Bulwark Takes

JVL and Andrew Egger are going live to cover the bizarre statements that Trump made at an event this morning in Memphis.For a limited time, get 60% off your first box with Tempo Meals! Go to https://TempoMeals.com/BULWARKTAKES.

Sam Stein and Will Sommer go live to talk about Dan Bongino getting heckled for not "taking on the deep state," James Fishback being banned from Mar-a-Lago, and a double dose of TPUSA controversy.For a limited time, get 60% off your first box with Tempo Meals! Go to https://TempoMeals.com/BULWARKTAKES

Sarah Longwell talks with Rep. Lizzie Fletcher about Texas redistricting, the GOP’s push for new seats, and why that strategy could backfire. They discuss the 2026 outlook, the Paxton–Cornyn fight, and why Democrats see a real opening in Texas.

Sam Stein and Andrew Egger take on Trump’s “48-hour” threat against Iran and the risk of a wider war, with global oil markets and the global economy hanging in the balance. They also discuss the administration’s push to put ICE in security roles at airports and Sen. Mike Lee’s bizarre SAVE Act post.

Bill Kristol and Catherine Rampell are going live to talk about the economic fallout from Trump's war in Iran.

Tim Miller and Adam Kinzinger were live in Austin, talking about the escalating Iran war, why it’s already going badly, and how Trump’s “peace candidate” promise unraveled into a costly conflict. Plus: a live “cuck-off” game (it’s not quite what you’d expect).

Robert Mueller, the former FBI director and special counsel who led the Russia investigation, has died at 81. A Vietnam veteran and lifelong public servant, Mueller spent decades in service to the country across administrations of both parties earning a reputation for discipline, restraint, and an unwavering commitment to the rule of law. Trump responded to Mueller's death with a disgusting message: “Good. I’m glad he’s dead.” Tim Miller and Bill Kristol reflect on Mueller’s legacy at the FBI and his role investigating Russian interference in the 2016 election, contrast it with the reaction from the man he was tasked with investigating. Correction: Robert Mueller died Friday evening, not today (Saturday) as stated in the episode. His family announced the news in a statement on Saturday.

Andrew Egger and maritime history and shipping expert Sal Mercogliano take on the rapidly escalating crisis in the Strait of Hormuz—and why it’s far more dangerous for the global economy than most people realize. As Iran tightens its grip on one of the world’s most critical shipping chokepoints, up to 25% of global trade is being disrupted. Tankers are stalled, crews are stranded, and energy markets are already feeling the shock.Watch more of Sal’s videos here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCT_yBgKSiwb3WP4ACPnF5nAText TAKES to 64000 to get a FREE pocket pivot and their 10-pattern sprayer with the purchase of ANY size Copper Head hose. Message and data rates may apply.

Catherine Rampell and Sam Stein are going live to cover inflation warnings from the Fed and the worsening economic outlook as the Iran war drives oil prices higher and job growth stalls.Text TAKES to 64000 to get a FREE pocket pivot and their 10-pattern sprayer with the purchase of ANY size Copper Head hose. Message and data rates may apply.

Sam Stein and Jonathan Cohn talk with Therese Vogel about the return of measles. Therese shares the story of her sister, who contracted measles as a child and suffered permanent brain damage—shaping the rest of her life—and why that led her to join Grandparents for Vaccines.They discuss why vaccine skepticism has risen, how outbreaks are spreading again as vaccination rates fall, and why many Americans have forgotten how dangerous these diseases once were. They explore the nascent political backlash to anti-vaccine messaging—and how groups like Grandparents for Vaccines are using personal stories to reach people when facts alone aren’t enough.Learn more about Grandparents for Vaccines: https://grandparentsforvaccines.org/Text TAKES to 64000 to get a FREE pocket pivot and their 10-pattern sprayer with the purchase of ANY size Copper Head hose. Message and data rates may apply.

Will Saletan gives his take on Donald Trump’s dumb and chaotic Oval Office meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. He called the Iran war an “excursion,” bragging about demolishing Iran while gas prices doubled, and insulted Japan with a Pearl Harbor reference.Get 30% off your entire order with Soul at https://GetSoul.com and use promo code BULWARKTAKES.

