Bulwark Takes

Sen. Mark Kelly: Trump’s DOJ Couldn’t Get a Single Grand Jury Vote
Senator Mark Kelly details the Trump Justice Department's failed attempt to indict him and five other Democratic lawmakers for a video on unlawful orders, highlighting the constitutional crisis and chilling effect on free speech.

Trump Wants JAGs as Immigration Judges. That’s a Disaster. (w/ Margaret Donovan) | Command Post
A former military prosecutor and a retired General explain why deploying military lawyers (JAGs) as civilian immigration judges or prosecutors would be catastrophic for military readiness and the justice system.

Pam Bondi LOSES IT In Congressional Hearing
Pam Bondi's congressional testimony on the Epstein documents revealed a Justice Department operating with open contempt for Congress, prioritizing political performance over accountability, and raising serious questions about transparency and competence.

Trump’s DOJ Is Hollowing Itself Out and We’ll Pay for It
The Department of Justice is being systematically hollowed out by political pressure and mass resignations, threatening the rule of law and the ability to prosecute real crimes.

Even a Barrister’s Wig Can’t Save This Garbage Affidavit (w/ Ben Wittes) | The Bulwark Podcast
Ben Wittes reports from Ukraine on a dire humanitarian crisis and unwavering national resolve, contrasting it with America's self-inflicted political 'decadence' and a struggling legal system.

The Most BLASPHEMOUS Speech in US History?
Will Salatan dissects Donald Trump's speeches at religious events, arguing his rhetoric and actions consistently contradict fundamental Christian teachings and biblical commandments.

BREAKING: Massive Jobs Revision Clouds Jan. Gains (w/ Paul Krugman)
Despite strong January job numbers, a significant downward revision of last year's job growth, coupled with political interference in the Federal Reserve and economically damaging immigration policies, paints a concerning picture for the US economy.

Trump is Crashing Out And We're LOVING It | The Next Level
The hosts dissect recent polling data and unfolding controversies, including the Epstein files and cultural missteps, to argue that Donald Trump is experiencing a significant decline in public and party support.

The Epstein Revelations Keep Getting Worse (w/ Jane Coaston) | The Bulwark Podcast
New Epstein file revelations expose high-profile individuals' hypocrisy and deep ties to financial corruption, highlighting a broader political desire for power without accountability.

Meet The Internet’s Most Disturbing New Influencer
Explore the disturbing world of Clvicular, a 20-year-old influencer who uses extreme body modification, drug abuse, and a nihilistic, anti-women ideology to gain viral fame within the 'looksmaxing' community and the alt-right.

Epstein Connections Could Bring Down the UK Government. Why Does Lutnick Get a Free Pass?
Howard Lutnick, a key figure in the Trump administration, blatantly lied about his extensive connections to Jeffrey Epstein, yet faces no professional repercussions in the US, a stark contrast to the immediate resignations seen in other governments.

TPUSA’s Lame Halftime Show Was a Complete Joke
The Super Bowl halftime show featuring Bad Bunny was a culturally rich, politically charged spectacle that defied conservative backlash, while TPUSA's counter-programming with Kid Rock was an embarrassing, culturally irrelevant flop.

Is 2026 Turning Into a Blue Wave? (w/ Bill Kristol) | The Bulwark Podcast
Bill Kristol and Tim Miller analyze recent political shifts, arguing that Democrats are gaining momentum by aggressively challenging MAGA's 'grievance culture' and framing Trump's policies as a betrayal of the working class.

The GOP Dismantled Its Own Humanitarian Legacy (w/ Peter Wehner) | The Mona Charen Show
Peter Wehner and Mona Charen discuss how the Trump administration dismantled the GOP's humanitarian legacy, particularly PEPFAR, and analyze the psychological underpinnings of MAGA support and the effectiveness of civil resistance.

The Military’s Silent Rebellion (w/ Kori Schake) | Shield of the Republic
Kori Schake challenges foundational civil-military theories, arguing that the US military's subordination to civilian authority, exemplified by George Washington, is constantly tested by political pressures and the complex legality of orders.

If National Review Will Cover This, It’s Bad
A traditional conservative outlet, National Review, is now publishing a series by Andy McCarthy detailing alleged Trump family corruption on a scale far exceeding anything attributed to the Bidens or Clintons, signaling a significant shift in conservative media.

Yes, Democrats Could Win the Senate in 2026 (w/ Ron Brownstein)
Despite a historically challenging Senate map, Democrats have a clear pathway to winning the Senate in 2026, primarily dependent on sustained high disapproval of Donald Trump, especially among working-class white voters.

Republicans in Congress CHOSE to Be Weak (w/ Heath Mayo) | How to Fix It
Heath Mayo, founder of Principles First, discusses how Republicans in Congress have abandoned constitutional principles, enabled executive overreach, and failed to protect democratic institutions, advocating for specific reforms to restore balance and accountability.

ShamWow Guy Has America’s Dumbest Campaign Ad
The Bulwark hosts dissect the alarming trend of infomercial pitchmen and 'snake oil salesmen' entering Republican politics, exemplified by figures like the ShamWow Guy, MyPillow's Mike Lindell, and even former officials like Mike Huckabee and Donald Trump himself.

JD Vance Creeps Out Young Trump Voters | Focus Group
Gen Z Trump voters reveal their unexpected skepticism of JD Vance, a deep-seated 'America First' foreign policy stance, and a complex gender divide impacting dating and political identity.

The GOP Retirement Wave Is Here
A significant wave of Republican retirements from Congress is underway, driven by anticipated minority status, Trump's absolute control over the House agenda, and a resulting inability for members to pursue their policy priorities.

JD Vance Just Got BOOED at the Olympics!
JD Vance faced widespread booing at the Winter Olympics, signaling a broader public and institutional pushback against the current political climate and figures like him, contrasting sharply with MAGA media's 'snowflake' outrage over global superstar Bad Bunny.

The Moment the GOP Finally Squirmed | Secret Podcast
A deep dive into the GOP's uncomfortable reaction to Trump's overtly racist social media post and the broader implications for political tolerance and voter priorities.

Let’s Play a Little Game, David (w/ David French) | The Bulwark Podcast
Tim Miller and David French dissect the moral compromises within conservative politics, Trump's escalating rhetoric, and the systemic degradation of federal institutions, proposing concrete legal reforms to restore accountability.
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