The Next Level

Live from Chicago, Tim Miller, Sarah Longwell, and JVL break down the latest wave of Trump pardons, the rising authoritarian behavior from GOP leaders, and the Democratic Party's identity crisis. Also, who is the worst (and best?) cabinet member so far, and what comes next. Go to https://zbiotics.com/NEXTLEVEL and use NEXTLEVEL at checkout for 15% off any first time orders of ZBiotics probiotics.

The gang discusses the incompetence of Kristi Noem on constitutional matters, Bernie Sanders' views on the Democratic party, Joe Biden's campaign mismanagement, the Republican tax bill, and Tesla's business struggles. Listen now to the NPR Politics Podcast, only from NPR – wherever you get podcasts. Go to Hungryroot.com/THENEXTLEVEL to get 40% off your first box and a free item of your choice for life. Get your summer savings and shop premium wireless plans at MINTMOBILE.com/thenextlevel Go to wildalaskan.com/NEXTLEVEL for $35 off your first box of premium, wild-caught seafood.

The gang discuss the extensive corruption of President Trump's Middle East business dealings,  Republicans' focus on state and local tax deductions while letting democracy burn, and the latest revelations on former President Biden old age in office. Go to zbiotics.com/NEXTLEVEL to learn more and get 15% off your first order when you use NEXTLEVEL at checkout. Go to Quince.com/thenextlevel for free shipping on your order and three hundred and sixty-five -day returns. Go to GetSoul.com and use the code THENEXTLEVEL for 30% off.

The gang talk the latest on President Trump's obsession with owning Canada and Greenland, new Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's based first meeting in the White House, the administrations cruel immigration agenda, and DOGE's complete failure. Get 15% off OneSkin with the code THENEXTLEVEL at https://www.oneskin.co/ #oneskinpod Go to Quince.com/thenextlevel for free shipping on your order and three hundred and sixty-five -day returns.

The gang bask in the utterly abysmal first quarter of President Trump's second presidency. Plus, they react to Gretchen Whitmer and Hakeem Jefferies not understanding the authoritarian moment we're in, and advise Democrats how they can capitalize on just how unpopular Trump will be come 2028. To get 6 bottles of wine for $39.99, head to NakedWines.com/THENEXTLEVEL and use code THENEXTLEVEL for both the code AND PASSWORD. Go to Quince.com/thenextlevel for free shipping on your order and three hundred and sixty-five-day returns

The gang break down the latest developments in the market, and how it's sent the Trump administration into panic mode. Plus, Trump loses grounds in new immigration polling, Tesla might be unsalvageable, and Pete Buttigieg takes on the manosphere. Buy tickets to our live shows in Chicago (May 28) and Nashville (May 29) here: https://www.thebulwark.com/p/chicago-and-nashville-here-we-come Listen now to the NPR Politics Podcast, only from NPR – wherever you get podcasts. Get 15% off OneSkin with the code THENEXTLEVEL at https://www.oneskin.co/ #oneskinpod Got to Hungryroot.com/THENEXTLEVEL, code THENEXTLEVEL to get 40% off your first box and a free item of your choice for life. Shop data plans at MINTMOBILE.com/THENEXTLEVEL

The gang dive into the constitutional crisis as President Donald Trump refuses to return Kilmar Abrego Garcia, against the ruling of SCOTUS, Democrats planning a trip to El Salvador to demand the Maryland man's release, Harvard University's refusal to fold to Trump's defunding threats, and Elon Musk's continually disturbing mission to impregnate different women.

Trump has no idea what he's doing, and America's financial standing in the world, as well as the security that comes with it, is forever diminished. Note: Today's episode of TNL was recorded before President Trump rescinded some of his tariffs, which the GOP then claimed was part of his brilliant plan all along. We think this commentary on the chaos, economic uncertainty and long term consequences of Trump's tariffs still stands. Enjoy! Get PrivacyHawk and run your FREE privacy scan here https://go.privacyhawk.com/nextlevel Use code LEVEL20 (iOS) / level20 (Android) for full access to the Platinum Suite: $1M ID theft recovery insurance, dark web alerts, sensitive info monitoring, and much more—all at a special price! For a limited time only, get 35% off plus an additional 50% off your first order when you head to Smalls.com and use code THENEXTLEVEL.  Upgrade your sleep during Boll & Branch's Annual Spring Event! For a limited time get 20% off at BollAndBranch.com/nextlevel.

