Sam Stein and Will Sommer unpack a jaw-dropping Harvard Crimson investigation into Leo Terrell, Trump’s antisemitism czar, and the spectacular dysfunction inside his Justice Department task force. From threatening to choke an intern with a computer charger and pressuring a young employee to spend $1,200 to accompany him to Vegas, to dreaming up a national tour featuring Justin Bieber, Jerry Seinfeld and Nicki Minaj, Terrell’s operation sounds more like a bureaucratic fever dream than a serious government office.

Plus, the interns who fled, the bizarre feud with Harmeet Dhillon, a top Trump DOJ official, and leaking to The New York Times.

Read more from the Harvard Crimson: https://www.thecrimson.com/article/2026/10/28/terrell-doj-task-force-collapse/

What happens to Trump if Democrats take back Congress? Reporter Michael Weiss and former CIA officer Mark Polymeropoulos examine the investigations that could expose the administration’s foreign dealings, the growing threat of another war with Iran, and why even Putin’s inner circle is realizing Trump can’t deliver on his promises. Plus, Ukraine stands its ground against Trump, and Elon Musk’s Starlink controversy raises serious national security questions.

Tim Miller takes a trip into the lion’s den, joining Blake Neff and Andrew Kolvet on The Charlie Kirk Show for a spirited debate about Trump’s record. Tim pushes back on the idea that Trump has delivered, laying out that the president has broken his promises on affordability, foreign wars and draining the swamp. The conversation gets heated as Tim challenges the hosts over immigration enforcement, masked ICE agents and the detention of people without due process. He also makes the case that Trump’s tariffs, war in Iran and corruption are making life harder for Americans.

Sam Stein, Will Sommer, and Tim Miller unpack another week of MAGA absurdity, from James O’Keefe facing felony charges over an alleged voter fraud stunt to right-wing influencers churning out bizarre AI videos about Democrats and the Cheesecake Factory. The trio also break down a pastor’s bizarre prayer for the deportation of a MAGA commentator, and a Tennessee congressional candidate defending unsolicited nude photos as a “youthful indiscretion” at age 53.

Plus, JD Vance hits the campaign trail for a MAGA rapper in a surprisingly competitive House race, and the Department of Education gets caught up in the internet’s strange obsession with a gender-swapped Draco Malfoy.

Get $20 off off your first order at https://Cometeer.com/bulkwarktakes or use code BULWARKTAKES.

Bill Kristol talks with Ezra Levin, co-director of Indivisible and a leading organizer of No Kings, about why Trump’s attacks on the movement have failed, Meta’s suspicious four-hour shutdown of its Instagram account during a massive early-voting push, and the growing demands for answers from Congress. They also discuss how Trump’s corporate allies enable his authoritarian agenda—and why Democrats can’t afford to return to business as usual if they win in November.

Get $20 off off your first order at https://Cometeer.com/bulkwarktakes or use code BULWARKTAKES.

Ben Parker and Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling (Ret.) break down the growing risks of Trump’s Iran war, including the possibility of renewed strikes after the midterms, the danger of pushing Gulf allies toward China, and the military’s growing logistical challenges. They examine why Iran may be preparing to fight back even harder, how the Houthis could threaten American interests long after the Iran war ends, and why Netanyahu’s reported attempt to launch a politically motivated strike raises serious questions about the military’s role in a democracy.

Plus, Ukraine’s latest strikes on Russian weapons factories, Zelensky’s diplomatic maneuvering, and what a potential blue wave could mean for congressional oversight of Trump’s foreign policy.

Get $20 off off your first order at Cometeer.com/bulkwarktakes or use code BULWARKTAKES.

Catherine Rampell and Andrew Egger break down Donald Trump’s latest campaign strategy: promising taxpayer-funded benefits to voters and threatening to withhold money from states that don’t deliver Republican victories. From $5,000 checks and billions in potential investments to veterans’ Camp Lejeune settlements, Trump is making government funding conditional on political loyalty. Catherine and Andrew examine how Trump has turned public money into a tool for rewarding allies and punishing perceived enemies, and how this once-unthinkable approach has become the new normal in American politics.

