Bulwark Takes

Explore the fascinating chaos within the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division as Harmeet Dhillon's controversial Twitter habits and leadership style spark major resignations. High turnover raises questions about the shift toward prioritizing law enforcement over ideology. Discover how social media is used to navigate and confront racism while managing public perception. The balance between media presence and meaningful action reveals unsettling trends in government communications, shedding light on the evolving landscape of justice and authority.

Will Sommer, author of the False Flag newsletter, dives deep into the twisty tale of Michael Flynn, the former national security advisor turned conspiracy figure. Sommer reveals how Flynn became ensnared in the very MAGA conspiracies he once championed. The discussion touches on Flynn’s unsettling transformation post-indictment, his controversial ties to the January 6th insurrection, and the ironic backlash he now faces from the QAnon crowd. It’s a riveting exploration of conspiratorial dynamics and self-inflicted chaos.

Senator Chris Van Hollen blasts Trump’s first 100 days as a nonstop assault on the Constitution, citing due process violations, First Amendment crackdowns, illegal tariffs, and blatant lawbreaking.

Donald Trump is scrambling to spin the latest round of bad economic news—negative GDP growth, a sinking stock market, and growing trade war fallout. On this episode, Andrew Egger is joined by Will Saletan to break down Trump’s erratic responses, his blame-shifting tactics, and the increasingly surreal attempts to convince voters that tariffs have nothing to do with the downturn.

Lauren Egan is joined by Faiz Siddiqui to talk about his book about Elon Musk called Hubris Maximus. They discuss how he bends rules, dodges accountability, and bankrolls politics—all while building a cult of personality.

Ben Smith, co-founder of Semafor and investigative journalist, dives into the hidden world of elite group chats that are influencing American politics. He reveals how powerful figures from Silicon Valley, including Elon Musk, leverage private threads to steer media narratives and political agendas. The conversation explores the tension between private discussions and public statements, highlighting the complexities of groupthink and elitism. Smith also underscores the evolving dynamics between journalists and the influential subjects they cover, all while navigating the impact on social media discourse.

Donald Trump humiliates himself in a disastrous interview, falling for his own team’s obviously fake propaganda.

Jonathan Cohn, Tim Miller, and Sam Stein break down Trump’s 100 day Michigan rally.

Andrew Egger and JVL break down the chaotic ICE courthouse raid in Virginia and why it’s a dangerous move for both law enforcement and civilians.

Dive into the fascinating dynamics between Jeff Bezos and Donald Trump as they navigate corporate strategy and political pressures. The discussion reveals how Bezos’s business decisions are influenced by Trump's tactics, especially regarding tariffs. Discover the paradox of power as personal ego clashes with economic interests, alongside the impact of Bezos owning the Washington Post and its implications for media narratives. This episode unpacks the delicate balance of politics and commerce in today's landscape.