The Bulwark Podcast

Trump and the people around him want to use the Kirk assassination to suppress their political opposition. And Trump is clearly laying the groundwork for cracking down on people he doesn't like—peaceful protesters, Dem fundraisers—while also offering rhetorical comfort to potential vigilantes on the right. Meanwhile, we are witnessing the danger of having an incompetent person atop the FBI, who alternates his time between posting for clicks and purging the bureau of highly qualified personnel for political cred. Plus, Vance is running for the 2028 nomination every day, the raid on the Georgia Hyundai plant shows the incoherence and stupidity of Trump's economic vision, and as Putin tests the resilience of NATO, the White House is playing politics in Poland. David Frum joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod. show notes Frum's "Trump Is No Nationalist" piece Bill's tribute to Georgia police officer David Rose Bob Kagan's "The Beginning of the End of Nato" Tim referenced The poem, "For Whom the Bell Tolls" Tim's playlist Frum's podcast Bulwark Live in DC and NYC at TheBulwark.com/events. Tix on sale next week for extra Toronto show!

This country has too many guns and too many crazy people. And the social media oligarchs are fanning the flames of violence by constantly trying to piss people off. The Kirk assassination highlights just how dangerous a moment we are living in. America is not free if people are too afraid to speak their minds. Plus, parenting and the surprising gap in what Gen Z women and men think are the highest priorities in life. Crooked Media's Erin Ryan joins Tim Miller. show notes Tim's latest FYPod episode JVL on Charlie Kirk Andrew on the reaction to the assassination Nancy Mace after the shooting The Wired story on surrogacy 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!

If Zohran Mamdani, as NYC mayor-elect, held a dinner with finance bros and threatened them with a huge wealth tax if they didn't sweet-talk him and say how much they agreed with his political vision, the Wall Street community would freak out. Yet, this version of a shakedown is *really* happening at the White House all the time and in response, the country's most powerful and wealthy business leaders can only trip over each other as they jostle for the chance to cut up Trump's well-done steak. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court is tripping over its own rulings to green-light ICE's racial profiling in Southern California. Stephanie Ruhle and MALDEF's Thomas Saenz join Tim Miller. show notes Maggie Haberman pursuing the White House's 'hoax' theory on Epstein Job Garcia's video of his arrest—includes non-visuals when his phone was in his back pocket Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund Bulwark Live in DC and NYC at TheBulwark.com/events. Toronto is SOLD OUT Get 20% off your DeleteMe plan when you go to joindeleteme.com/ BULWARK and use promo code BULWARK at checkout.

More than 10 years in, journalists still have not figured out how to cover Trump. He understands the media environment better than a lot of reporters, and knows his outrageous acts and statements command attention—and that people will not be able to finish processing one outrage before the next one comes down the pike. But now he's laying down the terms of how he expects to be covered, and media orgs are complying by hiring or giving airtime to MAGA avatars. In the process, journalists are failing to hold the powerful to account. Plus, Dems actually went on offense and got their hands on the Epstein birthday book, and Israel is aggressively embracing the age of impunity. The Economist's James Bennet joins Tim Miller. show notes James, in The Economist, on his departure from the NYT over the Tom Cotton op-ed (gifted) James on the rules for defending democracy under Trump (gifted) Bulwark Live in DC and NYC at TheBulwark.com/events. Toronto is SOLD OUT

In seven months, Trump has accumulated an astonishing amount of unchecked power. No one inside his administration is challenging his will, and Trump is assuming war powers with barely any explanation—while blacklisting Tom Hanks from West Point. At the same time, in the business world, only one MAGA-friendly hedge fund billionaire has raised mild concerns about the Fed, but top-shelf tech leaders can't thank Trump enough just for existing. But, the resistance is showing up in Chicago and the Dems have a chance to throw their weight around with a potential government shutdown. Plus, Vance is an amazingly succinct liar and the White House Rose Garden has had a Panera patio makeover. Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller. show notes Today's "Morning Shots" Gov. Pritzker responding to Trump's Chi-pocalypse meme Backgrounder on the Bobbsey Twins Bulwark Live in DC and NYC at https://www.thebulwark.com/p/bulwark-events. Toronto is SOLD OUT Get 15% off OneSkin with the code BULWARK at https://www.oneskin.co/ #oneskinpod

Last month, Trump fired the "woke" job numbers person after she released weak employment data. Now, we have even worse jobs numbers—and burgeoning signs of a tariffs-triggered manufacturing recession. Meanwhile, the administration may be working on a de facto military policy that would fulfill one of Trump's biggest longtime wishes: summarily executing drug dealers. Plus, a trans gun ban would be grotesquely unconstitutional, the blood-and-soil types at NatCon are missing what the Founding Fathers intended, Tucker can't quit his Putin obsession, and why Gen X enthusiastically embraced helicopter parenting. David French joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod. show notes Bulwark's live reaction to RFK hearing, with Sam, Jon Cohn, and Will Saletan David on Gen X helicopter parenting Gen Z (gifted) More from James Madison in 1785 Post-recording news: Pentagon is deploying F-35s for a counter-narcotics mission Tim's playlist Bulwark Live in DC and NYC at TheBulwark.com/events. Toronto is SOLD OUT To get 6 bottles of wine for $39.99, head to NakedWines.com/THEBULWARK and use code THEBULWARK for both the code AND PASSWORD.

