Is Trump’s Movement in a Death Spiral? (w/ Michael Steele) | The Bulwark Podcast

Michael Steele asserts that Trump's historical business practices—marked by bankruptcies and leveraging others' assets—are now evident in his approach to governance. He argues that Trump places his name on others' achievements and leaves a trail of destruction, with others bearing the financial and legal brunt. This pattern is evident in current economic policies and foreign affairs, where the focus is on personal gain and image rather than substantive success.

Steele states, 'There's never been anything in Trump's business model that says success. He wasn't a developer... he put his name on other people's [projects] and that's what he's doing now.' He cites Trump University, casinos, and properties as examples of ventures ending in bankruptcy or others paying the bills. (06:06)

The hosts criticize the Republican party's proposed reconciliation bill, highlighting its focus on issues like 'Iran war funding,' 'ICE and CBP funding,' and the 'Save America Act' (targeting trans youth sports and mail-in voting). They argue this agenda completely ignores the pressing economic concerns of affordability and rising costs faced by average Americans, demonstrating a profound disconnect from voter priorities.

Miller details the proposed reconciliation items: 'Iran war funding,' 'ICE and CBP funding,' and the 'Save America Act, which is about trans kids sports and making it harder to do mail-in voting.' He contrasts this with the lack of any plan to 'ease affordability costs for everyone.' (15:39)

A New York Times report is cited, detailing how a Trump appointee, Pete Hegseth, allegedly dropped two black and two women army officers from a general promotion list. Specifically, Hegseth's chief of staff reportedly stated that President Trump 'would not want to stand next to a black female officer at military events,' revealing a direct racial and gender bias influencing high-level military appointments.

Miller reads from a New York Times story: 'Hegseth's chief of staff Ricky Bura chastised Army Secretary Dan Driscoll for selecting a black female combat engineer... Mr. Bura told Mr. Driscoll that President Trump would not want to stand next to a black female officer at military events.' (27:06)

The hosts express deep concern over the US involvement in the Iran conflict, characterizing it as a war initiated without clear objectives, a coherent strategy, or an exit plan. They highlight the widening gap between US and Israeli objectives, the economic benefits for Russia and China, and the perceived incompetence of US negotiators (Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump), suggesting the US is being 'led into a war with a partner you can't control.'

Steele questions, 'How do you get led into a war with a partner you can't control?' and criticizes the involvement of 'WhitF and Jared Kushner, dumb and dumber, choose which is which?' in negotiations. Miller notes Israel's vow to 'intensify and expand their war in Iran,' while Trump seeks to de-intensify, creating conflicting goals. (37:58)

Despite the perceived strength of the Trump movement, recent state legislative special elections show a consistent trend of Republican-to-Democrat flips, particularly in Florida. This suggests that voters, including Republicans, are increasingly prioritizing economic affordability over culture war issues, indicating potential vulnerability for the GOP in future elections.

Miller notes '30 state legislative seats in a row that have flipped from Republican to Democrat,' with an average flip in Florida districts in the 'low teens,' comparable to Trump's state victory margin. Steele adds that voters bought into the idea of 'affordability,' and 'Florida is not immune from that.' (30:41)