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Bulwark Takes

The Bulwark

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.

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181 episodes
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#1190
September 28 · 27 min
This Kash Patel Photo Raises Some VERY Awkward Questions
Michael Weiss and Marc Polymeropoulos are back to give their takes on the latest allegations of corruption and counterintelligence concerns surrounding the Trump administration, including Alina Habba’s star-studded wedding and the appearance of FBI Director Kash Patel alongside a former informant who was suspected of being a double agent. They also look at U.S. Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle and her relationship with a Greek lobbyist, allegations that she pressured Greek officials over energy contracts, and claims that she threatened to help bring down the Greek government. Plus, Michael and Marc discuss the FBI’s leadership turmoil after a top deputy resigned.
#1189
September 28 · 45 min
MAGA Mondays: Trump Admin Party Video Sparks MAGA Backlash
Sam Stein and Will Sommer break down the latest drama on the online right, from a bizarre AI video posted by Trump aide Dan Scavino to the growing influence of QAnon conspiracy theories inside Trump world. Will explains why QAnon followers believe Scavino was sending them a coded signal and what the reaction reveals about the movement. Plus, the pro-data-center party bringing a strange mix of MAGA, tech, and online-right figures together in Washington, Mark Halperin’s warnings about Republican prospects, and the growing fight over anti-Indian rhetoric on the right. Sam and Will also discuss disgusting comments from Texas railroad commissioner candidate Bo French, including previously deleted posts found by CNN's KFile calling for the execution of Barack Obama.
#1188
September 28 · 11 min
Trump Said It Out Loud. His Cabinet Says It Never Happened.
Trump says he’s banning news organizations over negative coverage. Then his own officials go on TV and insist that’s not what’s happening. Will Saletan meticulously breaks down Todd Blanche’s defense of Trump’s press crackdown, Mike Waltz getting confronted with the president’s own words, and the shifting story about the war with Iran.
#1187
September 27 · 35 min
Just How Crazy is the White House Right Now? (w/ Sarah Matthews) | Bulwark on Sunday
Trump’s White House is racking up losses, picking fights with the press, and increasingly operating without anyone willing to tell the president no. Bill Kristol talks with former Trump White House deputy press secretary Sarah Matthews about what’s happening behind the scenes, why Republicans are suddenly putting some distance between themselves and Trump, and why she fears things could get even more reckless after the midterms.
#1186
September 26 · 25 min
Trump’s MAGA Replacement for the Media Is an Amateur-Hour Disaster
Catherine Rampell and Will Sommer take on Trump’s escalating war on the White House press, the amateur-hour MAGA media operation stepping in to replace the traditional White House pool, and Byron Donalds’ awkward attempt to put a little distance between himself and Trump. Plus, Kimberly Guilfoyle’s misadventures as ambassador to Greece involve a mysterious lobbyist, questionable energy dealings, a middle-of-the-night trip to Albania, a shattered vodka venture, and one extraordinary warning to a U.S. ally. Byron Donalds removes Trump references from his campaign website: https://www.washingtonpost.com/elections/2026/09/22/byron-donalds-removes-trump-mentions-florida-governor-campaign-website/ Trump responds by announcing two rallies with Byron Donalds: https://floridapolitics.com/archives/821961-trump-to-rally-twice-with-byron-donalds-ahead-of-election-day-says-donalds-would-lose-if-he-dropped-trump/ The Mystery Man Shadowing Kimberly Guilfoyle as She Pushes Deals Across Europe: https://www.wsj.com/articles/kimberly-guilfoyle-mystery-man-energy-5adeb541?mod=hp_lead_pos10 Listen to Catherine's new show, Receipts! Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/receipts-with-catherine-rampell/id6807470569 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1O2Z2akwyonpAsbxyMqBTV?si=7d81ca2f299e4409
#1185
September 25 · 30 min
Inside the Strange CIA Briefing That Sent Europe Into a Panic
Marc Polymeropoulos and Michael Weiss examine the growing Russian threat in Europe, separating the real danger of Russian sabotage and state terrorism from the media panic over a potential Russian invasion of NATO territory. They discuss the intelligence briefing that sparked concerns across Europe, how the assessment has since been revised downward, and why Russia’s escalating sabotage campaign could still lead to a dangerous mass-casualty event. They also examine how Europe can respond to Russian aggression, the role of NATO and Article 5, and why Russia may be testing how willing the West is to push back. Need specialized help without adding another full-time hire? Find skilled freelance professionals for software development, marketing, design, business operations, and more on Upwork. Sign up and post your job for free at https://www.upwork.com/
#1184
September 25 · 17 min
Ossoff is Utterly CRUSHING His Opponent. There's Just One Catch...