The lethal U.S. military strike on a speedboat in the Caribbean was more about putting on a show than countering the drug trade out of South America. And it's not even clear that the people killed on the boat were running drugs, or that any contraband was bound for America. Meanwhile, if senators are truly concerned that local police departments are insufficiently staffed, then they should pass a bill to fund more officers instead of pushing the charade that Guard troops can legally do police work. Plus, Russia is running out of ammunition, Ashli Babbitt was no hero, and a dissection of Trump's fatuous 'seven wars' lie. Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling joins Tim Miller. joins Tim Miller. show notes Hertling's piece, "Bombs Won't Win the War on Drugs" "Honoring Ashli Babbitt Dishonors the Military" Hertling on the 'perils of yes-men' Rand Paul on the speedboat bombing Bulwark Live in DC and NYC at TheBulwark.com/events. Toronto is SOLD OUT

The economic populists at the Nat Con conference may be talking a lot about elites screwing over the little guy, but the Trump administration itself has been catastrophic for working people—its policies are all about doing special favors for elite interests. And while many loud voices in Silicon Valley cursed the Biden administration for blocking some deals, other start-ups appreciated the efforts to try to level the playing field against the tech giants. Plus, a response to Jason Calacanis, how Dems can shake off their elite vibes, and resisting the temptation to run for office. Former FTC chair Lina Khan joins Tim Miller. show notes Tim's interview last month with Jason Calacanis This week's TNL Bulwark Live in DC and NYC at TheBulwark.com/events. Toronto is SOLD OUT For a limited time only, get 60% off your first order PLUS free shipping when you head to Smalls.com/THEBULWARK.

Democrats need to learn to fight like Republicans. So when senators with serious foreign policy chops vote to confirm a middling weekend talk show host as secretary of defense, Dems need to call them out for being unpatriotic. And when they allow an ex-junkie to sabotage vaccines that have saved millions of American lives, say they're destroying the legacy of what the Greatest Generation built. The party of Putin-philes is no longer a normal political party with whom Dems can hammer out a compromise. Stuart Stevens joins Tim Miller—and pulls no punches. show notes Lincoln Square on Substack Stuart's piece on trying steroids "The Conspiracy to End America" Stuart's book, "It Was All a Lie" Stuart's "The Last Season" Bulwark Live in DC and NYC at https://www.thebulwark.com/p/bulwark-events. Toronto is SOLD OUT 

Red States are flexing their muscles and imposing their will on the other states through their coordinated redistricting efforts. And if they deploy their Guard troops to other blue cities beyond D.C., the only real precedent would be the era before the Civil War when the South tried to force more slave states on the union. Meanwhile, the infighting at the CDC over the Covid vaccine seems to be upsetting Trump, but what can he do about it? He's only the president. And in China, a new axis of authoritarians is creating a post-American world order, thanks to voters putting Trump back in office. Plus, his faux golf outings and declarations of perfect health are very Soviet, and Giuliani wants people to think 'America's Mayor' is back—this time as Batman. JVL joins Tim Miller. show notes "The Triad," JVL's newsletter "The Secret Podcast," with Sarah and JVL Jon Cohn on the crisis at the CDC in his 'Breakdown' newsletter Bulwark Live in DC and NYC at https://www.thebulwark.com/p/bulwark-events. Toronto is SOLD OUT Go to Dupe.com today and find similar products for less. It's 100% free to use. Stop wasting money on brand names and start saving with Dupe.com today.

Trump is like a dysfunctional 8-year-old whose parents are always in the principal's office arguing that their son is a good boy. The media, CEOs, and Wall Street keep giving him a pass for his behavior while his supporters and apologists explain why he just had to set the school on fire. At the same time, he's empowering ideologues behind the scenes who are dismantling the government and executing their policy wet dreams. Plus, Joni Ernst's Senate tenure has been a sham, Vance tries Mickey Mouse Stalinism on for size, and what's going on with the bruising on Trump's right hand? The public has the right to know about the health of a president. Tom Nichols joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod. Tom Nichols joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod. show notes Tom's newsletter installment, "President Homelander" JVL's Thursday 'Triad' The film, "The Death of Stalin" Felicia Schwartz's piece on Steve Witkoff Tim's playlist Bulwark Live in DC and NYC at https://www.thebulwark.com/p/bulwark-events. Toronto is SOLD OUT

