The Bulwark Podcast

Donald Trump is hurting the American people. The DOGE cuts are not only waging war on jobs, they're also harming the American public and undermining the safety, health, and economic well-being of everyday Americans. And by cowering to his favorite bully in Moscow, Trump is prepping the US to be a subservient partner of Russia. Plus, John Fetterman joins Tim to share his opposition to the campaigns against both transgender athletes and soldiers, and to chastise Dems for the way they received the POTUS in Congress. Sen. John Fetterman and Neera Tanden join Tim Miller. show notes Fetterman's tweet after the Senate blocked a ban on transgender athletes  Fetterman's video on Trump's trans military ban  Fetterman's tweet after Trump's address to Congress  Neera's Center for American Progress 

Once upon a time, presidents used to take tough questions from the press, but the current White House occupant can't handle any scrutiny from cantankerous reporters. And on his sad and sulking days, he needs warm and fuzzy Newsmax in the press pool to envelop him with flattery. Meanwhile, the joint session of Congress address has become basically pointless, SCOTUS blocks Trump's usurpation of power by one single vote, and at Trump's behest, the CIA is punishing Zelensky because he won't cooperate with the administration's disinfo campaign.  Plus, Democrats need to show voters they are genuinely furious. And if you've thought about running for office, now is the time to jump in—particularly in districts the Dems have tended to ignore. Amanda Litman and Jim Acosta join Tim Miller. show notes The Jim Acosta Show Amanda's 'Run for Something' When reporters rallied around Fox after Obama White House tried to shut it out

James Carville, a sharp-witted Democratic strategist, and Michael Weiss, an expert on Russia's geopolitical maneuvers, dive into the alarming political climate. They discuss how Trump's actions threaten national stability and analyze the strong European support for Ukraine against Russian aggression. Carville shares insights from his recent New York Times piece advising the Democrats on strategy, while Weiss emphasizes the complexities of foreign policy, highlighting the vital need for a united Western response to geopolitical challenges.

Bill Kristol, a prominent conservative commentator and author known for his role in the Never Trump movement, joins to discuss disturbing shifts in U.S. foreign policy under Trump. He critiques the troubling dynamics of the Zelensky-Trump exchange, highlighting the dangers of politicized diplomacy. Kristol also tackles the intersection of cryptocurrency and corruption, pointing out how taxpayer-funded crypto initiatives may serve the wealthy elite. The conversation delves into the implications of kleptocracy and the evolving landscape of the Republican Party.

Joshua Rush, a former Disney Channel star turned political activist, joins Tim and Cameron to discuss Gen Z's political engagement post-COVID. He highlights how isolation led some to explore extremist ideologies. Despite this, Joshua shares his optimism for the future, advocating for creative activism against rising nihilism. They humorously navigate topics from financial struggles to identity politics, urging listeners to remain engaged in combating authoritarianism and opposing school vouchers in Texas.

David Frum, a staff writer at The Atlantic and author of Trumpocalypse, joins the discussion with sharp commentary on recent political controversies. He reveals the Trump administration's intervention in lifting the travel ban for the Tate brothers, linked to serious charges. Frum critiques the planned 'Keep Christ in Christmas' event at the Kennedy Center, while exploring the GOP's accountability amid rising egg prices. He also discusses the pitfalls of crypto investments and the shifting loyalty dynamics within Trump's governance.

Mike Murphy, a veteran Republican strategist and co-host of Hacks on Tap, and Michael Fanone, a former Capitol police officer, delve into the complexities of the electric vehicle market and the implications of China's influence on it—especially on Tesla. They discuss Trump's contradictory stance on EV subsidies while highlighting concerns over the ties between corporations and government. Fanone also shares intense anecdotes from January 6, critiquing the Proud Boys' behaviors and urging public engagement to combat extremism.

Senator Ruben Gallego, a former Marine and political strategist from Arizona, joins Zerlina Maxwell, a sharp political analyst and mental health advocate, to dive into critical political discussions. They tackle the alarming Republican plans to cut Medicaid for tax cuts, the chaos induced by Trump's border policies, and how Democrats can better connect with voters in rural areas. The conversation also touches on Elon Musk's influence on politics and the vital importance of mental health during these turbulent times.

Ben Wittes, Editor-in-chief of Lawfare and senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, delves into the chaos of current legal politics. He discusses the Trump administration's questionable actions, including who’s really running the show behind DOGE. Wittes highlights the troubling changes within the FBI, pointing out how political appointments could affect agency morale and public safety. They also touch on the complexities of U.S.-Ukrainian relations, introducing a new podcast that explores these vital foreign policy dynamics.

Bill Kristol, a prominent conservative commentator known for his Never Trump stance, teams up with Colorado Governor Jared Polis, who advocates market-based reforms. They dive into the troubling trend of unqualified appointments in government, particularly within Trump's administration, and discuss the risks posed to democracy. Polis shares insights on government waste, housing strategies, and the vital need for the Democratic Party to refine its messaging to resonate with working-class citizens. Their spirited exchange underscores the importance of courage in today's political landscape.