Jon Ossoff is running so far ahead in Georgia that his strength is starting to shape the races around him. Tim Miller and Lauren Egan look at the striking gap between Ossoff and Keisha Lance Bottoms, whether Ossoff can drag the Democratic ticket across the finish line, and why the governor’s race could wind up determining whether he has a real shot at the presidency in 2028. Need specialized help without adding another full-time hire? Find skilled freelance professionals for software development, marketing, design, business operations, and more on Upwork. Sign up and post your job for free at https://www.upwork.com/ Lauren Egan’s Opposition newsletter: https://www.thebulwark.com/s/the-opposition New YouGov poll: Ossoff leads Collins by 10 while the governor’s race is effectively tied: https://www.fox5atlanta.com/news/new-2026-georgia-poll-ossoff-leads-senate-race-governor-race-tied Jon Ossoff’s Georgia race stirs talk of a 2028 presidential run: https://www.ft.com/content/90714056-d364-43d9-9411-9bde92f966b3 Chris Christie says he’s considering another presidential run: https://www.wmur.com/article/chris-christie-run-president-92226/73842195
#1183
September 25 · 19 min
Panicked Republicans Are Trying to Rewrite Their Iran Record
Tim Miller gives his take on the Republican candidates who are suddenly calling for an end to the Iran war after repeatedly supporting it. John James, Mike Rogers, Tom Tiffany and Ashley Hinson are all trying to distance themselves from the war, but Tim asks the obvious question: What is their actual plan to end it? They don't have one. Plus, Tim also looks at Roger Marshall’s attempt to distance himself from the Trump administration’s ICE policies. Upgrade your sleep with Boll & Branch. Get 15% off your first order plus free shipping at https://www.BollAndBranch.com/bulwarktakes with code bulwarktakes. Exclusions apply. Springfield Benefit: https://www.thebulwark.com/events?event_id=event-hQcBaHvoEZ
#1182
September 24 · 20 min
The Bulwark’s Cruelest Assignment Yet: 6 Hours of Trump TV
Sam Stein, Brendan Hartnett and Will Sommer discuss the chaos surrounding the White House press corps after CNN, Politico and MS NOW were banned from the White House, then allowed back on the premises but haven't gotten reassurances that CNN would be allowed back into the TV pool. They also take on the right-wing media’s attempt to create its own version of the White House press pool, including technical failures, a lack of basic pool protocol and footage that appeared to show Trump’s motorcade too closely. Plus, they examine the launch of “Trump TV,” a White House livestream featuring hours of looping Trump footage that drew only a small audience. Upgrade your sleep with Boll & Branch. Get 15% off your first order plus free shipping at https://www.BollAndBranch.com/bulwarktakes with code bulwarktakes. Exclusions apply.
#1181
September 24 · 22 min
Trump’s AI Push Could Boost His Own Investments (w/ Gov. Wes Moore)
Andrew Egger is joined by Maryland Gov. Wes Moore to give his take on Maryland’s new AI regulations, the rapid growth of data centers, and the need for guardrails around increasingly powerful AI models. Moore explains why he believes AI is moving faster than government safeguards, criticizes the White House’s approach, and raises concerns about Trump’s personal financial stake in the AI boom. They also discuss AI safety, potential benefits in government and healthcare, and whether the U.S. should cooperate with China on regulating increasingly powerful AI systems. Upgrade your sleep with Boll & Branch. Get 15% off your first order plus free shipping at https://www.BollAndBranch.com/bulwarktakes with code bulwarktakes. Exclusions apply.
