The Next Level

The hosts dive into the controversial Minneapolis shooting, analyzing the footage and the public's varying reactions. They explore the hypocrisy behind the 'comply or die' rhetoric within law enforcement. There's a sharp critique of ICE tactics amid declining support for Trump's policies, highlighted by new polling data. The discussion also touches on the potential split between MAGA and non-MAGA Republicans and electoral implications for upcoming congressional races. It's a mix of sharp insights and critical analysis of current political dynamics.

The hosts dive into the controversial ICE killing in Minneapolis and the subsequent resignations of DOJ prosecutors. They critique JD Vance's defense of state violence and explore political dynamics around Trump’s pressure on Jerome Powell. The discussion shifts to democratizing candidate fit, highlighting Mary Peltola's appeal in Alaska. They also tackle the absurdity of Trump's Greenland obsession and the implications of U.S. intervention in Iran and Venezuela, weaving a narrative rich with political strategy and cultural commentary.

Sarah and JVL talk about the new video from the ICE agent as he killed Renee Good. It’s tough and they’re not sure quite where we go from here. Is the rule of law real? Or is everything might makes right?Also: Trump probably gets away with Venezuela, too. Good times.Paid members of the Bulwark get access to full episodes of the Secret show.

Sarah, Tim and JVL discuss the legality and consequences of the Venezuela operation, the emerging split between “America First” and “Trump First,” Stephen Miller’s grotesque worldview, and why Greenland suddenly feels less hypothetical. They also debate the legacy of neoconservatism and Iraq, MAGA influencer drama, and GOP dysfunction in Congress.Get up to 30% off OneSkin with the code THENEXTLEVEL at https://www.oneskin.co/THENEXTLEVEL #oneskinpod #ad Go to https://GetSoul.com and use the code THENEXTLEVEL for 30% off.Go to https://greenchef.com/nextlevelgraza and use code NEXTLEVELGRAZA to get started with 50% off Green Chef + FREE Graza Olive Oil Set in your 2nd and 3rd boxes.

JVL, Sarah Longwell, and Tim Miller look ahead to what’s next—and it (mostly) isn't pretty. From Trump’s plans for the Fed and crypto chaos, to billionaire media consolidation, and some truly unhinged foreign policy ideas, they game out what could break, what might finally collapse Trump’s support, and why things probably have to get worse before they get better. Go to https://Quince.com/thenextlevel for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too.

New Epstein files have dropped, and the fallout is growing. Sarah Longwell, Tim Miller, and JVL discuss what’s new in the latest release, why the DOJ’s clumsy redactions and selective disclosures made things worse, and how the accumulating evidence and hypocrisy are starting to break through to voters. They also talk about Trump’s distraction tactics, JD Vance’s political viability, and why the old Trump bargain isn’t holding anymore. NOTE: The Justice Department in a tweet later on Tuesday, after the episode was taped, said that the alleged letter from Jeffrey Epstein to Larry Nassar was determined by the FBI to be fake.

Sarah Longwell, JVL, and Tim Miller discuss the jaw-dropping Vanity Fair interviews Susie Wiles gave to Vanity Fair and what they reveal about how Trumpworld actually operates, the Epstein and Maxwell fallout, the backlash to Trump’s remarks about Rob Reiner, MAGA’s internal fractures, Elon Musk’s role in dismantling USAID, and why this moment feels different from past Trump controversies. Susie Wiles, JD Vance, and the “Junkyard Dogs”: The White House Chief of Staff on Trump’s Second Term (Part 1 of 2) https://www.vanityfair.com/news/story/trump-susie-wiles-interview-exclusive-part-1 Susie Wiles Talks Epstein Files, Pete Hegseth’s War Tactics, Retribution, and More (Part 2 of 2) https://www.vanityfair.com/news/story/trump-susie-wiles-interview-exclusive-part-2 Get 50% off your first order with Green Chef and a FREE Graza Olive Oil set at https://GreenChef.com/NEXTLEVELGRAZA. Get 30% off your entire order with Soul at https://GetSoul.com, promo code THENEXTLEVEL. Remember to head to https://ZBiotics.com/NEXTLEVEL and use the code NEXTLEVEL at checkout for 15% off. To get 6 bottles of wine for $39.99, head to NakedWines.com/THENEXTLEVEL and use code THENEXTLEVEL for both the code AND PASSWORD.  

The hosts tackle how Trump pressures media mergers to shape coverage, particularly regarding CNN and CBS. They highlight the dangers of corporate consolidation in media and its implications for political intimidation. The conversation also emphasizes the growing importance of independent news outlets like The Bulwark. Additionally, they discuss the role of Democratic billionaires in supporting independent media and explore the contentious debates around Trump's fitness for office, especially in light of his age compared to Biden.

Tensions bubble as Republican women clash over Speaker Mike Johnson, illuminating the GOP's internal strife. The hosts dissect the divide between Trump-centric MAGA supporters and a more populist America First faction. With Johnson caught in the fray, they explore how Trump's faltering agenda has turned him into a scapegoat. They further analyze the stark contrasts in unity between Democrats and disarray among Republicans. Plus, insights into upcoming elections and the impact of Trump's narrative on party strategies make for a riveting discussion.

In a candid conversation, the hosts dive into their emotional experiences from a recent gathering, revealing the mixture of feelings that came to light. They discuss the implications of Donald Trump's name on the Institute of Peace and explore the dangers of illiberalism versus symbolic gestures. The hosts critique journalistic interviews, particularly focusing on the impact of Tim Miller's empathetic style. Additionally, they wrestle with big questions about liberalism and challenge the narrative of endless self-blame, defending past neoliberal successes.