The resignations of senior leaders at the CDC is a calamity. People with decades of expertise in infectious disease are leaving the agency because the new director—who Trump just appointed—refused to get on board with RFK's anti-vax crusade, including limiting access to Covid boosters. And Wednesday's violence in Minneapolis may be a sign that the FBI should be keeping its eye on the threats from domestic terror instead of arresting day laborers at Home Depot. Meanwhile, Trump's threat to the Fed's independence could pose a real risk to the stability of the U.S. Plus, more on the shifting attitudes about Israel among Dems, the latest attack on Kyiv is another reminder of how much Putin is mocking Trump, and remembering Katrina 20 years later. Sam Stein and the NYT's Talmon Smith join Tim Miller. show notes Thursday's "Morning Shots" Tim, Sam, and Will Sommer on a MAGA brawl, the “Bulwark Take” Tim mentioned Bulwark Live in DC and NYC at https://www.thebulwark.com/p/bulwark-events. Toronto is SOLD OUT

A year ago, China was globally isolated and its economy was struggling. But once Trump was back in office pursuing his own personal and political gain, the U.S. brand got tossed in the toilet and the view from Beijing got pretty sweet. Trump has allowed China to buy American microchips that could be used against our own national security interests, he caved on his own trade war with the country, and the divisions he's creating with allies in the West have made China's propaganda job a whole lot easier. Plus, the tragedy in Gaza, the evolving U.S.-Israel relationship, the one powerful way to squeeze Putin's war machine, and re-examining Biden's original plan to run for re-election. Former National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan joins Tim Miller. show notes Sullivan's piece on Gaza for the Israeli news site, Ynet Article about Sullivan's comments at The Atlantic Festival in Sept. 2023 Bulwark Live in DC and NYC at https://www.thebulwark.com/p/bulwark-events. Toronto is SOLD OUT

Some rando far-right social media suck-up, who Trump rewarded with an appointment to his administration, is pushing mortgage fraud investigations of Adam Schiff, Tish James, and now Fed governor Lisa Cook. Trump claims he's fired Cook based on a tweet—but will any institution stand up to these McCarthy-like campaigns against his political foes? Meanwhile, Bolton is being investigated because he went on TV and called out Trump's lies about his embarrassing Alaska summit. Plus, the administration is abusing official resources by having Guard troops just stand around in D.C., Putin wants to devour Ukraine by any means necessary, and we are finding out what it's like to have a live-streaming presidency. Susan Glasser joins Tim Miller. show notes Susan's most recent column Pam Bondi profile by Ruth Marcus Bulwark Live in DC and NYC at https://www.thebulwark.com/p/bulwark-events. Toronto is SOLD OUT

Trump and his people have used the summer months to up the despot game—sending armed troops into the streets, taking over the police in D.C., and promising to export the same tactics to even more blue cities. And the attempted deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia to Uganda shows the lengths the administration will go for not submitting to its coercion. At the same time, Vance sounds downright Orwellian on the John Bolton matter, while the White House eyes other major corporations to extort. Plus, Wes Moore punches back, the injustice of the trans military ban, and the emerging signs of a broad Democratic coalition. Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller. show notes Kinzinger on how Trump is undermining the Second Amendment Bill's 'Bulwark on Sunday' with Col. Bree Fram Mark Hertling on the purging of military and intel leaders Just one of Gov. Moore's recent punchy tweets The book Tim mentioned, "Diary of a Man in Despair" Bulwark Live in DC and NYC at https://www.thebulwark.com/p/bulwark-events. Toronto is SOLD OUT

The fears of jack-booted thugs and the military in the streets that filled the fever dreams of numerous people on the right since the 90s have come to pass. Not to mention that these are boom times for private prisons, deportation camps, and huge data centers driving up electricity bills. (We're building things, Marc Andreessen!) Meanwhile, The Bulwark was live on the scene for the FBI raid at John Bolton's house—just the latest installment from Team Trump's pursuit of his enemies. Plus, Alex Jones is worried about Trump's cankles, and Gavin is proving to be a good fighter, but other Dems need to get in the game. Also, Gaza, Israel, and the exaggerated power of AIPAC. Tommy Vietor joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod. show notes Bulwark LIVE for FBI raid at Bolton's home (Substack) or YouTube Byron Donalds's Cracker Barrel tweet Third Way's blacklisted words Joe Rogan takedown Peter Thiel's antichrist lecture series Tim's playlist THE BULWARK LIVE in Toronto, D.C. and NYC: Thebulwark.com/events

While Trump keeps working hard on his own monetization and glorification—and delivers a Watergate practically every hour—the pro-democracy coalition must stay focused on winning next year's midterm elections. Trump is at the point of no return, Congress is becoming the only institution that can stop him, and holding onto that lever of power is his top priority. Meanwhile, not only did Trump look weak in Alaska, he also looked unpresidential. Plus, a new publication focused on the threats from the post-liberal right and left. Jerusalem Demsas and Garry Kasparov join Tim Miller. show notes Garry's Substack, "The Next Move" Jerusalem's "The Argument" Chess grandmaster Magnus Carlsen slamming the table after losing in June Trump comparing himself to Nixon *** THE BULWARK LIVE in Toronto, D.C. and NYC: Thebulwark.com/events *** Get 20% off your DeleteMe plan when you go to joindeleteme.com/BULWARK and use promo code BULWARK at checkout.

