Tim and Dave Wasserman on Dems racking up redistricting wins Fanone's YouTube channel Will Sommer's reporting on The Blaze's pipe-bomb story Will on Kash's private jet problem Get $35 off your first box of wild-caught, sustainable seafood?delivered right to your door. Go to: https://www.wildalaskan.com/BULWARK.

While Trump won the first time as an anti-status-quo hero, the low-trust podcast cranks like Rogan and Tim Dillon who put him back in the White House now see him as the establishment. And they?re making Trump own the economy, the security state of masked marauders and bombing campaigns?and his close ties to the tech companies. The Democrats have not had a better moment to run against the status quo since 2008. Meanwhile, the insidious anti-semitism from Candace and Tucker has reached insane levels. Plus, the accusations that Schumer was behind the cavers, the filibuster already favors Republicans, and the risks and rewards of candidates pursuing a high-attention strategy.

Chris Hayes joins Tim Miller.

show notes

"All In with Chris Hayes" on MS NOW "Why Is This Happening? The Chris Hayes Podcast" "The Sirens' Call: How Attention Became the World's Most Endangered Resource," Chris's latest book Marc Andreessen mocking the pope on Twitter Take advantage of Ridge?s Biggest Sale of the Year and GET UP TO 47% Off by going to https://www.Ridge.com/THEBULWARK #Ridgepod

The very online crowd is very upset, but Dems did fight like Republicans. This was a longer shutdown than anything the Tea Party pulled and real pain was being caused. And Democrats have now made the cost of healthcare front and center?while Republicans keep showing that they are the party of billionaires, Mar-a-Lago soirées, and golden ballrooms. Plus, President Al Capone pardoned all the people who tried to help him steal the 2020 election, pro-democracy Americans must stay united against the evil of the administration?s deportation policy, and the effort to keep POTUS in a bubble backfired big time Sunday night at the Commanders? stadium.

Will Saletan joins Tim Miller.

show notes

Will on Trump's disregard for his party Jon Chait on ending the shutdown without ending the filibuster The NYT on Venezuelans sent to CECOT in El Salvador Book referenced by Tim, "Everyone Who Is Gone Is Here" F*%k your khakis and get The Perfect Jean 15% off with the code BULWARK15 at theperfectjean.nyc/BULWARK15 #theperfectjeanpod Start your new morning ritual & get up to 43% off your @MUDWTR at mudwtr.com/THEBULWARK! #mudwtrpod