The gang discuss President Donald Trump's ridiculous "Liberation Day" declaration and the foolish harm his tariffs will cause, the results of yesterday's Wisconsin election, Sen. Cory Booker's new filibuster record, and more!

Sam Stein fills in for Sarah to talk the continued fallout of the Trump administration's signal group chat, with newly released texts detailing the “attack plans.” Plus, Tesla's brand disintegration continues and Vice President JD Vance gets roped into accompanying his wife, Usha, to Greenland. Go to Hungryroot.com/THENEXTLEVEL and use code THENEXTLEVEL to get 40% off your first box and a free item of your choice for life.

The gang discuss President Trump's bonkers interview with Laura Ingraham, his obsession with making Canada the 51st state, his call with Vladimir Putin, Federal Trade Commission firings, and how Sen. Chuck Schumer is not meeting the moment as Minority Leader. Plus, what happens when Bad JVL meets Bad Tim & Sarah? For 50% off your first order, head to Smalls.com and use code THENEXTLEVEL Go to GreenChef.com/nextlevelfree and use code nextlevelfree to get started with FREE Salads for two months plus 50% off your first box Head to GetSoul.com and use code THENEXTLEVEL for 30% off your order.

The gang's all in person this week! They talk the state of the stock market, President Trump's expected invocation of the Alien Enemies Act, the arrest of Columbia University protestor Mahmoud Khalil, Gov. Gavin Newsom's new podcast, Pete Buttigieg announcing he won't run for Michigan's open Senate seat, and more! Shop plans at MINTMOBILE.com/thenextlevel Start with 50% off your EveryPlate first box with code nextlevel50 at EVERYPLATE.com/podcast

The gang break down the administration's shameful abandonment of Ukraine, and speak to how our allies can no longer trust the United States They also discuss Trump's joint address to Congress, Sen .Elissa Slotkin's response, Gavin Newsom's new podcast, whether tariffs will actually stick around this time, and Sen. Lindsey Graham “joking” about Trump 2028. Make laundry day the best day of the week! Get 20% off your entire order @LaundrySauce with code THENEXTLEVEL at https://laundrysauce.com/THENEXTLEVEL #laundrysaucepod Get 15% off OneSkin with the code THENEXTLEVEL at https://www.oneskin.co/ #oneskinpod

The gang break down the bomb threat they experience at the Principles First Summit. They also discuss the White House announcing they'll decide which journalists are in the press pool, the access Elon Musk now has to the government's data, the House GOP's budget resolution, and how some MAGA voters are angry DOGE eliminated their jobs. Eat smart with Factor. Get started at FACTORMEALS.com/FACTORPODCAST and use code FACTORPODCAST to get 50% off your first box plus free shipping Get 15% off, plus free shipping on your first set of Boll n Branch sheets at BollAndBranch.com/nextlevel

The United States is one of the bad guys now, with Donald Trump publicly calling Ukrainian President Zelenskyy a dictator. The gang react to the idea of America as a hero in the world shattering before their eyes. Plus, Elon Musk does a joint interview with Trump on Hannity and The Free Press's Bari Weiss pisses her MAGA following off by lightly criticizing far-right. Thrive all year with clean, easy meals from Green Chef. Go to GreenChef.com/nextlevelfree and use code nextlevelfree to get started with FREE Salads for two months plus 50% off your first box.