Russia is losing the war in Ukraine. More than 1 million Russian troops have been killed or injured, and it's been estimated that it would take another four years and 2 million more soldiers for Putin to conquer the Donbas region. So no, Ben Shapiro, getting Ukraine to sacrifice the region in return for some kind of security guarantee would not be a "masterstroke" for Trump. Meanwhile, red state governors sending National Guard troops to D.C. are disrupting the lives and families of those troops at back-to-school time—just to please Daddy Trump. Plus, the MAGA socialism around Intel, Dems should advise foreign countries to think twice about doing corrupt deals with Trump, and Hegseth's pull-ups don't cut it in the alpha male world he thinks he's making. Adam Kinzinger joins Tim Miller. show notes Tim on the Louisiana governor sending the National Guard to D.C. Kinzinger's interview with Jason Riddle Jonathan Martin on Trump giving Putin more time to stall FT on Europeans comparing eastern Ukraine to Florida  *** THE BULWARK LIVE in Toronto, D.C. and NYC: Thebulwark.com/events ***

Back in the day, Trump used to puff up his wealth to get on the Forbes list. Lately though, he doesn't talk about how much money he has, especially now that he and his family have pocketed an estimated $3.4 billion off his time in the White House. The bulk of those billions comes from various crypto-related ventures—and money from foreign nationals and some adjustments at the S.E.C. have helped grease the wheel. At the same time, the Trump Org is making development deals directly with dictators in the Middle East. Meanwhile, his supporters may think they're helping MAGA by buying hats and beer koozies, but their money is all going to Trump. Plus, the European leaders had their flattery game down in the Oval Office on Monday. The New Yorker's David Kirkpatrick joins Tim Miller. show notes David's piece, "The Number: How Much Is Trump Pocketing off the Presidency?” White House photo of the European's flattery game in action Go to https://zbiotics.com/THEBULWARK and use THEBULWARK at checkout for 15% off any first time orders of ZBiotics probiotics.

Militarizing the nation's capital is not a distraction, and Democrats really need to stop using that term. Trump is trying to seize power, intimidate the public, and foment violence in the streets. And it's a purposeful MAGA marketing campaign—the masked federal thugs often have a camera person with them as they tase and tackle people. This is a fight that is central to the pro-democracy coalition, and it must become a political loser for Trump. Meanwhile, European leaders are now the ones defending liberty, and Trump may be laying the groundwork for an attempted federal takeover of our elections. Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller. show notes Philip Bump's mapping of crime rates in states sending Guard troops to DC  Masked agents NOT patrolling in DC neighborhoods most impacted by crime Bill's 'Bulwark on Sunday' conversation with Eric  Video of a Russian tank with an American flag Bulwark Live in Toronto, DC, NYC at https://www.thebulwark.com/p/bulwark-events F*%k your khakis and get The Perfect Jean 15% off with the code BULWARK15 at theperfectjean.nyc/BULWARK15 #theperfectjeanpod

While Donald Trump delivers chaos, cruelty, and corruption—and Republicans play the facts-and-hypocrisy don't matter game— Democrats have to do more rallies, more town halls, and more hearings, on and off the Hill. And if Leader Jeffries gets the gavel after the midterms, he promises investigations into Trump's huge pay-to-play scheme and says that Kristi Noem will be one of the first people hauled up to Congress to answer for the unlawful round-ups and disappearances of law-abiding immigrants. Plus, the currently missing Mamdani endorsement, the D.C. takeover, the redistricting showdown, and leaning hard into Epstein.  Rep. Hakeem Jeffries joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod. show notes "Bulwark Takes" feed for updates on the Alaska summit Tim's playlist Get 10% Off your entire order & takeadvantage of Ridge's Annual Sweepstakes by going to https://www.Ridge.com/THEBULWARK #Ridgepod Get 15% off OneSkin with the code BULWARK at https://www.oneskin.co/ #oneskinpod

At the Alaska summit, Putin will likely be angling for a sequel of the Helsinki meeting, the infamous tête-à-tête in 2018 where Trump got rolled and cajoled. And because Trump refuses to accept that his charisma and imaginary friendship with Vladimir will never be enough to close a ceasefire deal, the best outcome for Ukraine is that Putin makes Trump mad by not helping him land his long-sought peace prize. Meanwhile, Russian intelligence has been busy recruiting assets to commit acts of terror and foment unrest in Western countries. Plus, the role of Europe in standing up to Trump, and a hurled sandwich becomes an act of resistance to the takeover of DC. Michael Weiss joins Tim Miller. show notes Tim and Bill on the wholesale inflation numbers and Trump's BLS pick Video of the sandwich thrower or on Instagram Double agent Kim Philby