Looking for a different way to unwind? Soul’s Mood Gummies pair precise dosing and clean ingredients with formulas designed for different moods, whether you want to feel uplifted, mellow, or somewhere in between. Get 30% off your entire order at https://getsoul.com with promo code BULWARKTAKES.

Will Sommer speaks with Alabama shrimper Maynard Dubuisson, a longtime Donald Trump supporter who says soaring diesel prices are pushing fishermen and small businesses to the brink. The war in Iran has sent fuel costs soaring, forcing shrimpers to conserve fuel and produce less, and threatened the local economy. Dubuisson says working-class Americans aren’t worried about tax cuts. They’re worried about affording groceries and keeping their businesses afloat. Now he’s pleading with Trump to deliver relief before it’s too late.

Looking for a different way to unwind? Soul’s Mood Gummies pair precise dosing and clean ingredients with formulas designed for different moods, whether you want to feel uplifted, mellow, or somewhere in between. Get 30% off your entire order at https://getsoul.com with promo code BULWARKTAKES.

With one week until Election Day, Bill Kristol and Andrew Egger break down the Senate races that could deliver Democrats a historic midterm wave. From James Talarico’s fight against Ken Paxton in Texas to surprising opportunities in Mississippi, Kansas, and Florida, they examine how Trump’s unpopularity, rising prices, and Elon Musk’s spending are reshaping the map. 

Plus, how Trump’s latest attempt to prosecute James Comey exposes the importance of independent courts and why control of the Senate could be the most consequential prize of the election.

Looking for a different way to unwind? Soul’s Mood Gummies pair precise dosing and clean ingredients with formulas designed for different moods, whether you want to feel uplifted, mellow, or somewhere in between. Get 30% off your entire order at https://getsoul.com with promo code BULWARKTAKES.

Will Saletan uses Trump's own words to expose the contradictions behind the Iran war. Trump says he obliterated Iran's nuclear program, claims the threat is under control, and admits the U.S. could leave now. So why is the war still going eight months later? Trump says he wants a guarantee Iran will never build a nuclear weapon, but he also admits he may have gone too far in killing the country's leaders and doesn't know who to negotiate with. Meanwhile, gas prices are rising, Trump is bragging about the money high oil prices are bringing in, and he says the financial pain Americans are facing is a small price to pay. For Trump voters unhappy with the economy and the war, Will makes the case that the midterms are a chance to send a message.

Right now, podcast listeners can save up to 48% off their first order at https://pendulumlife.com/BULWARKTAKES.

Show Notes:
Trump rally in South Carolina, Oct. 21: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YNmr6SyjoAo
Trump rally in Florida, Oct. 23: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMD0ffRom7M
Trump interview with NBC Montana, Oct.14: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jLcKKXgngVk
Trump rally in Arizona, Oct. 14: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wf36VMa0rDE
Trump rally in Alabama, Oct. 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PZCcFK6y9fA
Trump rally in Oklahoma, Oct. 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3zYR9nIuvDs
Trump rally in Kansas, Oct.19: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gpvsst07C28
Trump gaggle at the White House, Oct. 3: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tlYbzF9hSBE
Trump interview with Newsmax, Oct. 15: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KvwQankQR-8
Trump gaggle at Joint Base Andrews, Oct. 10: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_MWwc6p33yM
Trump rally in Georgia, Oct. 24: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v2vfPUbdZsg
Trump rally in Michigan, Oct. 25: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CkM_CFtIDUs
Trump Q&A in the Oval Office, Oct. 20: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQKChHxD9e8

Sam Stein and Will Sommer break down Donald Trump’s 1,300-word meltdown over Bill Maher. Plus, MAGA data guru Data Republican is so worried about the GOP’s early voting numbers that she won’t share them with her followers, right-wing influencers scramble to spin election results in Serbia and Brazil, and a pro-ICE conservative is now set to be deported. Also, Newsmax’s new Trump nostalgia show serves up recycled clips and calls them “epic.”