Sam Stein talks with Reuters national security reporter Erin Banco about how the U.S. ended up at war with Iran—and why the official story doesn’t hold up. Intelligence assessments didn’t show an imminent threat, but the administration moved forward anyway after months of pressure, shifting justifications, and a last-minute decision from Trump. Get 30% off your entire order with Soul at https://GetSoul.com and use promo code BULWARKTAKES.

Tim Miller moderated a conversation with Don Lemon at the 2026 New Orleans Book Festival. They talked about Lemon’s arrest and time in custody and the broader crackdown on Trump critics. They also discussed the war in Iran, and the failures of the mainstream media during Trump's second term.

Sam Stein and Sonny Bunch went live to give their reactions to Trump nominee Markwayne Mullin at his DHS confirmation hearing.

Sam Stein and Rachel Janfaza take on a striking shift among young voters: support for Israel has collapsed, with just 13% of Gen Z viewing it positively. Drawing on new polling and a focus group of students, they discuss how anti-Israel sentiment is spreading—and how it’s increasingly bleeding into something more troubling on campuses and online.

Tim Miller joins Nicolle Wallace to talk about the escalating Iran war, the sudden resignation of Trump official Joe Kent, and the growing split inside MAGA. As competing narratives collide, the panel looks at what’s actually driving the conflict—and why even Trump’s allies are breaking ranks.They also discuss Trump’s erratic messaging, rising concerns about leadership, and the economic fallout already starting to hit Americans—from higher gas and food prices to a broader slowdown that could get much worse by the fall.Watch Deadline: White House with Nicolle Wallace on MS NOW: https://www.ms.now/deadline-white-house

In this Command Post edition of Bulwark Takes, Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling (Ret.) and Ben Parker break down how Trump’s snub of NATO allies is shaping the Iran conflict, and how even spectacular military success against the Iranian government and military won’t necessarily lead to victory.Have questions about the Iran war? Send them to [email protected] and we’ll try to answer them in the next episode!Read more from Mark's piece here: https://www.thebulwark.com/p/iran-gets-vote-in-this-war-thormuz-trump-hegseth-israel-strategyBuy Mark's book, "If I Don't Return: A Father's Wartime Journal": https://www.amazon.com/If-Dont-Return-Fathers-Wartime/dp/1966786727

Andrew and Bill are going live to discuss Joe Kent's resignation over the war in Iran and other news of the day.

Tim Miller and Sam Stein take on Trump’s latest Oval Office comments on Iran. They discuss the contradictions, the absence of a clear strategy, and what it signals about how this war is being handled. Plus, JD Vance dodges a simple question about whether he actually supports the operation, raising questions about what’s really happening behind the scenes.Stop putting off those doctors appointments and go to https://ZocDoc.com/BULWARKTAKES to find and instantly book a doctor you love today.

Tim Miller talks with Cato’s David Bier about his viral clash with Senator John Kennedy—and what the exchange reveals about today’s immigration debate. They discuss the data on immigrants and the economy, the gap between rhetoric and actual policy, mass deportation proposals, visa bans affecting families, and how enforcement tactics are impacting both immigrants and U.S. citizens.Stop putting off those doctors appointments and go to https://ZocDoc.com/BULWARKTAKES to find and instantly book a doctor you love today.

Will Sommer and Sam Stein are going live to discuss Laura Loomer’s tense event in New Delhi, Tucker Carlson’s new CIA conspiracy theory, and the ugly feud between Megyn Kelly and Mark Levin.

Robert Kagan (Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution) joins Bill to discuss the likely consequences of Trump's war in Iran.

Sam Stein and Will Saletan take on Donald Trump’s claims that Iran has been “decimated” even as his administration asks other countries to help secure the Strait of Hormuz. They discuss the contradictions in Trump’s messaging and what it reveals about the war. They also react to FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr’s warning to broadcasters over their coverage.

Sam Stein, Tim Miller, and Will Sommer take on one of the strangest scandals to hit the far-right internet: extremist agitator Jake Lang getting caught in a social-media sting run by a self-styled “predator hunter.” They also talk about the growing war inside conservative media as Megyn Kelly and Ben Shapiro clash publicly.

Catherine Rampell and Sam Stein are going live to talk about the revised job numbers and other economic news.