The gang react the startling deterioration of our government under Elon Musk's shadow presidency, and question what hold Musk has over Donald Trump that's preventing Trump's ego from firing him. When will the negative impact of DOGE be felt my the electorate that put Trump back into office? And will they just blame Democrats? Plus, inflation is up again under Trump and the White House goes after the Associated Press for continuing to refer to the Gulf of Mexico by its name. Get up to 10 FREE meals and a free high protein item for life at HelloFresh.com/thenextlevel10fm

We're two and a half weeks into the second Trump administration, and it already feels like a century has passed. All of Donald Trump's nominees are getting confirmed, and Elon Musk is taking a chainsaw to our government institutions. The gang rip apart Trump, Musk, the GOP, the bad billionaires, and the “Uncommitted” movement in this super-sized episode! Get 15% off OneSkin with the code THENEXTLEVEL at https://www.oneskin.co/ #oneskinpod

The gang went live Wednesday night to discuss RFK Jr.'s Senate hearing, the farce that was the questioning from Republicans, Trump's funding freeze debacle, the first White House press briefing, and whether any of these things matter one bit. Eat smart with Factor. Get started at FACTORMEALS.com.thenextlevel50off and use code thenextlevel50off to get 50% off your first box plus free shipping

Donald Trump has been sworn in as the 47th president of the United States. The gang react to his first three days, the resigned vibe from Democrats, the capitulation from Republicans over Trump's sweeping Jan. 6 pardons, and Trump's flurry of executive orders, which some (Tim) might describe as a bukkake. For 30% off your order, head to GetSoul.com and use code THENEXTLEVEL. Go to Quince.com/thenextlevel for 365-day returns, plus free shipping on your order! Get up to 10 FREE meals and a free high protein item for life at HelloFresh.com/thenextlevel10fm

The gang discuss the hearings for Pam Bondi and Pete Hegseth and the changes of "norms" in Joe Biden's final week in office, as Zuckerberg, Bezos, and Musk prepare for Donald Trump's inauguration that Michelle Obama has decided to skip, plus the TikTok ban that could really happen. Head to FACTORMEALS.com/thenextlevel50off and use code thenextlevel50off to get 50% off your first box plus free shipping.

The gang discuss Aileen Cannon continuing to be a completely stooge for Donald Trump by ordering Merrick Garland not to release Jack Smith's report on the incoming president. They also unpack President Joe Biden's latest interview and Trump's insane desires to bring Canada and Greenland into the United States. Get 15% off, plus free shipping on your first set of sheets at BollAndBranch.com/nextlevel Get 15% off OneSkin with the code THENEXTLEVEL at https://www.oneskin.co/ #oneskinpod Rhone's premium performance clothing is made to move you. Use code THENEXTLEVEL to save 20% at https://www.rhone.com/THENEXTLEVEL Go to GreenChef.com/nextlevelfree and use code nextlevelfree to get started with FREE salads for two months plus 50% off your first box!

The gang discuss the GOP's plans to investigate Liz Cheney, Elon Musk potentially causing a government shutdown before Donald Trump's new term has even begun, and Bret Stephens renouncing the Never Trump title. Head to FACTORMEALS.com/50thenextlevel and use code 50thenextlevel to get 50% off your first box plus free shipping. Go to greenchef.com/nextlevel50 and use code nextlevel50 for 50% off your first box plus 20% off your next two months! Head to GetSoul.com and use code THENEXTLEVEL for 30% off your order.

Sarah and JVL have a loooong talk about RFK and vaccines and collateral damage. One of them might be a heartless monster and you'll never guess which one! Then they do a full after-action report on Sarah's DealBook panel. You do not want to miss this part. It's solid gold. And we'd like your thoughts on Sarah's big question. Discuss in the comments. Want to hear the whole thing? Full, ad-free episodes of the Secret Podcast are available exclusively to Bulwark+ members. Sign up here: https://www.thebulwark.com/subscribe

The gang talk Sen. Joni Ernst folding to MAGA on Pete Hegseth's nomination, Donald Trump already acting like president, the shocking amount of support for alleged murderer Luigi Mangione, and Kimberly Guilfoyle getting offered Ambassador to Greece amid her breakup with Donald Trump Jr. Dealbook Summit audio Visit GhostBed.com/thenextlevel and use code THENEXTLEVEL now to claim your 50% off discount. Go to lumen.me/THENEXTLEVEL to get 15% off your Lumen. Head to FACTORMEALS.com/50thenextlevel and use code 50thenextlevel to get 50% off your first box plus free shipping.