Right now, podcast listeners can save up to 48% off their first order at https://pendulumlife.com/BULWARKTAKES.

Mike Rogers’s disastrous Meet the Press interview was a masterclass in political desperation. Catherine Rampell and Jonathan Cohn break down his increasingly absurd attempts to dodge questions about Trump, his contortions over tariffs hurting Michigan, and his ugly attacks on Democratic opponent Abdul El-Sayed.

Could Democrats really flip Senate seats in deep-red states like Mississippi, South Carolina, and Florida? Bill Kristol and Lauren Egan examine the expanding Senate map, surprising opportunities, and whether Democratic optimism is getting ahead of reality.

Texas Republicans are facing a nightmare scenario: Ken Paxton could lose, rural turnout is lagging, and the GOP may have to spend $400 million defending a state it once took for granted. Tim Miller talks with Republican operative Garrett Fulce about the growing anxiety inside the Texas GOP, the possibility of a Democratic upset, and why Garrett himself just voted for a Democrat.

#ad Go to https://zbiotics.com/bulwarktakes and use code BULWARKTAKES at checkout for 15% off your first order of ZBiotics probiotics.

Tim Miller responds to Elon Musk’s threats to The Bulwark’s after Musk said “if you want to live by the sword, that is how they will die too.” Then, Tim also takes on Iowa Republican congressional candidate Joe Mitchell, who gave Donald Trump a homemade “Man of the Century” award before old college footage surfaced of Mitchell melting down over his penis size and making racist remarks about Black women.

Plus, Tim explains why Mike Rogers’ support for the Iran war could hurt his chances in Michigan’s Senate race, as voters face higher gas prices and growing frustration with Trump’s foreign policy.

Sarah Matthews joins Nicolle Wallace to discuss the Trump DOJ’s removal of thousands of January 6 records, the effort to preserve the evidence, and what it could mean for the midterms. They also examine Trump’s broken promises, his family’s growing wealth, and why young men who helped return him to office are increasingly feeling betrayed.

Watch Deadline: White House on MS NOW: https://www.ms.now/deadline-white-house

#ad Go to https://zbiotics.com/bulwarktakes and use code BULWARKTAKES at checkout for 15% off your first order of ZBiotics probiotics.

The battle for Congress is heating up ahead of the midterms. Tim Miller talks with North Carolina Democratic Party chair Anderson Clayton about key House races, rural voters, and gerrymandering. Plus, Sam Stein joins Rep. Nikema Williams in Georgia to discuss voter turnout, Trump's election interference, and what's at stake in November.

For a limited time, Tempo is offering 60% off your first box! Go to https:/Tempomeals.com/BULWARKTAKES

Tim Miller, Sam Stein and Will Sommer give their takes on the latest chaos from the MAGA universe. Top Trump allies Chris LaCivita and James Blair had to hand over their six-figure consulting fees from a pro-Russian Balkan politician to Trump’s presidential library are right-wing influencers embarrassed themselves while campaigning for Serbia’s strongman. Plus, Republican Senate candidate Mike Collins’ was caught fantasizing about public executions and throwing Nancy Pelosi out of a plane.

Then, a pro-Trump, pro-ICE commentator gets arrested by ICE himself. A State Department employee was caught throwing a drink at a Washington Wizards game. Since we taped, she has subsequently been fired from her job. And Will breaks down the implosion of Ethan Klein’s H3 Podcast following allegations of an affair, while the trio also weighs in on influencer Clavicular’s bizarre appearance at his rape-case arraignment.

