The Bulwark Podcast

David Kirkpatrick, staff writer at The New Yorker and author of 'Into the Hands of the Soldiers', delves into the controversial financial dealings of Donald Trump post-presidency. He reveals that Trump has pocketed an estimated $3.4 billion from ventures, notably in crypto, while striking deals with Middle Eastern dictators. The discussion highlights the moral quandaries of self-enrichment in politics and the role of flattery in Trump’s foreign relations, drawing parallels to the self-serving practices observed in other nations.

Bill Kristol, Editor-at-large of The Bulwark and a prominent political commentator, joins Tim Miller to discuss the alarming turn of U.S. politics. They critique the militarization of D.C. and the troubling use of law enforcement as intimidation tactics. Kristol highlights Trump's efforts to consolidate power and undermine democracy, while European leaders step up to defend liberty. They also dive into the risks of federal influence on state elections, linking it to authoritarianism and the need for a robust pro-democracy movement.

Hakeem Jeffries, the House Democratic leader from New York, discusses the urgent need for Democrats to ramp up engagement, including town halls and investigations into Trump's pay-to-play schemes. He plans to hold figures like Kristi Noem accountable for immigration policies. The conversation also touches on election integrity issues, redistricting tactics in North Carolina, and the struggle against corruption. Jeffries emphasizes civic responsibility and the importance of engaging diverse candidates to represent constituents effectively.

Michael Weiss, Editor of The Insider and a contributing editor at New Lines Magazine, dives deep into the murky waters of U.S.-Russia relations. He sheds light on Putin's likely maneuvers at the Alaska summit, aiming for another round of manipulation, recalling the notorious Helsinki meeting. Weiss highlights the danger of Russian intelligence recruiting operatives for chaos in the West. The discussion also touches on Europe's role in supporting Ukraine and how unexpected gestures, like a sandwich throw, can symbolize resistance against political overreach.

Jason Calacanis, an entrepreneur and angel investor, shares intriguing perspectives alongside Tim Miller. They dive into the complex relationship between Silicon Valley and politics, highlighting the influence of figures like Elon Musk. The duo critiques the impact of recent economic policies and discusses the pitfalls of anarcho-capitalism. They also explore immigration policy tensions and the societal implications of AI, questioning how automation will affect the workforce. The conversation is a vibrant mix of humor and thought-provoking analysis.

Amanda Carpenter, a writer and editor at Protect Democracy, joins Tim Miller to discuss the alarming trend of fabricated crises orchestrated by Trump. They delve into the manipulation of public narratives on safety and the implications of using military force against protests. Carpenter critiques Trump's tactics of pressuring educational institutions for settlements and discusses the troubling appointment of loyalists to vital governmental roles. The conversation raises critical questions about economic integrity and the ethical ramifications of authoritarianism.

Bill Kristol, Editor at large of The Bulwark and founder of The Weekly Standard, joins Tim Miller for a captivating discussion on today's political climate. They delve into Trump's controversial attempts to federalize policing in D.C. and explore the implications for blue cities ahead of upcoming elections. Kristol critiques the rise of authoritarianism in U.S.-Russia diplomacy, while exploring the complexities of grand jury investigations into political figures. The conversation covers the challenges of maintaining civil liberties amid federal control and anticipatory compliance within political organizations.

Lis Smith, a savvy Democratic strategist and author of "Any Given Tuesday," discusses how a nationalized Democratic Party has struggled in red states. She highlights the need for candidates to embrace diversity in their campaigns and calls for a cleanup of undesirable figures like Andrew Cuomo. Smith also critiques the administration for its treatment of transgender service members and warns against deceptive political action committees. Overall, she advocates for new leadership that resonates with communities across the political spectrum.

Anne Applebaum, a staff writer at The Atlantic known for her insights on autocracy and democracy, joins Tim Miller for a deep dive into the disintegration of Sudan amidst civil war. They discuss the alarming absence of U.S. aid, leaving millions without support. The conversation touches on the intertwining of corporate influences in politics, the ongoing complexities of the Ukraine conflict, and the dangers posed by independent anti-corruption efforts in autocratic regimes. Applebaum’s perspectives offer a critical lens on global humanitarian crises and shifts in power.

Zerlina Maxwell, a political analyst and host on SiriusXM, and Josh Barro, a Substack writer and legal podcast co-host, tackle urgent political issues. They discuss the racial implications of gerrymandering in Texas, targeting disenfranchisement of Black voters. The conversation dives into the slow job growth climate and economic challenges, including rising prices. The duo also examines political accountability in light of the Epstein case, pushing for leaders who genuinely resonate with the working class and address their concerns.