
Bulwark Takes
The news cycle doesn’t slow down, and neither does The Bulwark. Bulwark Takes brings you bite-sized takes on the news of the day from the entire Bulwark team, including Tim Miller, Sarah Longwell, and Bill Kristol, and more.
Latest episodes

May 14, 2025 • 13min
Tim Miller: Why is Trump Making China Stronger?
Scott Galloway, a Professor of Marketing at NYU and co-host of Raging Moderates, engages with guest Tim Miller to unpack the ramifications of Donald Trump’s trade strategies. They discuss how reckless tariffs have not only strained the U.S. economy but also fortuitously enhanced China's global standing. The conversation touches on the uncertainty of U.S.-China relations, the implications of shifting trade dynamics, and the troubling perception of America's diminishing influence in global affairs. Insightful and provocative, their discussion highlights critical economic concerns.

May 14, 2025 • 16min
Tim Miller Unloads on Biden’s Inner Circle
Tim Miller shares candid insights on Biden's declining health and the impact it has on his candidacy. He discusses the Democratic Party's internal chaos and urges for fresh leadership to revitalize its connection with voters. The conversation highlights strategic missteps within the DNC and emphasizes the importance of internal critique for political strength. Miller's thoughts reflect frustrations over the party's direction and the courageous changes that might be needed to counteract the rise of Trump.

May 14, 2025 • 15min
Trump Gets Qatari Jet, While We Pay More!
The discussion kicks off with a look at the controversial Qatari jet deal and the implications of accepting gifts from questionable nations. It dives into the ethical dilemmas surrounding U.S.-China espionage linked to aircraft technology. The plight of Afghan allies, particularly the revocation of their temporary status in America, highlights urgent humanitarian concerns. Lastly, the effects of tariffs are scrutinized, revealing how policies intended to help the working class may inadvertently increase their financial burdens.

May 13, 2025 • 11min
Trump’s Lies About Prices, Thoroughly Demolished
The host dissects Donald Trump's misleading claims about the economy, highlighting disparities between his rhetoric and actual data. Grocery prices are examined, revealing contradictions that matter to struggling families. The discussion critiques Trump's tariffs and their real impact on jobs, juxtaposed with his optimistic portrayals. Finally, an analysis of approval ratings uncovers a significant gap between Trump's assertions and polling realities, emphasizing the need for responsible leadership and accountability.

May 13, 2025 • 8min
China Just EMBARRASSED Trump and MAGA
Discover how Trump’s once-popular tough-on-China stance crumbled in mere weeks. The podcast navigates the shifting dynamics of U.S.-China relations and the evolving sentiment within the MAGA community regarding tariffs. It highlights the economic impact on American families and the feelings of betrayal as former policies get reassessed. Finally, the discussion critiques political reactions to economic changes and emphasizes the need for media credibility in a rapidly changing landscape.

May 13, 2025 • 12min
Trump’s Sickening “White’s Only” Refugee Plan
A recent press conference has sparked discussions around America's refugee policies, particularly the decision to accept white South African refugees while denying Afghan families. Tim Miller highlights the blatant racial biases at play, pointing to the hypocrisy in U.S. asylum practices. The conversation dives into the stark contrasts in how different refugee groups are treated, revealing deeper inequities that affect marginalized communities. The debate raises questions about national identity and fairness in diplomatic decisions, hinting at broader implications for future policies.

May 12, 2025 • 11min
Trump Pulls Classic “Donnie Bait-and-Switch” on Drug Prices
Jonathan Cohn, author of the Breakdown newsletter, joins to dissect Trump's new executive order on drug prices. They explore its ambitious claims versus on-the-ground realities, highlighting troubling ambiguities and potential legal challenges. Cohn discusses unexpected political alliances in drug pricing, particularly between Trump and Bernie Sanders, suggesting a shift in the political landscape. The conversation also addresses Biden's strategies for negotiating drug prices amid intense pharmaceutical lobbying, contrasting real progress with Trump's more superficial initiatives.

May 12, 2025 • 9min
Stephen Miller Flips Out Over Tim's Tweet
A fiery exchange ignites over a tweet, igniting debates on trade policies. Tim Miller dissects the absurdity of Trump’s tariffs, illustrating who truly bears the financial burden. The discussion highlights the confusion surrounding tariff strategies and warns about their impact on American families. As they delve into the repercussions of manufacturing policies, they challenge the simplistic views dominating political discourse. A critical look at economic policies reveals a pressing need to prioritize consumer welfare above partisan loyalties.

May 12, 2025 • 13min
Trump's Latest Presser Made Our Heads EXPLODE
Trump shocked everyone by boasting about a luxury plane loaned to him by a foreign government, sparking discussions on his views of political norms. The hosts break down the surprising embrace of progressive ideas, like price controls, that he unveiled during a recent press conference. They also explore the evolving dynamics within the Republican Party and RFK Jr.'s claims about Trump as an enemy of oligarchs. Quirky anecdotes about Trump's rhetoric add humor, along with a look into his controversial ties with Qatar and the media's portrayal of it.

May 12, 2025 • 14min
Law Firms Who Folded To Trump EXPOSED as Cowards! (w/ Sen. Richard Blumenthal)
Senator Richard Blumenthal, a Connecticut lawmaker and former attorney general, dives into the moral failures of major law firms that capitulated to Trump's pressure tactics. He exposes the vague pro bono agreements many firms, like Paul Weiss, accepted under intimidation, calling their actions a disgrace to legal ethics. Blumenthal contrasts these firms’ cowardice with those who stood firm for constitutional rights, stressing that appeasement never works and warning of the fallout as clients reconsider their allegiances.