#1180
September 24 · 47 min
Even This Former Trump Supporter HATES the War (w/ Brandon Weichert)
Tim Miller steps outside the bubble for a conversation with Brandon Weichert, a former Trump supporter and American Greatness writer who has become deeply disillusioned with the administration. They take on Trump’s Iran war, his growing foreign-policy mess, the GOP’s increasingly dangerous midterm map, and what could happen if Democrats take back Congress. Watch more on Mario Nawfal’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/marionawfal Looking for a different way to unwind? Soul’s Mood Gummies pair precise dosing and clean ingredients with formulas designed for different moods, whether you want to feel uplifted, mellow, or somewhere in between. Get 30% off your entire order at https://getsoul.com with promo code BULWARKTAKES.
#1179
September 23 · 46 min
Trump’s Ballroom May Be Illegal. So Why Can’t Anyone Stop It? (w/ Ben Wittes)
JVL and Lawfare's Benjamin Wittes take on the strange legal fight over Trump’s ballroom and proposed triumphal arch, including why standing may be the biggest obstacle to stopping them and what John Roberts’ dissent could be signaling to future challengers. They also dig into a bigger question: whether Congress, the courts, and the power of the purse can actually constrain a president determined to push ahead anyway. Looking for a different way to unwind? Soul’s Mood Gummies pair precise dosing and clean ingredients with formulas designed for different moods, whether you want to feel uplifted, mellow, or somewhere in between. Get 30% off your entire order at https://getsoul.com with promo code BULWARKTAKES. A quick note: Look, there probably aren’t many media outlets willing to spend 45 minutes going extremely deep on the finer points of standing, appropriations law, and Trump’s ballroom. We are that kind of outlet. If you’re the kind of person who appreciates that, become a paid Bulwark member and help us keep doing this.
#1178
September 23 · 46 min
Command Post: Trump Admits To War Crimes During UN Speech
Ben Parker and Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling (Ret.) break down President Trump’s extraordinary comments at the United Nations about Venezuela, including his claim that “to the victor belong the spoils.” Hertling explains why that language raises serious questions under international law and walks through the laws and treaties that prohibit pillage and establish a nation’s sovereignty over its natural resources. They also discuss the growing power of the Houthis in Yemen, Saudi Arabia’s complicated relationship with the United States, and what Riyadh could do if it can no longer rely on American support. Hertling also weighs in on Secretary Pete Hegseth’s new system for evaluating senior military officers and the history Hegseth is invoking to defend it.
#1177
September 22 · 34 min
Even Putin Is Getting Sick of Witkoff and Kushner (w/ Rep. Jim Himes)
Rep. Jim Himes, ranking member of the House Intelligence Committee, joins Marc Polymeropoulos and Michael Weiss for his take on the major national security risks surrounding the Trump administration. Himes explains the counterintelligence concerns surrounding the reported Russian financing of Donald Trump Jr.’s wedding and why the access to Trump’s inner circle at the event could have created an unusually soft target for Russian intelligence. They also discuss the intelligence community’s warnings about war with Iran, and the possibility of another Middle East conflict. Plus, Russia’s war in Ukraine, Trump’s negotiations with Vladimir Putin, John Ratcliffe’s role in the talks, and the ongoing investigation into Havana syndrome and anomalous health incidents. Weight Loss by Hims offers access to personalized weight loss treatment, including FDA-approved GLP-1 medications. Learn more and get started at https://www.hims.com/bulwarktakes
#1176
September 22 · 1 hr 18 min
LIVE REACTION: Trump Delivers Speech To UN Amid War In Iran
Andrew Egger and Bill Kristol went live to react to Trump’s address to the United Nations, breaking down his claims about Iran, Russia and Ukraine, Venezuela, Greenland, the economy and America’s role in the world. Trump made wild comments about Russia’s war against Ukraine, including a grotesque false equivalence between Ukrainian children abducted into Russia and his claim that Russian children were also abducted into Ukraine. They also examine Trump’s claims about Iran, including his repeated insistence that he had no choice but to launch the war, his promises that a deal is still just around the corner, and the widening gap between his self-image as a president who ends wars and the reality of a conflict he chose to start. Plus, Trump’s vision for artificial intelligence includes renaming it “super intelligence,” and insisting that the United States must stay ahead of China while resisting international efforts to regulate the technology. Weight Loss by Hims offers access to personalized weight loss treatment, including FDA-approved GLP-1 medications. Learn more and get started at https://www.hims.com/bulwarktakes
