Bulwark Takes

Right-wing influencers were invited to the White House and handed binders labeled “Epstein Files,” sparking a wave of conspiracy-tinged speculation. But what was actually in them? Tim Miller, Sam Stein, and Andrew Egger break down the bizarre stunt, the MAGA obsession with Epstein conspiracies, and why this latest spectacle quickly unraveled. Plus, what does it say about the priorities of Trump’s DOJ?

Tim Miller goes over the memo from the Pentagon that goes over how they will implement the transgender ban: Kicking out hard working military members because their gender doesn't align with Trump, Hegseth, and the current administration.

Tim Miller and JVL talk about how the Tate brothers have been let back in the US despite the allegations against them.

Tim Miller is joined by Angelo Carusone, President of Media Matters, to discuss the public outcry to right-wing radio and tv hosts to help amid the Trump administration's cuts and policies impacting their lives. Read More in Media Matters Sam Stein, "He Took Musk’s Resignation Offer. He Was Fired Anyway." JVL, "The Washington Post and Autocracy’s Asymmetric Advantage"

Tim Miller and Mike Fanone talk about events at Principles First over the weekend: Dealing with a bomb threat together, being threatened by Enrique Tarrio, and Mike's family all being harassed as well.

Sam Stein and John Avlon discuss Jeff Bezos announcement of changes at The Washington Post opinions pages to only be "in support and defense of two pillars: personal liberties and free markets," and many Republicans are also bending the knee to Donald Trump.  Read more John Avlon in The Bulwark, "Senate Republicans Perfect the Art of Appeasement"

Kathleen Kennedy, CEO at LucasFilms and influential figure at Disney, announced she is stepping down. JVL and Sonny Bunch discuss what this means for Disney and the Star Wars franchise going forward.

It was a close call for Speaker Mike Johnson tonight, with the House GOP barely managing to pass a budget resolution. Is this a win or red flag for conservative leadership? Tim Miller, Sam Stein and Joe Perticone discuss.

Sam Stein is joined by Tony Altimore, a strategy consultant involved with Canada’s 2012 version of DOGE — an efficiency audit by Deloitte. They discussed how the current DOGE is failing to bring actual efficiencies while they could be learning from Canada’s many successes.

Sam Stein and Lauren Egan break down the crisis severity of Caroline Leavitt’s announcement the White House will dictate which news outlets will be able to cover Donald Trump in the press pool.