Sarah joins Tim and JVL fresh off a heated panel at the Dealbook Summit with Kevin McCarthy, Kellyanne Conway, Anita Dunn and more. The gang also discuss Pete Hegseth's potentially doomed nomination for Secretary of Defense, the possibility of Ron DeSantis replacing him, Lara Trump becoming the senator for Florida, and Donald Trump's concepts of a plan to end the war in Ukraine. Get 25% off, plus free shipping on your first set of sheets, at BollAndBranch.com/nextlevel Get 15% off OneSkin with the code THENEXTLEVEL at https://www.oneskin.co/ #oneskinpod Head to ZBiotics.com/NEXTLEVEL and use the code NEXTLEVEL at checkout for 15% off.

Donald Trump won by aligning with cranks like RFK Jr. Should the Dems follow suit to win? Plus, Rep. Nancy Mace's bullying of her new trans-coworker and the latest ridiculous picks to join the Trump administration. Sam Stein fills in for Sarah on today's episode! Head to http://lumen.me/THENEXTLEVEL for 15% off your purchase. Head to GetSoul.com and use code THENEXTLEVEL for 35% off your order now until December 3rd. Get 15% off OneSkin with the code THENEXTLEVEL at https://www.oneskin.co/ #oneskinpod

The gang discuss Donald Trump's "joke" the the House GOP that it's possible he'll run for a third term. Plus, Trump's insane cabinet nominees, the mistakes of Merrick Garland and Elon Musk's weird, and potentially doomed, relationship with Trump. Go to greenchef.com/nextlevel50 and use code nextlevel50 for 50% off your first box plus 20% off your next two months! For 25% off, plus free shipping on your first set of sheets, head to BollAndBranch.com/nextlevel Upgrade your closet with Rhone and use THENEXTLEVEL to save 20% at https://www.rhone.com/THENEXTLEVEL

It's been three days since Donald Trump beat Vice President Kamala Harris to be our 47th president. The gang attempts to start to unravel the question of what the Democratic Party must do to win working class voters, and debate what type of insanity we should root for from a second Trump term. Get 15% off OneSkin with the code THENEXTLEVEL at https://www.oneskin.co/ #oneskinpod Go to zbiotics.com/NEXTLEVEL to learn more and get 15% off your first order when you use NEXTLEVEL at checkout Get 10 FREE meals at HelloFresh.com/freethenextlevel

Sarah and JVL have a lot of thoughts about Trump's threat against Liz Cheney, Larry Hogan's latest, and the refusal of some leaders to get off the sidelines. Also about J-Lo and Hustlers. Which is a wildly under-rated movie. Want to hear the whole thing? Full, ad-free episodes of the Secret Podcast are available exclusively to Bulwark+ members. Sign up here: https://www.thebulwark.com/subscribe

The gang assemble for their last official episode before the election on Tuesday. They give their final thoughts on where the race is at, alongside discussion on the closing arguments of both candidates and President Joe Biden's gaffe last night. This holiday season, give the gift of Soul. Head to GetSoul.com and use code THENEXTLEVEL for 30% off your order.

Sarah and JVL look at the polling and the vibes and come to slightly different conclusions. Then Sarah lets it rip about John Kelly. (Again.) And then JVL goes to the Dark Place. It's a real journey. Want to hear the whole thing? Full, ad-free episodes of the Secret Podcast are available exclusively to Bulwark+ members. Sign up here: https://www.thebulwark.com/subscribe

The gang reacts to the revelations that Gen. John Kelly, Donald Trump's former chief of staff during his administration, believe the former president is a fascist and admired Adolf Hitler's generals. This should be the October surprise, but the media seems incapable of treating it with the time and gravity the news requires. Meanwhile, Trump's defenders claim Kelly to be a liar or minimize the disqualifying nature of the general's testimony. Upgrade your closet with Rhone and use THENEXTLEVEL to save 20% at https://www.rhone.com/THENEXTLEVEL Go to greenchef.com/nextlevel50 and use code nextlevel50 for 50% off your first box plus 20% off your next two months!