For a limited time, Tempo is offering 60% off your first box! Go to https:/Tempomeals.com/BULWARKTAKES

Michigan State Senator Mallory McMorrow joins Sam Stein for her take on how a fabricated poll had real consequences for her Senate campaign, drying up donations, rattling volunteers, and prompting reporters to ask when she would drop out. They examine how fake polling can distort media coverage, influence donors, and shape the narratives surrounding elections, even when the numbers are completely made up. McMorrow also discusses the broader problems plaguing American politics, from scam PACs to the need for greater transparency and accountability.

Plus, McMorrow weighs in on the attacks against Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan, including Islamophobic campaign ads and the death threats against women running for state office.

Get fresh, chef-crafted meals delivered to your door with Tempo! Ready in just two minutes, with over 20 recipes to choose from every week. Get 60% off your first box at https://www.tempomeals.com/BULWARKTAKES. Rules and restrictions may apply.

Vivek Ramaswamy has dragged Amy Acton’s estranged mother into the Ohio governor’s race to smear her daughter — even though the mother’s husband was charged with raping Acton when she was just 12. Now Trump and JD Vance are backing the attack, with Trump calling Acton “defective” and demanding Republicans fall in line. Will Sommer and Andrew Egger give their takes on the ad’s horrifying backstory and the shameless decision to turn Acton’s childhood trauma into a campaign weapon.

Plus, Glenn Beck, Megyn Kelly, and Ben Shapiro twist themselves into knots defending the ad, while some Ohio Republicans struggle to explain how this is acceptable politics. As Trump attacks Gov. Mike DeWine for condemning the spot, the MAGA media machine faces a familiar choice: acknowledge the facts or defend their guy at any cost.

Ben Parker and Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling (Ret.) give their takes on Pete Hegseth’s surprise visit to Israel days before Benjamin Netanyahu’s election and amid the possibility of new strikes against Iran. They also discuss the strain of sending a third aircraft carrier strike group to the Middle East and the damage Hegseth’s office caused to a historic globe once used by Dwight Eisenhower.

Plus, Trump threatens to withhold compensation for victims of contaminated water at Camp Lejeune if Republicans lose the midterms.

Tim Miller sits down with David Mauricio, the newly minted Jubilee Surrounded star, to break down his viral clashes with MAGA debaters. Mauricio explains why he came out swinging, how Trump’s defenders struggled to answer questions about the president’s corruption, and why one debater’s attempt to question his citizenship backfired.

Plus, Mauricio confronts woman who casually admits she was at the Capitol on January 6 while defending a pardoned insurrectionist who later sexually abused children.

Ben Parker and Michael Weiss dissect Steve Witkoff’s praise of Vladimir Putin as a “humanitarian” and JD Vance’s defense of the Trump envoy, exposing the weakness and incompetence behind the administration’s Russia diplomacy. They examine how Trump’s desperation for a deal with Putin is leading to concessions on sanctions, undermining Ukraine, and rewarding Russian aggression. 

Plus, Michael explains how Russia’s growing cooperation with Iran threatens U.S. interests and why Trump’s approach is putting America’s global standing at risk.

This episode is sponsored by the New York Times.

How do democracies fall apart, and why do the people who could stop it so often look the other way? CNN’s Dana Bash joins Sarah Longwell to examine the elections that changed history, including the fatal miscalculation that helped bring Hitler to power and its disturbing echoes in Trump’s Republican Party. They also explore how a handful of votes might have prevented Trump’s rise, why Democrats need to learn how to win, and which 2026 races could change American politics for generations.

This episode is sponsored by the New York Times.

Get Dana Bash’s new book, The Elections That Changed the World: Fifteen Pivotal Moments That Shaped How We Live, co-written with David Fisher:

https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-elections-that-changed-the-world-fifteen-pivotal-moments-that-shaped-how-we-live-dana-bash/bcc71c1baa846304

Jonathan Cohn sits down with Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed to discuss his admiration for Barack Obama, the shortcomings of the Obama presidency, and the lessons he hopes to carry into the Senate. El-Sayed explains why he believes Obama made it possible for people like him to run for office, where he thinks Obama fell short on health care and other issues, and why Democrats need to stop assuming Republicans will negotiate in good faith.

