Bulwark Takes

Trump called into FOX News for an interview to explain the Iran war—and quickly fell apart. Will Saletan methodically breaks down how Trump contradicted himself on Iran’s nuclear program, claimed total victory while admitting ongoing threats, and shrugged off rising gas prices and the economic fallout.

Bill Kristol is joined by Sarah Matthews to discuss Melania, Donald, and how crazy are things now at the White House.

Sam Stein is joined by Sen. Chris Coons (D-DE) to discuss the escalating situation in Iran, warning that after 42 days and tens of billions of dollars, the U.S. is no better off and still lacks a clear strategy. Coons raises concerns about congressional authorization, potential backdoor war funding, and the risks of deeper escalation. The conversation also turns to domestic politics, including Pam Bondi and concerns about a more aggressive and loyal next attorney general under Trump. Finally, they discuss Melania Trump’s unusual press conference calling for more Epstein hearings.

Ned Brower from 'The Pitt' and Karen Tumlin of the Justice Action Center join The Bulwark's hosts Sonny Bunch and Adrian Carrasquillo to discuss the impact of the "ICE episode"—and the Trump policies that it shone a light on. They discuss the reality behind ICE showing up in hospitals, what changed in U.S. policy, and why viewers—and real doctors and nurses—responded so strongly.

Tim Miller gives his take on the heated CNBC Squawk Box exchange between Pete Buttigieg and Joe Kernen over Trump’s economy, gas prices, and the war in Iran. Kernen tries to argue with weak MAGA talking points about Biden-era inflation and partisan blame, but Buttigieg pushes back so well that Kernen's co-host literally laughs at him. Tim breaks down why Buttigieg’s approach is resonating and how bad it is for the state of pro-Trump economic defenses.Get 30% off your entire order with Soul at https://GetSoul.com, promo code BULWARKTAKES.

Catherine Rampell and JVL are going live to talk about the the week's financial news.Get 30% off your entire order with Soul at https://GetSoul.com, promo code BULWARKTAKES.

Sam Stein and Will Sommer dive into the latest MAGA meltdown: a rumored DOJ probe into conservative influencers allegedly taking foreign money. From imagined arrests to twisted punishments, MAGA figures from Benny Johnson and Catturd to Laura Loomer are eating their own, accusing each other while ignoring the real ideological splits.

Andrew Egger and Will Sommer break down Melania Trump’s bizarre and unexpected White House statement on Jeffrey Epstein. After speaking and not answering any questions, Melania forcefully denied any involvement with Epstein, while also calling past email exchanges with Ghislaine Maxwell as “casual” and “trivial.” We dig into the timing, the messaging, and what could be driving this sudden need to get ahead of the Epstein story inside Trump world.

JVL talks with Ed Condon of The Pillar about the escalating clash between the Vatican and the Trump administration after Pope Leo’s comments on the Iran war. They unpack the shocking report that a Vatican ambassador was confronted by the Pentagon, JD Vance’s awkward response, and why the American pope likely won’t be visiting the U.S. anytime soon.Read more from JVL: https://www.thebulwark.com/p/the-department-of-war-vs-the-popeRead more from Ed Condon: https://www.pillarcatholic.com/p/when-will-leo-come-home

Tim Miller joins Nicolle Wallace on MS Now to give his take on the wave of Democratic momentum. From a massive Wisconsin Supreme Court victory to a surprising swing in Georgia, Democrats are seeing major gains even in places Republicans thought were safe. Tim explains why one number matters more than anything right now. A fourteen point shift. If that trend holds, states like Texas, Florida, Iowa, and Alaska could all be in play in the midterms. He also shares what he is hearing from Democratic organizers across the country and why there is still a disconnect between voters who want to help and campaigns that need volunteers.

Andrew Egger talks with shipping expert Sal Mercogliano about his initial reaction to the ceasefire with Iran and what it really means for global shipping with the Strait of Hormuz. Despite claims that the strait is open, most vessels remain stuck or are forced to navigate Iran’s “toll booth,” creating uncertainty for trade and commerce. Sal explains how Iran’s control could permanently reduce shipping capacity and generate massive revenue for Iran, with ripple effects that may take up to 40 weeks to fully recover. We also cover the humanitarian situation for mariners, the economic stakes for oil and global trade, and what the US and other countries are doing or not doing to respond.Stop putting off those doctors appointments and go to https://ZocDoc.com/BULWARKTAKES to find and instantly book a doctor you love today.Watch more of Sal’s videos here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCT_yBgKSiwb3WP4ACPnF5nA

Tom Nichols join Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling (Ret.) and Ben Parker to discuss the bleak reality of Trump’s Iran war—where early strikes gave way to confusion, a shaky “ceasefire,” and no clear endgame. They explain how tactical hits didn’t translate into strategic success, why the U.S. may be in a worse position now, and what this reveals about decision-making, military leadership, and the absence of a real plan.Stop putting off those doctors appointments and go to https://ZocDoc.com/BULWARKTAKES to find and instantly book a doctor you love today.

