The Bulwark Podcast Jonathan V. Last: Burning Things Down
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Sep 1, 2025 
Jonathan V. Last, Editor of 'Triad' and co-host of 'The Secret Podcast,' shares insights on the precarious state of American democracy. He discusses how red states are increasing their control through strategic redistricting and military posturing. The internal chaos at the CDC regarding the COVID vaccine raises questions about public trust and accountability. Last also examines Trump's foreign policy and the shifts towards a post-American global order, warning of the looming threat posed by rising authoritarian regimes.
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Red States Can Project Power Nationwide
- Red states coordinating redistricting and sending forces can impose their will on blue states and create an "us vs them" dynamic.
- Jonathan V. Last warns this resembles pre-Civil War attempts by slave states to expand power and is deeply destabilizing.
Erosion Of DOJ Independence Is Hard To Fix
- Trump's actions have eroded institutional norms, especially the Justice Department's independence, in ways that are hard to repair.
- Last predicts a long-term pattern where DOJ is independent under Democrats but weaponized under Republicans, deepening institutional rot.
Don't Rely On Crises To Fix Institutions
- Expecting crises to automatically restore competent governance is unreliable; crises can further radicalize politics instead.
- Evaluate institutional reform plans realistically rather than hoping catastrophe will produce better leaders.