Tim Cook groveling to Trump with a golden trophy and a dash of MAGA identity politics is probably a sign that we are not currently living in a healthy free-market economy. But business leaders apparently prefer pathetically sucking up to a president than feeling snubbed by one, like they did with Biden. And despite the sluggish job growth, rising prices, and tariff uncertainty, they also say the economy is absolutely totally better than it was in 2024— because they are heavily invested in the TACO rule. Plus, crypto advice, morality never gets in the way of a solid balance sheet, and a debate over whether Trump is dialing back his masked-men deportation regime. Also, is Sam Altman trying to make ChatGPT addictive? Jason Calacanis joins Tim Miller to shed light on what the business world is thinking right now. Show notes: The "All-In" podcast Tim's interview with Jason in October "All-In" interview with Vance Learn a new Language and get up to 55% off your subscription at Babbel.com/BULWARK Start your new morning ritual & get up to 43% off your @MUDWTR with code THEBULWARK at mudwtr.com/THEBULWARK #mudwtrpod

Trump keeps creating all these phony crises—an 'invasion' at the border, immigrants in the interior, crime in D.C.—so he can put on a show of force for his white base. He's also declaring fake emergencies on college campuses so he can shake them down, or declaring an economic emergency to impose tariffs. Now, he's looking at a 'quick reaction force' to respond to protests. It's all a naked power grab, and a potential prequel to sending in troops during elections. Plus, Trump wants fabricated economic data, his 15% cut of Nvidia's and AMD's chip sales to China quacks like a bribe, and will "Idiocracy" come alive with a UFC Octagon on the South Lawn? . Amanda Carpenter joins Tim Miller. show notes Amanda on the shakedown of elite institutions Protect Democracy's 'Democracy Atlas' JVL on making good trouble "Bulwark Take" with Jason Furman on E.J. Antoni Go to Superpower.com to learn more and lock in the special $199 price while it lasts. Live up to your 100-Year potential. #superpowerpod Life insurance is never cheaper than it is today. Get the right life insurance for YOU, for LESS, and save more than fifty percent at selectquote.com/bulwark

Crime is down in D.C., but Trump is using the pretext of an attempted carjacking of "Big Balls," the former 19-year-old DOGE employee, to take over the city's police department and deploy the National Guard. It's a threat to other blue cities, and an ominous sign ahead of 2026 and 2028. Meanwhile, the DOJ has appointed 'a special attorney' and empaneled grand juries to investigate Trump enemies Adam Schiff and Tish James. Plus, it's odd how JD never seems to defend Trump on Epstein, and Putin has already scored a psychological victory by the promise of being welcomed to the United States as an equal—rather than the war criminal he is. Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller. show notes Cathy's piece on the upcoming Alaska summit Bill in "Morning Shots" on how Vance keeps drawing attention to the Epstein matter

There's a direct line between when the Democratic Party got nationalized and when it started getting wiped out in red states. Dems need to embrace heterodoxy in their candidates—running in New York City is not the same as running in Nebraska. And the party has to exorcise itself of people like Andrew Cuomo. Plus, the administration has upped the cruelty quotient by denying retirement benefits to longtime trans members of the Air Force, the FBI gets deployed to advance the Republicans redistricting, and avoiding the scam PACs preying on Democrats. show notes Tim's interview with Andry on Substack or YouTube Lis's book, "Any Given Tuesday" Stanford's Adam Bonica on Mothership Strategies Cook Political Report's 2026 House rankings Tim's playlist

The United States, through USAID, not only supplied a big chunk of the world's humanitarian aid, it also provided almost all of the logistical support for other aid organizations to deliver relief as well. Now in Sudan, where the state has disintegrated and millions of people are trying to flee anarchy and civil war, virtually no Western organization is there to provide food and shelter. And no American is working on trying to end the conflict. Plus, Tim Cook joins the CEO suck-up to Trump, a top, well-regarded FBI official who was trying to hold the line under Kash has been pushed out, and Putin may be trying to pause Ukraine's punishing air war on Russia—but he's not showing any sign that he wants peace. Anne Applebaum joins Tim Miller. show notes Anne's piece on Sudan, “The Most Nihilistic Conflict on Earth” Anne's wildflower garden The NYT on the continuing purge at the FBI Anne's "Autocracy, Inc.," out in paperback Aug. 25 "The Director," book recommendation from Anne For a limited time only, get 60% off your first order PLUS free shipping when you head to Smalls.com/THEBULWARK

Gerrymandering has always been partisan, but what's happening in Texas is straight-up racial politics. Republicans are targeting and trying to disenfranchise black voters while betting that Latino voters will stick with them. And because Trump hasn't had a lot of luck making the furor over Epstein and Ghislaine go away, JD is stepping in to host a totally 100% aboveboard damage control session at his house—with the top officials at the DOJ. Plus, the U.S. had almost zero job growth in May and June, the economy is slowing, and prices are ticking up. Josh Barro and Zerlina Maxwell join Tim Miller. show notes: Tim, Sam, and Will Sommer on the MAGA girl meltdown Zerlina's book, "The End of White Politics" Go to https://zbiotics.com/THEBULWARK and use THEBULWARK at checkout for 15% off any first time orders of ZBiotics probiotics.