Plus, El-Sayed discusses standing up to Trump, why he believes Americans are less divided than they think, and his philosophy of fighting bullies without becoming one himself.

This video is sponsored by The New York Times.

Ready to be seen? Check that appointment off your to-do list with Zocdoc ✅: https://zocdoc.com/bulwarktakes #sponsored

Donald Trump claims Russia has been “fine” in Ukraine, and Michael Weiss, who has witnessed Russian atrocities firsthand, is furious. Weiss and former CIA officer Marc Polymeropoulos examine Trump’s increasingly alarming alignment with Putin, reports that Elon Musk interfered with Ukraine’s satellite defenses, Pete Hegseth’s refusal to release desperately needed Patriot missiles, and whether Trump now fits the intelligence definition of a Russian agent of influence.

Ready to be seen? Check that appointment off your to-do list with Zocdoc ✅: https://zocdoc.com/bulwarktakes #sponsored

Sam Stein and Will Sommer break down the disgusting attack ad targeting Ohio Democratic gubernatorial nominee Amy Acton, featuring her estranged mother accusing her of lying. When Acton was 12, her stepfather was accused of sexually abusing her and was indicted by a grand jury before he fled with Amy's mother. Acton’s mother also lost custody of both of her children. The ad appears to be connected to Vivek Ramaswamy’s campaign, which has refused to disavow it. Sam and Will explain how the campaign’s smear tactics have backfired, how right-wing influencers rushed to amplify the attack, and why this could be a major political blunder for Vivek.

Plus, a look at Vivek’s history of dirty campaigning and why this latest stunt could be a new low for Ohio politics.

Ready to be seen? Check that appointment off your to-do list with Zocdoc ✅: https://zocdoc.com/bulwarktakes #sponsored 

Will Saletan gives his take on the growing panic inside House Republican leadership as bad polls, shrinking campaign budgets, and vulnerable races threaten the GOP’s hold on Congress. Even friendly voices on Fox News are pressing Mike Johnson, Tom Emmer, and Steve Scalise on why Republicans are struggling ahead of the midterms. From Texas districts where Republican gerrymandering may be backfiring to rising frustration over fuel prices and the Iran war, GOP leaders are running out of explanations.

Ready to be seen? Check that appointment off your to-do list with Zocdoc ✅: https://zocdoc.com/bulwarktakes #sponsored 

Andrew Egger and Bill Kristol give their takes on Trump’s increasingly desperate push to save Republicans two weeks before the midterms. As Trump’s approval rating sinks and Democrats build a major polling advantage, the president is struggling to make the case for his party, resorting to racist attacks, religious bigotry, and bizarre defenses of vulnerable Republicans. 

Plus, Trump continues to side with Vladimir Putin as Russia escalates its attacks on Ukraine and Marco Rubio is left defending the White House’s actions on Ukraine as Trump’s pro-Putin rhetoric grows harder to ignore.

Donald Trump can’t seem to stop talking about other men’s bodies, from Republican candidates’ jawlines to their backsides, even as his presidency faces mounting crises. Sam Stein joins Nicolle Wallace on MS NOW to discuss Trump’s bizarre fixation and misplaced priorities, plus why James Talarico’s unconventional campaign against Ken Paxton could rewrite the political playbook in Texas.

Ready to be seen? Check that appointment off your to-do list with Zocdoc ✅: https://zocdoc.com/bulwarktakes #sponsored

Watch Deadline: White House on MS NOW: https://www.ms.now/deadline-white-house

Sen. Andy Kim joins The Bulwark’s Jonathan Cohn to discuss the terrifying family health crisis that inspired his political career, Republicans’ attacks on healthcare, and his ambitious new proposal to guarantee health insurance for every American from birth through age 26. Could this be the first step toward universal healthcare?

