The Bulwark Podcast Adam Kinzinger: Trump Has Never Seemed this Scared
11 snips
Nov 21, 2025 
Adam Kinzinger, former U.S. Representative and Air Force veteran, dives into Trump's recent flailing amid scrutiny over the Epstein case. He discusses how Trump's fear is shaping his behavior, highlighting the implications of newly uncovered emails from Ghislaine Maxwell. The duo tackles Republican defenses of Trump and the political landscape, while pondering Marjorie Taylor Greene's tactical shifts. Kinzinger also shares insights from his documentary, revealing his motivation to document history for future generations.
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Refuse Clearly Illegal Orders
- Military members must refuse clearly illegal orders like shooting civilians, and that refusal is constitutional duty.
- Adam Kinzinger argues responsibility for ambiguous orders rests with senior officers, not junior service members.
Trump Is Cornered And Lashing Out
- Donald Trump appears politically cornered and is lashing out as multiple pressures converge: Epstein files, economy, and midterm oversight.
- Kinzinger and Tim Miller see Trump's behavior as fear-driven, not mere theatrics, increasing instability in GOP politics.
Maxwell As Leverage Over Powerful Figures
- Ghislaine Maxwell's special prison treatment and potential pardon create a high-risk leverage point for Trump.
- Kinzinger suggests Maxwell could