Voters in the seven swing states that elected Trump in 2024 thought he'd make the economy better. His perceived strength on the economy is the cornerstone Jenga piece of the whole Trump Tower. And he keeps making the economy worse. Meanwhile, Democratic voters are highly engaged—but just not with the party, whose brand is struggling. Plus, Republicans are still trying to steal the House, and how a stronger, re-imagined local news media can help restore trust in national news. Chuck Todd joins Tim Miller. show notes Chuck's Sunday Night with Chuck Todd on the Noosphere app The Chuck Toddcast "The Stranger," Chuck's book about Obama

The boss only wants to hear good news: that's the takeaway from Trump's high-profile firing over the weak job numbers. So if a government worker has something bad to report, they now know they'll have to lie to keep their jobs. And this isn't only about key information on the economy—it's also about hurricane forecasts, intel threats, and potential military mishaps. Meanwhile, the Texas redistricting stand-off is fraying the fabric of our democracy. Plus, Fox's own producers think Jeanine Pirro is a reckless maniac, direction from the top was the only way Ghislaine Maxwell could have been moved to a 'Club Fed' prison, and Democrats debate how much to work with Republicans who don't keep their word. Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller. show notes Today's 'Morning Shots' The 'Bulwark Takes' Apple feed Tim on 'Pod Save America' on Friday Some of the victims' testimony from Maxwell's trial Get 20% off your DeleteMe plan when you go to joindeleteme.com/BULWARK and use promo code BULWARK at checkout.

Osborn, the populist independent who ran a surprisingly close campaign for a Senate seat in Nebraska last year, is back for another run in the 2026 midterms. A steamfitter and union member, he says he naturally connects with other workers drawing paychecks who are feeling the squeeze. And he likes to point out that his opponent last time took money from corporate donors; but this time, his opponent is a corporate donor—incumbent Pete Ricketts, one of the wealthiest members of Congress. Plus, the pain from tariffs on Main Street, the inhumanity of masked ICE agents, and the peril for Democrats if they can't figure out how to talk to Trump voters. Dan Osborn joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod. show notes Tucker talking about home ownership and the American dream Tim's playlist Get 15% off OneSkin with the code BULWARK at https://www.oneskin.co/ #oneskinpod Start your new morning ritual & get up to 43% off your @MUDWTR with code THEBULWARK at mudwtr.com/THEBULWARK! #mudwtrpod

Texas Republicans are busy gerrymandering their already gerrymandered congressional map, and other red states are looking to do the same—all aimed at blocking the Dems from winning back the House and shielding Donald Trump at all costs. Meanwhile, the DOJ is trying to get state voter rolls and is laying the groundwork for interfering in the midterms. Democrats need to fight fire with fire in blue states. Plus, the cowardice of Big Law, the power politics behind the Emil Bove confirmation, and the pathetic deference Republicans are showing to convicted sex crimes monster Ghislaine Maxwell. Marc Elias joins Tim Miller. show notes Elias's Democracy Docket  F*%k your khakis and get The Perfect Jean 15% off with the code BULWARK15 at theperfectjean.nyc/BULWARK15

The rise of Elon—and why he is still involved with our government—has everything to do with the dimming of America's one-time crown jewel, NASA. We are now dependent on his rockets and his satellites because Obama and the U.S. government saved SpaceX. Of course, Elon's hypocrisy knows no bounds, because when he had the power, he quickly worked to dismantle the very same government that came to his rescue. The Atlantic's Franklin Foer explains how NASA engineered its own decline, as well as Elon's prophecy about becoming the engineer savior who colonizes Mars. Plus, Zelensky's giant misstep on corruption, and how humanitarian groups need to get back into Gaza to flood it with food. Frank Foer joins Tim Miller. show notes Frank's reporting on NASA and Musk Frank on Zelensky's misstep on corruption Tim's FYPod 

Gaza is strewn with rubble, the war's end is nowhere in sight, and an entirely predictable humanitarian disaster is unfolding. With daily reports of starvation and malnutrition, Israel must provide a systematic and orderly distribution of large amounts of aid to stem the crisis—and stave off a Mad Max situation. Meanwhile, our abdication on USAID has led to human suffering elsewhere in the world, and Trump's supporters still seem more preoccupied with trans people in women's sports and a swimmer who came in 5th place. Plus, Trump's betrayal of the voters who fervently believed he would expose a global pedophile ring, how being gay has evolved into a 'super sin' among evangelicals, and reading the tea leaves on whether Trump is really getting tougher on Putin or if it's just a mood swing. David French joins Tim Miller. show notes David's piece on Christian cancel culture and HBO's "Back to the Frontier." David's column on MAGA and Epstein How Israel made the same mistakes the U.S. did in Iraq — David's piece from last year 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!