Tim Miller, Sarah Longwell, and Jonathan V. Last stop in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on their swing state tour. They discuss the state of the race, Donald Trump's support from billionaires, RFK Jr. joining the Trump cabinet, the Trump campaign wanting Nikki Haley to help them out while Trump insults her, and why, with the polls indicating a coin clip race, our gang still thinks Kamala Harris will pull out a win. This episode was taped on October 18, 2024*

The gang talks Donald Trump's bizarre town hall that turned into a concert, and how it presents the clearest closing argument for Vice President Kamala Harris's campaign: the man's lost his marbles. Plus the media's insufficient job holding Trump and his surrogates, like Gov. Glenn Youngkin, accountable, and insights into Tim's interview with tech bro Jason Calacanis. Get 20% off plus free shipping on your first set of sheets at BollAndBranch.com/nextlevel Go to lumen.me/THENEXTLEVEL to get 15% off your Lumen! Get 15% off OneSkin with the code THENEXTLEVEL at https://www.oneskin.co/ #oneskinpod

You know when someone says something that's both obvious and profound and it crystallizes something you've long felt but couldn't articulate? That's what Angela Alsobrooks did to Larry Hogan last night and it was something else. Also: Sarah and JVL talk about the swing-state vibe shift in Trump's direction and the idea that Trump has a ceiling. Want to hear the whole thing? Full, ad-free episodes of the Secret Podcast are available exclusively to Bulwark+ members. Sign up here: https://www.thebulwark.com/subscribe

MAGA's lies about hurricanes affecting the U.S. are as ridiculous as they are dangerous, leading some in the GOP to try to debunk the false reality their party created. Plus, Bob Woodward's new book contains disturbing allegations of Donald Trump's relationship with Vladimir Putin, both during and since his time in the White House, and Sarah gives some insights into her recent Nevada focus groups. Details for our Bulwark Live Swing State Swing tour are coming soon to TheBulwark.com/events. Head to ZBiotics.com/NEXTLEVEL and use the code NEXTLEVEL at checkout for 15% off. Get 10 FREE meals at HelloFresh.com/freethenextlevel

Let's be honest, the gang loathes JD Vance with a burning passion and wanted Tim Walz destroy him. Instead, Walz was Mr. Midwest Nice. Did he miss an opportunity? Or was it exactly what the Harris campaign needed? Plus, the gang give their thoughts on the International Longshoremen's Association's strike and Judge Aileen Cannon getting another case related to Donald Trump. Get 15% off OneSkin with the code THENEXTLEVEL at https://www.oneskin.co/ #oneskinpod

Sarah can't stop JVL from talking about the $100,000 Trump Watch. It's pure candy this week. Also: A look ahead to Walz versus Vance. And is Kamala Harris “doing enough”? Want to hear the whole thing? Full, ad-free episodes of the Secret Podcast are available exclusively to Bulwark+ members. Sign up here: https://www.thebulwark.com/subscribe

The gang discuss Gov. Tim Walz's lack of media appearances compared to Sen. JD Vance, Vice President Kamala Harris's media strategy, Sen. Mitt Romney continuing to not endorse Harris, despite being fearful of Donald Trump's wrath, and the ethics of online gambling! Go to greenchef.com/nextlevelclass for 50% off your first box + 50 FREE Credits with ClassPass!

