The Bulwark Podcast Tommy Vietor: Trump's Security State
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Aug 22, 2025 
Tommy Vietor, co-host of Pod Save America, discusses the unsettling realities of Trump's security state. He delves into the FBI raid on John Bolton's home, exploring its implications for national security and political intimidation. The conversation touches on the potential misuse of military forces in urban areas and the chilling effects on intelligence professionals under Trump. Vietor also critiques the Democratic Party's struggle towards effective engagement with voters amidst the backdrop of urgent issues like immigration, environmental politics, and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
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Bolton Raid And Its Political Weight
- John Bolton had his house raided over alleged mishandling of classified documents tied to his book.
- Tommy Vietor and Tim Miller debated whether a dawn raid was necessary or intimidation of regime opponents.
How Classified Notes Are Handled
- In national security meetings extremely sensitive documents are often retrieved after meetings and not taken home.
- Officials without clearances must not remove classified notes when they leave the administration.
Weaponizing Security Clearance And Data
- The Trump administration is using revocation of security clearances and other levers to punish perceived enemies.
- Consolidating intelligence data for searches risks exposing highly sensitive conversations and creating new vulnerabilities.