The Bulwark Podcast Bill Kristol: This Is Accelerationist Authoritarianism
26 snips
Jan 12, 2026 
Bill Kristol, a prominent political analyst and commentator, dives into the alarming trends of authoritarianism under Trump. He discusses the chilling effects of potential federal probes into the Fed and the implications for independence. The conversation shifts to Trump's controversial plans with Venezuela's oil and the emergence of purist challengers within the GOP. Kristol also highlights the significance of Mary Peltola's Senate run in Alaska and the ongoing protests in Iran, advocating for a unified resistance against Trumpism.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Threat To Federal Reserve Independence
- Bill Kristol warns that the Powell investigation is an attempt to politicize the Fed and strip its independence.
- Undermining Fed independence risks severe economic consequences and echoes authoritarian regimes like Argentina or Venezuela.
ICE As Accelerationist Tool
- Bill Kristol and Tim Miller call ICE's actions in Minneapolis an escalation and part of accelerationist authoritarianism.
- They argue the administration is exploiting violence to intimidate political opponents rather than reforming procedures.
Congress Should Condition ICE Funding
- Bill Kristol urges Congress to use appropriations to constrain ICE by conditioning funding on reforms like removing masks and limiting use of force.
- He suggests pausing ICE expansion and negotiating compromises that add accountability rather than blindly funding the agency.