Republican candidates and boat parades. Want to hear the whole thing? Full, ad-free episodes of the Secret Podcast are available exclusively to Bulwark+ members. Sign up here: https://www.thebulwark.com/subscribe

Post-debate movement is looking promising for Vice President Harris. Is the race still a tossup? It could come down to turnout between Harris's newly enthused electorate and Donald Trump's disgruntled male voters. Plus, the Trump campaign's continued repugnant smears on Haitian migrants are having real-life consequences the ticket just doesn't seem to care about. Upgrade your closet with Rhone and use THENEXTLEVEL to save 20% at https://www.rhone.com/THENEXTLEVEL For FREE breakfast for life go to HelloFresh.com/freethenextlevel

Sarah and JVL go 10 rounds on the the debate, and fact checking, and the proper role of moderators and news organizations in holding candidates accountable for presenting misinformation. Want to hear the whole thing? Full, ad-free episodes of the Secret Podcast are available exclusively to Bulwark+ members. Sign up here: https://www.thebulwark.com/subscribe

Vice President Kamala Harris exceeded all expectations during her debate against a beta Donald Trump. The gang breaks down their thoughts on the debate, swing voter reactions, and potential ways it could affect the race. Plus, Tim gives some insight into his time in the spin room post-debate, including the fiery interactions with Sen. Lindsey Graham and other pro-Trump personalities. Head to lumen.me/THENEXTLEVEL for 15% off your purchase. Head to FACTORMEALS.com/thenextlevel50 and use code thenextlevel50 to get 50% off your first box plus 20% off your next month.

Sarah Longwell, Jonathan V. Last, Tim Miller, Sam Stein and AB Stoddard give their immediate reactions to the Harris vs. Trump debate!

Plus: Russian operatives and Nazi historians. Want to hear the whole thing? Full, ad-free episodes of the Secret Podcast are available exclusively to Bulwark+ members. Sign up here: https://www.thebulwark.com/subscribe

The gang talk what Kamala Harris needs to do in her debate against Trump to reignite her momentum, Republicans who want Donald Trump to lose to save their party, political yards signs and more! Check out Tim's video on Harris's “accent changes” here: https://youtu.be/wludyr3riKY Get 15% off OneSkin with the code NEXTLEVEL at https://www.oneskin.co/ #oneskinpod Head to ZBiotics.com/NEXTLEVEL and use the code NEXTLEVEL at checkout for 15% off.

It's been a month since all three of our gang have recorded the show together, so they're delving deep into the state of the presidential race now that the DNC has concluded. Plus, Tim, Sarah and JVL all get their own rant on what's infuriated them in politics. Head to lumen.me/THENEXTLEVEL for 15% off your purchase Go to greenchef.com/nextlevelclass for 50% off your first box + 50 FREE Credits with ClassPass!

JVL and Bill Kristol talk about the unsettling feeling that the campaign is going . . . really well. Want to hear the whole thing? Full, ad-free episodes of the Secret Podcast are available exclusively to Bulwark+ members. Sign up here: https://www.thebulwark.com/subscribe

Apparently, this is the week for so-called moderate Republicans to come out and voice their support for Trump, despite no one asking them too. This included former Sen. Richard Burr, who finds no contradiction between a vote for Trump and his vote to impeach him for Jan. 6. Plus, what's the best case scenario for Vice President Kamala Harris' campaign, and how likely is it we'll get it in November. And JVL, back from vacation, gives his thoughts on Trump's apparent meltdown and the selection of Gov. Tim Walz as Harris's VP. Sam Stein subs in for Sarah on this weeks episode. Head to rhone.com/THENEXTLEVEL and use promo code THENEXTLEVEL to save 20% off your entire order!

Vice President Kamala Harris selected Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate, and everyone but Never-Trump Republicans is happy! Plus, Donald Trump makes an insane Truth Social post where he fantasizes about President Joe Biden getting back into the race. Go to zbiotics.com/NEXTLEVEL to get 15% off your first order when you use NEXTLEVEL at checkout.

The conservatives who hate Simone Biles and the progressives who don't like Josh Shapiro. Want to hear the whole thing? Full, ad-free episodes of the Secret Podcast are available exclusively to Bulwark+ members. Sign up here: https://www.thebulwark.com/subscribe