Bulwark Takes
Bulwark Takes
June 24, 2026

JD Vance Called His OWN Iran Policy “Complete Idiocy” | The Next Level

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Quick Read

A bombshell report reveals Tulsi Gabbard's political career, including her public statements and legislative actions, was allegedly micromanaged by a secretive cult leader.
Tulsi Gabbard's political career was reportedly micromanaged by a cult leader, with her public statements and actions dictated by their instructions.
Tucker Carlson's 'exit' from the GOP is framed as a strategic move to position JD Vance as an 'outsider' and build a new 'America First' coalition.
Donald Trump's Iran deal, allowing oil sales and unfreezing funds, is seen as a 'slow-motion surrender' that benefits Iran while potentially lowering US gas prices.

Summary

This episode dissects several current political events, including speculation around a mysterious recipient of an experimental weight-loss drug, the bizarre dynamics of Donald Trump's inner circle, and Tucker Carlson's strategic 'departure' from the Republican Party. A significant portion is dedicated to analyzing Trump's controversial Iran deal, which the hosts argue is a 'slow-motion surrender' that benefits Iran while potentially lowering gas prices for American voters. The most striking revelation is a Washington Post investigation detailing how Tulsi Gabbard's political life was allegedly controlled by a cult leader, with her public remarks often verbatim from their instructions. The hosts also express concern over Pete Buttigieg's statement about being 'radicalized' by his time in the Biden administration, fearing a shift towards 'breaking things' in Democratic strategy.
This episode offers a critical perspective on the evolving landscape of American politics, highlighting the strategic maneuvering within the Republican Party, the potential foreign policy implications of the Iran deal, and the alarming allegations surrounding a prominent political figure like Tulsi Gabbard. It underscores how personal loyalties, cult influence, and economic incentives can shape national and international policy, providing a behind-the-scenes look at the motivations and perceived failures of political actors.

Takeaways

  • A mysterious 79-year-old 'well-connected' man received an experimental weight-loss drug, sparking speculation about Donald Trump, which hosts largely dismiss.
  • Natalie Harp, dubbed 'the human printer,' writes adoring, anonymous letters to Donald Trump, reflecting the sycophantic environment around him.
  • Tucker Carlson's public declaration of leaving the Republican Party is interpreted as a calculated move to rebrand himself as an 'outsider' and provide political cover for JD Vance.
  • JD Vance's political strategy involves aligning with figures like Tucker Carlson to appeal to an 'America First' base, while managing his relationship with Trump.
  • Donald Trump's Iran deal, which allows Iran to sell oil and unfreezes billions, is criticized as a 'slow-motion surrender' that emboldens Iran and creates a wedge with Israel.
  • A Washington Post investigation details how Tulsi Gabbard's political career was allegedly controlled by a cult leader, who dictated her public statements and legislative actions.
  • Pete Buttigieg's comment about being 'radicalized' in the Biden administration raises concerns among hosts about a potential future Democratic strategy of 'breaking things' and disregarding political norms.

Insights

1Tucker Carlson's Strategic 'GOP Exit' and JD Vance's Ambitions

Tucker Carlson's public statement about leaving the Republican Party is not seen as a genuine political shift but a strategic rebranding. The hosts argue Carlson aims to position himself as an 'outsider' and 'straight shooter' to provide 'air cover' for JD Vance, who is portrayed as a 'work the system guy.' This dynamic is intended to build a new 'America First' coalition, appealing to anti-war and anti-Israel demographics, particularly young men. Vance's political future is heavily dependent on maintaining alliances with figures like Carlson and Donald Trump Jr., and securing Trump's anointing as a successor.

Carlson's statement about not supporting the Republican Party (). Tim Miller's analysis of Carlson providing 'outsider air cover for JD' () and Vance wanting to run towards the 'bottom of the horseshoe' () for anti-war and anti-Israel crowds. Sarah Longwell's comment on Vance needing to keep Tucker and Don Jr. on side ().

2Trump's Iran Deal: A 'Slow-Motion Surrender' with Domestic Political Aims

Donald Trump's administration is allowing Iran to sell oil on the open market and unfreezing billions of dollars, framing it as a win for American farmers and a means to lower gas prices. The hosts, however, characterize this as a 'slow-motion surrender' that significantly benefits Iran and creates a wedge between the United States and Israel. They highlight the hypocrisy, noting JD Vance previously called a similar deal 'complete idiocy.' The primary motivation for Trump is believed to be lowering gas prices to improve generic ballot numbers for the 2026 midterms and avoid increased oversight if Democrats gain control.

Trump telling Iranians they can sell oil (). JD Vance's past quote calling a similar deal 'complete idiocy' (). Sarah Longwell's analysis that American voters will prioritize lower gas prices over the deal's implications () and Trump's motivation to get gas prices down for midterm elections ().

3Tulsi Gabbard's Alleged Cult Control

A Washington Post investigation reveals that Tulsi Gabbard's political career, from her legislative proposals to her public statements and TV appearances, was allegedly micromanaged by Chris Butler, a leader of a breakaway Hare Krishna cult in Hawaii. Gabbard, raised within this cult, reportedly used verbatim talking points provided by Butler's intermediaries. Private communications even show her instructing her defenders to 'cool it down' on criticisms of Bashar al-Assad, whom the cult leader also admired. The hosts express alarm at the implications of a public figure potentially controlled by an external entity, especially given her past roles.

Washington Post story on Tulsi Gabbard and Chris Butler (). Details of messages micromanaging her career, including tweets, legislation, and TV appearances (). Reporter's findings that Gabbard used memo language 'almost verbatim' in 24 out of 32 TV interviews (). Gabbard's private instruction to 'cool it down on your criticisms of Assad' ().

Quotes

"

"I won't I won't reveal whether or not me and JD still talk. Cheshire cat grin, you know, because I don't want to create any problems for him. Troublemaker grin, you know. So it's like okay well you and JD are still talking obviously."

Tim Miller
"

"We didn't give them money. We just unfroze their money. They promised they'd only spend it on humanitarian supplies. I'm sure they're very trustworthy. I'll ignore the 400 million in cash delivered by the latest administration. Complete idiocy."

JD Vance (quoted by JVL)
"

"If that's really the cause, then the solution would be to give them a trophy, give them a hug, give them a good paying job."

Tulsi Gabbard (quoted by JVL)

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