Bulwark Takes

The Next Level LIVE: Lil’ Greg Bovino Sent Home; Tom Homan In
The hosts dissect the political fallout from recent ICE actions, including Gregory Bovino's demotion, the debate over impeaching Christy Gnome, and the shifting public opinion on immigration enforcement, highlighting the hypocrisy of conservative Second Amendment arguments.

BREAKING: Gov. Walz To Meet With Homan, Doesn’t Know Who Killed Pretti | The Bulwark Podcast
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz details the federal government's 'assault' on his state, the lack of transparency surrounding protester deaths, and his resolve to hold federal agents accountable despite political pressures.

Portraits of Minneapolis Pushed to the Brink
Minneapolis residents and local businesses faced extreme fear and economic collapse due to aggressive ICE operations, prompting a fierce community-led resistance and support network.

Jared Tried the White House’s $3 Diet
A journalist attempts to live on the USDA's proposed $3-a-meal diet for three days, revealing the stark realities of food insecurity and policy disconnect.

Tim Miller: You Don’t Get a Mulligan for Murder
Tim Miller argues that the Trump administration's attempts to 'tone down' rhetoric and make minor personnel changes regarding ICE/CBP actions in Minneapolis are insufficient, demanding fundamental policy shifts and accountability for alleged murders.

Trump’s Health Claims Are Getting Embarrassing (w/ Ben Terris)
Ben Terris, a New York Magazine correspondent, details his Oval Office interview with Donald Trump and his doctors, revealing the extent of the former president's exaggerated health claims and the political pressure on his staff to maintain a 'superhuman' image.

Trump Moves Bovino Out of Minneapolis, Homan Takes Over
The Trump administration is de-escalating its controversial Minneapolis ICE operation, replacing hardline leadership and softening rhetoric after significant political backlash.

Bill Kristol: The Murder of Alex Pretti | The Bulwark Podcast
Hosts Tim Miller and Bill Kristol express profound outrage over the murder of Alex Prey by federal agents in Minneapolis, framing it as an act of state-sponsored lawlessness and a direct assault on fundamental American rights, enabled by political and corporate complicity.

How Cynicism Masquerades as Intelligence (w/ David Brooks) | Mona Charen Show
David Brooks and Mona Charen explore how modern society's decline in moral formation and genuine human connection fuels cynicism, driving people towards artificial relationships and away from the essential vulnerability needed for a fulfilling life.

Watch the Video. Then Listen to Kristi Noem.
The host exposes Secretary Kristi Noem's repeated alleged fabrications regarding two fatal shootings by federal agents in Minneapolis, directly contrasting her official statements with clear video evidence.

How Evil Regimes Cling to Power (w/ Stephen Kotkin) | Shield of the Republic
Historian Stephen Kotkin dissects the inherent vulnerabilities of authoritarian regimes, arguing that their perceived strength is often a facade for deep internal divisions and structural weaknesses that can be strategically exploited.

Alex Pretti’s Friend and Former Boss Describes Her Shock (w/ Dr. Aasma Shaukat)
Dr. Aasma Shaukat, Alex Pretti's former boss and friend, shares intimate details of his empathetic character and dedication to vulnerable patients, directly challenging public narratives surrounding his tragic death.

The Government is Telling You Not to Believe Your Eyes
A government official's 'Orwellian' narrative on a fatal ICE shooting directly contradicts clear video evidence, highlighting a disturbing attempt to manipulate public perception and absolve agents of responsibility.

LIVE: Another Murder in Minneapolis (w/ Sam Stein & Adrian Carrasquillo) | Bulwark on Sunday
This episode dissects the Minneapolis ICE shooting of Alexander Prey, exposing the immediate government smear campaign and the profound political implications for congressional action and public perception of authoritarianism.

What Replaces the Ayatollahs in Iran? (w/ Christiane Amanpour) | How to Fix It
Veteran journalist Christiane Amanpour dissects the complexities of Iranian uprisings, external interventions, and the profound challenges of achieving lasting regime change, drawing on decades of experience covering the region.

The Minneapolis Shooting Demands a REAL Investigation (w/ Andrew Weissmann)
Andrew Weissmann and Sarah Longwell dissect the Minneapolis ICE shooting, arguing the administration's immediate, untruthful narrative and lack of independent investigation are a dangerous pattern eroding public trust and constitutional rights.

BREAKING: MN Shooting Victim IDed, New Video of Incident
A new, graphic video angle of a federal agent shooting in Minnesota directly contradicts official government narratives, revealing the victim, Alex Prey, was shot while attempting to shield a woman, not brandishing a weapon.

BREAKING: Second Fatal ICE Shooting in Minneapolis
Federal agents shot and killed a lawful gun-owning American citizen in Minneapolis, sparking outrage, renewed protests, and a constitutional crisis as local officials demand federal withdrawal and accuse the government of lying and authoritarian tactics.

Swing Voters Are Creeped Out by JD Vance (w/ Will Sommer) | The Focus Group
Swing voters express unease with JD Vance while showing 'strange new respect' for Marco Rubio, signaling a complex and evolving landscape for the post-Trump Republican party, heavily influenced by online personalities and niche cultural grievances.

ICE Detains a Corrections Officer, Leaves His Pregnant Wife Terrified (w/ Ben Bozeman)
An off-duty corrections officer, vetted for his role and actively pursuing legal immigration status, was detained by ICE in Maine, leaving his pregnant wife in despair and prompting strong condemnation from local law enforcement.

Trump Deporting Gay Men to Iran Is a Death Sentence
The Trump administration's planned deportation of 40 Iranian nationals, including gay men facing death sentences, is framed as a morally depraved act that contradicts US foreign policy supporting Iranian protesters.

Trump Looks Unwell on the World Stage (w/ Mike Murphy) | The Bulwark Podcast
Veteran political strategist Mike Murphy and host Tim Miller dissect Donald Trump's erratic international behavior, the Republican Party's complicity, and the dangerous 'short-termism' driving current economic and political decisions.

Trump Is Now Deeply Unpopular | Secret Podcast Preview
Despite media 'sanewashing,' recent polling reveals Trump's deep unpopularity across key issues, presenting both challenges and opportunities for the opposition.

Jack Smith Testifies While Republicans Insult Our Intelligence
Will Saletan dissects how House Republicans weaponized Jack Smith's congressional testimony, systematically misrepresenting facts to shield Donald Trump and themselves from accountability for election interference.
Don't see the episode you're looking for?
We're constantly adding new episodes, but if you want to see a specific one from Bulwark Takes summarized, let us know!
Submit an Episode