Someone in the White House Is Leaking Dirt on JD Vance (w/ Bill Kristol) | Bulwark Podcast

Negotiations for an Iran deal are deadlocked, with Iran rejecting a U.S. counter-proposal within hours, despite U.S. officials predicting a three-day response time. This swift rejection was followed by active fire, including Iranian attacks on Kuwait and U.S. self-defense strikes, leading to Iran suspending all message exchanges. The hosts suggest that while both sides may ultimately desire a deal, the prolonged stalemate and escalating military actions increase the risk of a full-scale war and significant economic repercussions, particularly for oil prices.

Axios reported a deal was close, but Trump's changes led to Iran rejecting it within hours. Active fire occurred, with Iranian attacks on Kuwait and U.S. self-defense strikes on Iranian sites. Iran's state media outlet Tasnim reported the suspension of message exchanges. An Exxon executive predicted oil prices could jump to $150 within 2-3 weeks due to low strategic reserves.

Trump's social media behavior has become increasingly unhinged, featuring frequent rants, conspiracy theories, and direct attacks on judges and their families. His public statements, such as calling the court and political systems 'rigged,' are seen as deeply concerning, especially given his past attempts to overturn election results. The hosts express alarm that these statements, combined with efforts by his Justice Department to suppress votes and interfere in state elections, pose a significant threat to democratic institutions and the integrity of future elections.

Trump posted over 50 times in one afternoon, including a lengthy attack on Judge Christopher Cooper, calling him an 'Obama judge' and accusing his wife of being an 'anti-Trump hater.' Trump also stated, 'Our court system is rigged and the political system is rigged and it's all terrible, but I will fight.' Concerns were raised about the Justice Department's actions regarding voting lists and potential intimidation of election observers.

A New York Times piece revealed internal White House leaks targeting JD Vance, questioning his suitability as Vice President. Trump reportedly expresses doubts about Vance's 'take it all the way' potential, criticizes his 'undignified' tweeting, and compares his subservience unfavorably to Chinese officials. These leaks, particularly the detail about Susie Wiles confronting Vance about his tweets, suggest a deliberate effort by senior White House figures to undermine Vance, indicating deep distrust within Trump's inner circle regarding potential successors.

The New York Times reported Trump's doubts about Vance, Susie Wiles telling Vance his tweeting was 'undignified,' and Trump questioning why Vance isn't more 'subservient' like Chinese officials. The Times stood by its reporting with two sources after Trump's spokesperson called it 'fake news,' implying a high-level source like Susie Wiles.

Despite Ukraine's significant advancements in drone technology due to the conflict with Russia, the U.S. has been slow to establish a cooperation agreement, unlike several Gulf states and European countries. This delay is attributed to Trump's 'pro-Putin' or 'neutral' stance on the Russia-Ukraine war. The hosts argue that this inaction puts U.S. troops in danger by preventing access to cutting-edge drone development and risks the U.S. falling behind in a crucial military technology.

Zelensky issued a statement requesting a drone technology cooperation deal with the U.S., similar to those signed with Gulf states. Phillips O'Brien posted that the U.S. is endangering its troops by not working with Ukrainians on drone development, linking it to Trump's stance on Putin. Bill Kristol noted that Europeans are now ahead of the U.S. in military technology.