The man who cavorted with Jeffrey Epstein for 15 years never even bothers to feign empathy for Epstein's victims—even a sociopath would fake it. And neither Trump nor his administration and supporters can get their talking points straight on the scandal: The files are a hoax, but Ghislaine Maxwell is going to name names; she's a horrible person, but the public is supposed to believe her; POTUS didn't go to Epstein's island but it would have been a "privilege" if he had. Meanwhile, Trump is tying himself in knots on Gaza and Russia. Plus, for our audio listeners, former model Stacey Williams tells Tim about briefly dating Epstein, getting groped by Trump, and why she's going public with her story. Bill Kristol and Stacey Williams join Tim Miller. show notes Video of Tim's interview with Stacey Bill's 'Bulwark on Sunday' interview with Tom Joscelyn Subscribe to 'Bulwark Takes' here Lauren on how the Dems plan to use the congressional recess Peter Strzok on David Frum's podcast To get 6 bottles of wine for $39.99, head to NakedWines.com/THEBULWARK and use code THEBULWARK for both the code AND PASSWORD

The deputy attorney general of the United States, who took an oath to help Donald Trump no matter what, is conferring with Jeffrey Epstein's literal partner in crime—a woman who lied about the sex trafficking she orchestrated and participated in. And Ghislaine Maxwell has every motive to exculpate Trump now (and incriminate some other high-profile figure) in return for a pardon or a reduction in her 20-year sentence for sexually exploiting and abusing numerous minor girls, some as young as 14. Meanwhile, JD isn't offering a very vigorous defense of Trump's integrity, the administration is making a giant legal mess for themselves in New Jersey over Alina Habba, and Emil Bove's nomination is all about trying to destroy checks and balances. Andrew Weissmann joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod. show notes Weissmann's Substack The "Main Justice" podcast, co-hosted by Weissmann and Mary McCord Tim's playlist Get $35 off your first box of wild-caught, sustainable seafood—delivered right to your door. Go to: https://www.wildalaskan.com/BULWARK

The one thing Mr. Authenticity was supposed to be was the anti-politician: the guy who would supposedly go after the establishment, clean up Washington, and make a booming economy. Now, Trump's acting just like a typical politician trying to cover-up a scandal—and he's vulnerable to a backlash from the manosphere that went all in on him. Meanwhile, he is getting near-Biden polling numbers on the economy, he's trying to make the Fed chair his scapegoat, and he's the best American president the Chinese auto industry ever had. Plus, Newsom's prospects in '28 and the success of 'change' mayors across the board. Mike Murphy joins Tim Miller. show notes Mike on the EV industry after the passage of the budget bill Mike on leaving the Republican Party More clips from the first episode of South Park's new season For 15% off your order and a special gift, head to Pacagen.com/THEBULWARK and use codeTHEBULWARK.

Mike Johnson is racing to shut the business of the House down to avoid a vote on releasing the Epstein files. Trump's own criminal lawyer, who's moonlighting as deputy attorney general, will be minding the matter of Ghislaine Maxwell. And Texas is looking to squeeze out some more House seats to try to protect Trump from having to be held accountable on Epstein. Has any other politician ever acted so guilty? But in this moment, the Dems are finally bringing a gun to a gunfight. And for the midterms, they need to commit to Benghazi-style hearings on the contents of the files—and the Republican cover-up. Plus, securing the border without a terror campaign, and recruiting candidates to fill out a bigger Democratic tent. Neera Tanden, at the Center for American Progress, joins Tim Miller. show notes CAP's new immigration policy platform, co-authored by Neera Life insurance is never cheaper than it is today. Get the right life insurance for YOU, for LESS, and save more than fifty percent at selectquote.com/bulwark

Republicans are nullifying bipartisan budget deals and planning a mid-decade redistricting to try to hold the House after the midterms. Trump is methodically working to crush dissent in the media, chill major Dem donors, and shut down the party's online fundraising portal, ActBlue. One political party is breaking all the norms, while the other is trying to stick to them. Sen. Murphy tells Tim that democracies die when the rules change and the opposition refuses to adapt. Meanwhile, Trump's detention regime is not only making prison-builders filthy rich, it will also likely draw in ICE candidates eager to abuse their power. Plus, Epstein is a bad story for the administration no matter how you slice it, and Tim shares his thoughts about Hunter.  Sen. Chris Murphy joins Tim Miller. show notes Sen. Murphy's Substack piece on regulating AI For 20% off your first purchase, head to FairHarborClothing.com/BULWARK and use code BULWARK.