#1175
September 22 · 29 min
Trump Just Hit His Worst Approval Number EVER (w/ David Pakman)
Ready to be seen? Check that appointment off your to-do list with Zocdoc: https://zocdoc.com/ bulwarktakes #sponsored Tim Miller and David Pakman take on Trump’s plummeting poll numbers, the White House putting Pakman on its official “Media Offenders” list, and the creators who Pakman says are now afraid to interview him because they fear becoming targets themselves. They also discuss how algorithms reward outrage and misinformation, the coming flood of synthetic political content, and Pakman’s new book, Pay Attention, about what the attention economy is doing to our politics and our brains. David Pakman’s new book, Pay Attention: How the Algorithms and Media Wars Are Suppressing Truth and Rewiring Your Brain: https://davidpakman.com/davids-books/ The David Pakman Show: https://davidpakman.com/
#1174
September 21 · 13 min
Trump’s War on the Press Just Backfired in the Funniest Possible Way
Ready to be seen? Check that appointment off your to-do list with Zocdoc: https://zocdoc.com/bulwarktakes #sponsored The White House is trying to defend Donald Trump’s decision to ban major news organizations from covering the White House and the policy is already producing some pretty absurd results. JVL and Will Sommer discuss Trump’s crackdown on the press, including a Newsmax broadcast where viewers couldn’t hear the president because the press pool wasn’t there to provide audio. They also examine the upcoming court fight over White House press access, the administration’s new White House app, and the question of whether Democrats should respond by restricting access for outlets like Fox News and Newsmax. Plus, JVL and Will debate the broader problem facing the press: Trump’s escalating efforts to favor friendly media, punish outlets he dislikes, and blur the line between journalism and political propaganda.
#1173
September 21 · 41 min
MAGA’s Far-Right Feud Is Spilling Into Turning Point USA | MAGA Mondays
Ready to be seen? Check that appointment off your to-do list with Zocdoc ✅ : https://zocdoc.com/ bulwarktakes #sponsored Will Sommer and Sonny Bunch take on Trump’s escalating war on the press, the TV networks pushing back on his White House ban, and the growing signs that even some longtime allies are getting sick of the chaos. Plus: Trump’s plan to put snipers in his giant D.C. arch, the bizarre MAGA fight over Indian Americans, Turning Point’s James Fishback problem, and the very questionable Lauren Boebert allegations.
#1172
September 21 · 18 min
Trump’s New Defense Of The Arch Is INCREDIBLY Stupid
Sam Stein and Will Saletan take a look at Donald Trump’s latest architectural fever dream: a 250-foot triumphal arch near Arlington Cemetery that Trump says will double as a “top grade Military Complex,” complete with drones and snipers. They dig into the bizarre location, the questionable military rationale and Trump’s claim that the project came at the “strong request” of the military. As Sam and Will point out, this is an enormous armed monument sitting near Reagan National Airport, the Pentagon and Arlington Cemetery. What could possibly go wrong? Then they turn to Trump’s escalating crackdown on the press. CNN, MS NOW and Politico lost White House credentials after Trump objected to their coverage, and Republicans defended the move. And if you think the press should simply accept this as the new normal, Sam has a story from the Obama years that offers a different lesson.
#1171
September 20 · 27 min
Russia’s Shadow War Is Spreading Across Europe
Sam Stein and former CIA officer Marc Polymeropoulos give their takes on the flurry of international headlines over the weekend. The Houthis have escalated attacks on Saudi Arabia, including strikes on Riyadh, while Ukraine has launched a major wave of drone and missile strikes on Moscow and Russian energy infrastructure. They also discuss the Trump administration’s response to the Saudi crisis, the U.S. role in Ukraine, Russia’s escalating attacks and sabotage efforts across Europe, and the prospect of a brutal winter for Ukraine.

Showing 21–40 of 181 episodes