Read Jonathan Cohn's newsletter: https://www.thebulwark.com/p/before-medicare-for-all-this-senator-andy-kim-wants-medicaid-for-kids-medikids

Upgrade your sleep with Boll & Branch’s incredibly soft, breathable organic cotton sheets and bedding. Get 15% off your first order plus free shipping at https://www.bollandbranch.com/bulwarktakes with code bulwarktakes. Exclusions apply.

Sam Stein and Will Sommer break down the foreign money scandal involving Alina Habba’s new husband, Ric Grenell, and the Kennedy Center. They also examine the protests roiling Albania over Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump’s controversial resort project, and Bari Weiss’s pursuit of right-wing internet conspiracy theories at CBS News.

Plus, the strange cast of characters gathering for a $3,000-a-ticket citizen journalist event at Mar-a-Lago, Laura Loomer’s White House ambitions, and Nick Fuentes’s online dating drama.

Upgrade your sleep with Boll & Branch’s incredibly soft, breathable organic cotton sheets and bedding. Get 15% off your first order plus free shipping at https://www.bollandbranch.com/bulwarktakes with code bulwarktakes. Exclusions apply.

For years, American spies and diplomats have suffered mysterious, debilitating injuries. Was Russia secretly targeting them, and did the CIA cover it up? Former CIA officer Mark Polymeropoulos, whose career was ended by Havana Syndrome, and Michael Weiss welcome 60 Minutes investigative journalist Michael Rey to examine explosive new evidence, a suspected Russian microwave weapon, and the government’s treatment of its own officers.

Read The Havana Syndrome: Secret Weapons, a Government Cover-Up, and the Greatest Spy Mystery of Our Time by Michael Rey and Oriana Zill de Granados:

Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-havana-syndrome-invisible-weapons-a-government-cover-up-and-the-greatest-spy-mystery-of-our-time-michael-rey/a5804620d654238c?ean=9798217088386

Amazon: https://a.co/d/09a7JiWo

Trump is lifting sanctions on Russian energy, his own energy secretary is contradicting his explanation, and Republicans are scrambling to defend the indefensible. Sam Stein and Will Saletan take on Trump’s latest gift to Putin, Elon Musk’s troubling role in Ukraine’s Starlink crisis, and the disastrous legacy of Lindsey Graham, who helped bring Trump back to power believing he could control him.

Tim Miller talks with journalist Caolan Robertson, reporting from Ukraine’s front lines, about disruptions to the satellite communications Ukrainian soldiers depend on, Marco Rubio’s baffling explanation, and the deadly consequences of losing that lifeline. They also discuss Russia’s escalating attacks on civilians, Ukraine bringing the fight to Russian territory, and how Trump’s relationship with Putin is being viewed by Ukrainians.

Follow Caolan’s independent reporting from Ukraine: https://caolan.report/

James Carville joins Bill Kristol to explain why he's cautiously optimistic about a massive Democratic wave, with Republicans facing unexpected threats in Florida, Texas, and even the Deep South. They discuss Trump’s disastrous polling, the GOP’s crumbling coalition, the possibility of election interference, and what a crushing Republican defeat could mean for Trump’s billionaire allies and the future of American politics.

Recorded live in Columbia, South Carolina, on October 16, 2026, Tim Miller, Sam Stein, and Will Sommer take a hilarious tour through the latest MAGA madness: Kimberly Guilfoyle’s increasingly messy scandals, Tucker Carlson’s inexplicable horse commentary, James O’Keefe’s $3,000 journalism awards, the mystery of $60,000 in missing beef, and the growing civil war among young Republicans.

Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling (Ret.) and Ben Parker welcome Eliot Cohen to discuss what makes great leaders, the dysfunction inside Trump’s Pentagon, and the difficult choices facing military officers. Drawing on lessons from Churchill, Afghanistan, and Iraq, they explore why wars go wrong, how to recognize victory, and what history teaches us about military strategy.

Preorder The Strategist on Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-strategist-how-to-think-about-war-and-politics-eliot-a-cohen/207ebf9c4bf5d10f

Preorder The Strategist on Amazon: https://a.co/d/06DERJxH

Watch Shield of the Republic: https://www.shieldoftherepublic.com/

Tim Miller ventures outside the Bulwark bubble for a candid conversation with Mario Nawfal, a Trump-friendly influencer who’s having serious buyer’s remorse. They discuss Trump’s disastrous Iran war, the voters abandoning his coalition, his increasingly dangerous obsession with his legacy, and his willingness to throw Ukraine under the bus to appease Putin.

Find your next fall favorites at https://www.quince.com/. Get free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada and the UK, too. When Quince asks where you heard about them, let them know it was Bulwark Takes.

Check out Mario's channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/marionawfal

Five days. That’s how long Katie Zachariah lasted as Trump’s White House press secretary before a disastrous debut, questions about her legal credentials, and a wave of West Wing backstabbing brought her tenure to an abrupt end. Former Trump White House deputy press secretary Sarah Matthews joins Andrew Egger and Judd Legum, whose reporting helped expose Zachariah’s questionable résumé, to explain how it all fell apart, why Trump bears the blame, and what this fiasco reveals about the chaos returning to his White House in the second term.

Find your next fall favorites at https://www.quince.com/. Get free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada and the UK, too. When Quince asks where you heard about them, let them know it was Bulwark Takes.

Sam Stein, Tim Miller, and Will Sommer give an update on the MAGA influencers caught pushing a false story about Texas Democrat James Talarico, and why those behind the smear may face few consequences. They also examine court documents revealing how Kristi Noem and Corey Lewandowski allegedly fed false information to Laura Loomer to smear a government employee, raising questions about how political disinformation spreads without traditional media scrutiny.

Plus, the trio breaks down Ben Shapiro’s growing conservative movie business, including why Hollywood stars like Rob Lowe are signing on to his films. And an update on Anthony Constantino, a Trump-obsessed Republican whose rap songs and devotion to the president have drawn attention to his campaign for Congress.

Right now, save up to 20% on mattresses when you go to https://Casper.com. #ad

Right now, save up to 20% on mattresses when you go to https://Casper.com. #ad

Tim Miller gives his take on Elon Musk’s return as the biggest campaign donor of the 2026 midterms, funneling $276 million into Republican groups, including $158 million to help Republicans hold the Senate. After threatening to launch his own political party and breaking with Donald Trump, Musk is back in the GOP’s corner.

Tim looks at how Musk’s spending, Trump’s return to X, the administration’s dealings with Russia, and Ukraine’s loss of critical Starlink access point to a renewed alignment between Trump, Musk, and Vladimir Putin. He also looks at how powerful tech executives, including Sam Altman, Mark Zuckerberg, Satya Nadella, and Marc Benioff, are sucking up to with Trump as the tech industry’s influence over politics and public discourse grows.

Right now, save up to 20% on mattresses when you go to https://Casper.com. #ad

Is Donald Trump about to fire the woman who has kept his White House from descending into chaos? Bill Kristol and Andrew Egger cover reports that Trump is considering replacements for Susie Wiles, his retreat from Pete Hegseth’s planned livestreamed execution, and his increasingly alarming efforts to appease Vladimir Putin at Ukraine’s expense.

Marc Polymeropoulos and Michael Weiss give their takes on the growing questions surrounding Elon Musk’s Starlink and his company purposely disrupted Ukraine’s war effort. They examine reports of missed Russian missile warnings, the status of U.S. intelligence sharing with Ukraine, and why any deliberate disruption could put American personnel at risk. They also discuss the need for congressional oversight and what the controversy reveals about the Trump administration’s increasingly cozy relationship with Vladimir Putin.