JVL is joined by war reporter Tim Mak to discuss the rapidly escalating conflict with Iran and what it means for the United States, Ukraine, and global stability. They examine why the Iranian regime may be more durable than many assume, the strategic limits of military strikes, and how rising oil prices are shaping political decisions in Washington.Read more from Tim Mak at The Counteroffensive: https://www.counteroffensive.news/

In a special live edition of Bulwark Takes, Katie Couric joins JVL and Tim Miller to take on some of the biggest and most interesting stories of the week including the breaking news today out of Michigan where a suspect is dead after ramming a vehicle into Temple Israel synagogue, the latest on the Iran war including the first comments from the country's new supreme leader, what Kash Patel is up to at the FBI and more. Katie also digs in with the Bulwark crew on her latest TV obsession.

Sam Stein and Catherine Rampell give their takes on the sudden shift in Republican messaging on gas prices after the war with Iran disrupted global oil markets. For years, Republicans blamed Joe Biden for high prices at the pump. Now, with prices rising again under Donald Trump, some GOP lawmakers are telling Americans they need to “make sacrifices” or even suggesting struggling families just need better financial literacy.Get free shipping and 365 day returns with Quince at https://Quince.com/BULWARKTAKES.

Tim joined Katy Tur to talk about the backlash from the “podcast right” over a potential Iran conflict. If those newer, anti-war voters peel away—or simply stay home—it could reshape the politics around Trump’s base. They also discussed immigration, where Republicans are starting to get nervous about the real-world impact of mass deportation policies. Watch Katy Tur Reports on MS NOW: https://www.ms.now/katy-tur-reports

Tim Miller is going live, just because he feels like hanging out. Not everything needs a special occasion.

Sam Stein, Will Sommer, and Andrew Egger give their takes on the new right-wing conspiracy that claims John Thune is secretly controlled by Punchbowl News and that’s why he won’t eliminate the filibuster to pass the SAVE Act. The theory comes from a software engineer known online as “Data Republican,” who gained prominence during the DOGE era by posting false claims about uncover government waste. Her latest claim hinges on a series of confusing flowcharts that immediately collapses under even minimal scrutiny, but it’s still gaining traction in conservative circles, including Sen. Mike Lee.Get free shipping and 365 day returns with Quince at https://Quince.com/BULWARKTAKES.

Sam Stein and Tim Miller give their takes on Joe Rogan’s surprisingly blunt reaction to Donald Trump’s war with Iran. Rogan says many supporters feel “betrayed” after Trump campaigned on ending “stupid wars,” only to launch major strikes that have now killed U.S. troops and raised fears of wider conflict. Sam and Tim dig into Rogan’s political evolution and why this moment is so uncomfortable for the MAGA-friendly podcast world. After years of embracing Trump as the anti-war outsider, figures in the “podcast bro” ecosystem are now confronting the possibility that they misjudged him.

Bill Kristol and Andrew Egger are going live to discuss whether Trump is already close to ending his Iran war, under pressure from both markets and bad polls.

Tim Miller joined Nicolle Wallace to discuss Donald Trump’s latest comments on the Iran war and the chaos surrounding his administration’s messaging. Plus: Lindsey Graham’s reported efforts to push Trump toward escalation and Tucker Carlson’s claim that Trump is being fed fake polling about the war’s popularity.Watch Deadline: White House on MS NOW: https://www.ms.now/deadline-white-house

Sarah Longwell and Sam Stein give their takes on Donald Trump’s latest press conference on the war in Iran, where Trump seemed to declare victory while also suggesting the conflict is just beginning. Trump claimed the war was essentially “over” after the first two days, even as his own defense secretary says the mission is only getting started. They also break down a tense exchange with a reporter who challenged Trump on his claim that Iran bombed its own elementary school, prompting the president to suddenly say he “doesn’t know enough about it.”Pre-order Sarah's book, "How to Eat an Elephant: One Voter at a Time": https://static.macmillan.com/static/smp/how-to-eat-an-elephant-9781250464170/

Sam Stein and Will Saletan give their takes on why Lindsey Graham is suddenly everywhere celebrating the escalation against Iran and why even some Republicans are alarmed by his rhetoric. As Graham cheers the bombing campaign and openly talks about taking on other regimes around the world, critics including Meghan McCain warn that his messaging is scaring voters and pushing the U.S. toward endless wars. Sam and Will trace Graham’s long obsession with regime change, how he’s learned to appeal to Donald Trump, and why this moment may represent the culmination of a decades-long foreign policy vision.Listen to Will's 2023 series on Lindsey Graham here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJNKzTkCZE9sb384PfewA7Gur01abBrcS

Will Sommer and Sam Stein went live to cover the intra-MAGA fights sparked by the war in Iran. They're also discussing Tucker Carlson's claim that Trump was being fed bad poll data on the war, Rep. Dan Crenshaw getting heckled, and more.

