Trump Keeps Going to the Doctor. Nobody's Allowed to Ask Why. (w/ Bill Kristol) | Bulwark Podcast

Recent polls from CNN, New York Times, and CBS show Trump's approval at 37% and disapproval at 59-63%. This represents a steady decline of about one point per month since January, following a period of stability in late 2025. This trend is considered 'very bad' for the midterms, especially given the Republican Party's close ties to Trump.

CNN/NYT poll: 37% approved, 59% disapproved. CBS poll: 37% approved, 63% disapproved. CBS poll showed a 1-point decline in approval and 1-point increase in disapproval each month in 2026.

Lindsey Graham's statement, 'If you try to destroy President Trump, you're going to lose because this is the party of Donald Trump,' encapsulates the party's current state. The hosts cite Bill Cassidy's loss in a Louisiana primary, despite his later attempts to align with Trump, as evidence that even past dissent is punished. This deep alignment means Trump's low approval directly impacts the party's electoral prospects.

Lindsey Graham's quote on Bill Cassidy's loss. Bill Cassidy, a Republican senator who voted to impeach Trump, lost his primary despite later 'sucking up' to Trump.

Trump has repeatedly issued threats to 'obliterate' Iran if they don't 'fold,' but has consistently failed to act when Iran does not comply. This pattern of escalating rhetoric followed by inaction is seen as 'extremely humiliating and weak,' reminiscent of Obama's 'red line' in Syria but on a larger scale. This undermines US credibility on the world stage.

Trump's repeated 'bleets' threatening Iran with obliteration if they don't fold, followed by no action. General Jack Keane's comment on Fox about returning to full throttle combat operations suggests internal pressure for action.

The recent China summit ended with a 'whimper,' yielding no significant concessions from China on issues like Iran or Taiwan. Trump offered 'over-the-top praise' to Chairman Xi, while China remained firm and even sent oil tankers from Iran during the summit as a signal. Trump's public consideration of reversing a $14 billion arms deal for Taiwan further signaled US weakness and emboldened China.

Lack of progress on Iran and Taiwan at the China summit. Trump's 'obsequious' praise for Xi. China's firm stance on Taiwan and the dispatch of oil tankers from Iran during the summit. Trump publicly considering reversing a $14 billion arms deal for Taiwan.

Trump reported hundreds of millions of dollars in financial transactions, including buying shares of Nvidia, Dell, and Intel, just weeks or days before making public statements or policy decisions that could benefit those companies. This behavior, which appears to be insider trading, is a 'total outrage' given that lower-level government employees are required to divest from similar holdings.

Trump's account bought Nvidia shares a week before the Commerce Department approved chip sales to China. He bought Dell and Intel shares weeks before touting them on Truth Social. Total transactions valued between $220 million and $750 million.

Reports indicate Trump has made three unexplained dentist visits this year, had an MRI he didn't seem to understand, repeatedly brags about 'acing cognitive tests' (raising questions about why he takes so many), has visibly swollen ankles, keeps a light public schedule, and has appeared to fall asleep during White House events. These signs, combined with visible bruises on his hands and neck, point to a 'visibly deteriorating president' at a time of international crisis.

Three dentist visits without explanation, MRI without clear purpose, repeated cognitive tests, swollen ankles, light public schedule, falling asleep during events, bruises on hands and neck.