Plus, they dig into the growing scandal surrounding U.S. Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle, her ousting, and the allegations of corruption and influence-peddling raising questions about the administration’s vetting process.

Ben Parker and Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling (Ret.) break down the latest developments in Ukraine, including Russia’s escalating attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure, the growing rift between Washington and Kyiv, and how Ukraine is imposing mounting costs on Russian forces. They also examine how the Trump administration’s approach is undermining a critical U.S. ally and what the battlefield’s evolution means for the future of modern warfare.

Then, former military lawyer and federal prosecutor Margaret Donovan joins Command Post to discuss Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s plan to potentially livestream the execution of Fort Hood shooter Nidal Hasan, including the legal questions, national security risks, and concerns about turning a convicted terrorist into a martyr. They also examine the case of Air Force Major Jason Watson, who faces military charges for political speech in uniform and has reportedly spent months in solitary confinement awaiting trial.

Get $80 off your first month with promo code SPACE80 at Talkspace.com

Sam Stein again welcomes Eric Deters, the man whose text messages helped expose Kimberly Guilfoyle’s alleged $100,000 ask and preceded her resignation as U.S. ambassador to Greece. Deters discusses why he believes Guilfoyle was forced out, his plans to sue her for defamation, and why he says her resignation won’t end the congressional and State Department investigations. He also shares his take on the culture of money and influence inside Trump World, and why he believes the fallout from the Guilfoyle scandal is far from over.

Andrew Egger and Bill Kristol give their takes on the news White House Press Secretary Katie Zacharia made when she announced on her first day that the White House asked Kimberly Guilfoyle to resign as U.S. ambassador to Greece. Beyond that, Zacharia’s first briefing was remarkably short, with questions from just a few outlets, all of them conservative, yet she still struggled to deliver clear answers and repeatedly returned to praising Trump.

Plus, they examine Trump’s latest rally in Ohio, his attacks on Haitian and Somali communities, the federal raid on Rep. Ilhan Omar’s home, and the growing weaponization of federal law enforcement just weeks before the midterm elections.

Sen. Brian Schatz joins Sam Stein to explain why Democrats suddenly have a shot at winning Senate races in deep-red states, how they plan to hold Trump’s corrupt officials accountable, and why he doubts JD Vance has what it takes to succeed Trump. From the possibility of impeaching Trump administration officials to Vance’s struggle to connect with MAGA voters, Schatz offers an unusually candid look at what comes next.

Sam Stein and Andrew Egger break down Donald Trump’s bizarre and disturbing Ohio rally, from his repeated comments about Senator Jon Husted’s physique to mocking a woman who was assaulted by a fellow rallygoer for wearing a shirt demanding the release of the Epstein files. Trump revived his racist lies about Haitian immigrants in Springfield and embraced embattled Republican Rep. Max Miller despite allegations of abuse.

Plus, Trump claims Russia and Ukraine have agreed to an energy ceasefire that neither side says exists. Sam and Andrew discuss Trump’s increasingly grievance-driven rallies, his lack of a positive vision for voters, and the disturbing implications of a president who seems willing to declare reality into existence.

Ready to reach your goals? Visit https://hims.com/bulwarktakes to get personalized, affordable care for weight loss, hair loss, sex, testosterone, and more.

MAGA thought it had a career-ending scandal on James Talarico. Instead, it got a spectacular humiliation. Sam Stein and Will Sommer break down how the conspiracy unraveled, including the full phone call obtained by The Bulwark that exposed the holes in the story. Plus, the federal raid on Ilhan Omar’s home, Pete Hegseth’s public execution plans, and the latest MAGA infighting.

Ready to reach your goals? Visit https://hims.com/bulwarktakes to get personalized, affordable care for weight loss, hair loss, sex, testosterone, and more.