Tim Miller and Andrew Egger take on Trump’s latest ultimatum to Congress: pass the SAVE Act or he won’t sign any other legislation. They explain what the bill does, why Trump is suddenly pressuring Republicans to blow up the filibuster, and how MAGA activist Scott Pressler ended up shaping the president’s message after a Fox & Friends appearance.

Tim Miller and JVL are going live to cover the massive increase in oil prices roiling markets right now.

Tim Miller takes on the hypocrisy behind Washington’s deficit panic. After Elon Musk and Trump allies promised massive spending cuts and warned about “debt slavery,” federal spending kept climbing—and now the Iran war is burning through billions per day.

Sarah Longwell joins Bill to talk about her new book—How to Eat an Elephant. Preorder Sarah's book now! https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/how-to-eat-an-elephant-sarah-longwell/1149619381?ean=9781250464170

Lauren Egan is joined by Ryan Busse, a Democratic candidate for Congress in Montana’s 1st District, for his take on the stunning shakeup in Montana politics. Within days, Rep. Ryan Zinke announced he won’t seek reelection and Sen. Steve Daines revealed he’s retiring, throwing the state’s political landscape into turmoil. Busse talks about why he believes the race is now wide open and how Democrats can compete in a deeply red state. A former firearms industry executive who later broke with the industry, Busse also explains his unusual political journey and why he thinks economic issues will decide the next election.

Tim Miller takes on Trump’s latest Truth Social rant about Iran—where the president calls Iran the “loser of the Middle East,” talks about the country potentially “collapsing,” and signals the war could escalate even further. He also reacts to Tucker Carlson’s claim that Trump believes the war is polling at 90% support, and what that might mean for where this conflict is headed.

Will Sommer and Joe Perticone give their takes on Rep. Tony Gonzales’ sudden retirement after he admitted to an affair with a subordinate staffer. They also discuss the emerging Republican candidate to replace him, who's based his campaign on a hardline pro-gun rhetoric and previously touted ownership of Mein Kampf.

Tim Miller talks with former CIA officer Marc Polymeropoulos about the rapidly escalating situation with Iran and the chaos surrounding the Trump administration’s strategy. Trump has floated the idea of choosing Iran’s next leader, while reports suggest the U.S. may be considering covert support for Kurdish groups that could amount to regime change. They also discuss the growing “brain drain” across national security agencies, including reports that FBI Director Kash Patel fired agents with Iran expertise just before the war with Iran.

JVL and Catherine Rampell are going live to discuss the disappointing new jobs report.

Tim Miller and Will Sommer give their takes on why a stolen truck full of Tucker Carlson’s nicotine pouches has led to an escalating feud with Laura Loomer, another racist group chat scandal that has rocked young Republican and Candace Owens’ increasingly bizarre conspiracy series that now includes a theory involving youth travel basketball.You MUST read Will's False Flag newsletters: https://www.thebulwark.com/s/false-flag

JVL, Tim Miller and Andrew Egger are going live to cover Trump firing Kristi Noem.

Tim Miller gives his take on The New York Times reporting that the Trump Justice Department’s failed to build a criminal case over President Biden's use of an “autopen." Biden and his aides are just the latest in a growing list of revenge investigations that have fizzled under Pam Bondi’s DOJ. From Biden to Obama to Mark Kelly and Jim Comey, the indictments never seem to materialize.

Sam Stein, JVL, and Catherine Rampell give their takes on why HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is demanding “safety data” from Dunkin' over its sugar-loaded iced coffees and why that fight could hit differently in Massachusetts. From 115 grams of sugar to 48-ounce coffee buckets, the crew taste-tests a truly unholy Dunkin order and debates whether this is public health policy or just another front for the MAHA movement in the culture wars.