Our government disappeared hundreds of Venezuelans to a hellish Salvadoran prison for 125 days. When Trump's and Stephen Miller's whole CECOT plan even became too much for the dictator who runs El Salvador, Marco Rubio helped orchestrate a political win for Venezuela's strongman, Nicolas Maduro—who gets to look like a white knight in the hostage exchange. Meanwhile, the administration still has not recovered from its rake-step claim that there was no Epstein list. Did Bondi release her memo because the 1,000 FBI personnel who were made to review the Epstein documents kept finding Trump's name? Cover-ups are hard. Plus, now the Dems have new reasons to not cooperate with Republicans. Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller. show notes Tim and Sam's livestream after Andry and the other Venezuelans were released from CECOT Bill and Sarah discuss the Epstein timeline for 'Bulwark on Sunday' Rep. Boyle on not cooperating with Republicans on the budget Lauren on Democratic messaging for the midterms

If anyone in America was still thinking that Trump's ties to Epstein were a nothingburger, Trump's own behavior this week has probably disabused them of that notion. His panicking and flailing around sure seem exactly like how a guilty man would act. And the sudden firing of Jim Comey's daughter, Maurene—who worked on the Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell cases at the DOJ—isn't helping to tamp down the conspiracy theorizing. Meanwhile, Tulsi and Kash are trying to ferret out the unfaithful, and there are still adults in the room when it comes to the Fed. Plus, our nuclear command and control system was organized around the assumption that we would have a sane president, not somebody who has psychotic fantasies about the Unabomber. Tom Nichols joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod. show notes Tom on the McCarthyist moves by Patel and Gabbard The president and the nuclear button, part of The Atlantic's August issue Tom on Hollywood and the fear of nuclear catastrophe James Clapper was banned from a service dog graduation at the CIA Tim's playlist

While the Trump administration is doubling down on fossil fuels, China is annihilating us in the clean energy space. Right now, 75% of all renewable projects anywhere in the world are being built by a Chinese company. China is dominating the green energy supply chain with solar panels and batteries, and its electric car can charge in five minutes. The U.S. may be betting on AI, but that build-out needs cheap, fast energy—like wind or solar. We may have thought modernity was a Western story, but that may not be the case. Meanwhile, inland flooding could be the new face of the climate crisis, Silicon Valley overlords want to live in a sci-fi novel, and the Epstein story has legs because it's about elite impunity. David Wallace-Wells joins Tim Miller. show notes David on the increasing occurrence of inland flooding, and how we respond (gift) David's newsletter on the mystery of rich, powerful people hanging out w/ Epstein David's book, “The Uninhabitable Earth: Life After Warming"

In addition to eviscerating the top leadership at the Bureau, Kash Patel has assigned whole squads of agents to immigration enforcement. Seasoned FBI veterans who used to focus on national security or run RICO investigations are now doing perimeter security during ICE round-ups of kids and grandmas. The administration's purge is draining the Bureau of expertise and apolitical people who did real work defending the rule of law and protecting the country. Plus, do four GOP senators care one iota about the whistleblower allegations against Emil Bove? And will Ukraine finally get badly-needed air defense weapons?  Ben Wittes and Mike Feinberg—a former top deputy at the Bureau who was targeted by Dan Bongino—join Tim Miller. show notes Mike's piece on his resignation from the FBI Ben's Substack Tim on the threatened cuts to UNICEF For a limited time only, get 60% off your first order PLUS free shipping when you head to Smalls.com/THEBULWARK.

The majority of elected Democrats would prefer to talk only about policy, but that's not enough for today's freewheeling new media environment. It's way past time for Dems to figure out how to shoot the sh*t—and stop being the kids at the front of the class who don't know how to talk to the ones in the back. And when it comes to Epstein, Trump & co were either lying about the pedophiles back then, or they're lying now to protect themselves. Plus, make the Republicans own all the healthcare cuts: they are happening because of "Trumpcare."  Brian Beutler joins Tim Miller. show notes Brian's Substack piece on how Dems should talk like regular people Brian's podcast, Politix

With the Epstein case, the conspirator-in-chief has finally found a hoax that MAGA isn't buying—and he's risking his credibility among his newer supporters in the manosphere by continuing to hawk it. Meanwhile, Trump may have figured out that Putin has not been nice to him. Plus, troops are still in Los Angeles, immigration laws meant for the border are being applied to gardeners and farmworkers in the country's interior, and there's a big serving of fascism that goes with all the clownishness. Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller. show notes Tim's interview with Julie K. Brown last year Bill's 'Bulwark on Sunday' conversation with Julie Brown

Republicans are creating, and celebrating, an immigration police state financed by their megabill. Our cities will be militarized, we'll have prison camps, more masked agents, and more dehumanization—like their sicko alligator hats. And the motivation all seems to be so Trump has a win and the Dems don't. But this is Stephen Miller's administration now. Expect net zero migration, less tourism, less international business, and a lower GDP. As we head into Independence Day, it's hard to see the Jeffersonian aspirational promise of America right now. Plus, the administration's freeze on some air defense weapons to Ukraine, how a younger Sam used to think about Bill Kristol, and Candace Owens's potential influence on geopolitical affairs.  Sam Stein joins Tim Miller for the holiday weekend pod. show notes This week's TNL Adrian on how deportations are impacting the Latin music industry Will Sommer's new piece that Sam referenced Thomas Jefferson's letter to Roger Weightman Tim's playlist Tim's July 4th playlist Food relief organizations to support, mentioned in the Nick Kristof interview Helen Keller International Edesia Nutrition in Rhode Island Mana Nutrition in Georgia