JVL and Andrew Egger went live reacting to Karoline Leavitt's totally divorced from reality press conference as Iran closes the Strait of Hormuz.Stop putting off those doctors appointments and go to https://ZocDoc.com/BULWARKTAKES to find and instantly book a doctor you love today.

Rep. Josh Gottheimer joins Tim Miller for a heated debate over the war with Iran—where even pro-war lawmakers admit they still don’t know the plan. They clash over whether weakening Iran justifies the risks, rising costs at home, and the lack of clear objectives, while digging into Trump’s leadership, Israel’s role, and the looming War Powers showdown in Congress.Go to https://TempoMeals.com/BULWARKTAKES and get 60% off your first box.

Sam Stein and Will Sommer react to Donald Trump’s shocking post suggesting that an entire Iranian civilization could be wiped out and the rare backlash now emerging from inside MAGA. From Tucker Carlson’s stunning attack on Trump’s rhetoric to reactions from figures like Alex Jones and Candace Owens, the right is showing signs of fracture over the prospect of war with Iran. Even longtime allies are calling Trump’s rhetoric dangerous.Go to https://TempoMeals.com/BULWARKTAKES and get 60% off your first box.

Andrew Egger and Bill Kristol are going live at 10 am ET to cover the morning's big news items.For a limited time, Tempo is offering my listeners 60% OFF your first box! Go to https://tempomeals.com/BULWARKTAKES

JVL, Sarah Longwell, Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling (Ret.), Sam Stein, and Andrew Egger go live to react to Trump's April 6 White House press event.

Sam Stein and Will Sommer are going live to discuss the significant MAGA pushback against Trump's Easter post about bombing Iran's civilian infrastructure, the Jonathan Majors filming incident with The Daily Wire, and more.

Tim Miller takes on Donald Trump’s Easter morning threats to bomb Iran’s bridges, power grid, and energy infrastructure—and his claim he could “blow everything up” if a deal isn’t reached.

Just Security's Tom Joscelyn joins Bill Kristol to discuss how Trump and his allies are reshaping the DOJ/FBI, DHS/ICE, and the Pentagon — with major implications for civil liberties, political dissent, and the 2026 elections.

Tim Miller and Sarah Longwell give their takes on the Trump White House calling an early “lid” during an escalating war with Iran. As Trump claims the U.S. military is “unstoppable," American fighter jets were shot down and a service member is missing. Sarah also explains that swing voters are turning against Trump, feeling misled as the war drags on and prices rise. They also discuss Trump’s repeated “48-hour” threats, rising oil costs, and the growing gap between his rhetoric and reality.

Tim Miller and Sarah Longwell give their takes over one of the biggest questions facing Democrats right now: what to do about Hasan Piker? Should the party engage with voices on the far left to reach angry, anti-war voters or draw a hard line against rhetoric they see as toxic and illiberal? The two debate whether Democrats are picking the wrong fight at the wrong time, how to talk to audiences outside the traditional coalition, and whether engaging controversial figures risks amplifying them.Read more from Lauren’s piece: https://www.thebulwark.com/p/how-big-is-the-democrats-big-tent-hasan-piker-litmus-test

Catherine Rampell and Sam Stein are going live to cover economic news, including Trump's new budget proposal and the March jobs numbers.

Tim Miller went LIVE to take on a Trump world that’s starting to crack. Even voices from the Theo Von / Joe Rogan universe are turning on Donald Trump—and in some cases making more sense than the people in charge.Tim also digs into the fight over figures like Hasan Piker—arguing that Democrats are blowing a major chance to build a broader anti-Trump coalition.

Andrew Egger and Catherine Rampell look back at the first anniversary of Trump’s “Liberation Day,” the administration’s infamous tariff rollout. From tariffing penguins to gold bars from Switzerland, "Liberation Day" has proven to be a bust. The Supreme Court ruled them illegal and companies are still waiting for refunds, while the White House fiddles with new versions of the same failed policies.

Trump delivered a highly anticipated address on Iran, but instead of clarity, viewers got a confusing, low-energy speech that raised more questions than it answered. JVL and Andrew Egger give their takes on why the speech felt so off, from Trump abandoning his usual rambling to awkwardly sticking to a teleprompter and recycling his own Truth Social posts. They dig into the lack of a clear strategy, the strange war messaging, how the markets reacted so poorly in real time, and why even casual viewers were left asking: what was the point of this? If this speech was supposed to reassure Americans, it may have done the opposite.Read more from JVL's Triad: https://www.thebulwark.com/p/america-lost-iran-won-trump-shat

Sam Stein, Sarah Longwell, JVL and Will Sommer react to the breaking news that Trump has fired Attorney General Pam Bondi.

Sam Stein, JVL and Mark Hertling were live to reacting to President Trump's April 1st address on the war in Iran.

Will Saletan takes on Pete Hegseth’s conduct during a wartime briefing campaign that keeps veering off course. Instead of focusing on strategy or coalition-building, he’s taking shots at past presidents, the press, and even U.S. allies.

Sam Stein, JVL, and Andrew Egger give their takes on the newly unveiled “Donald J. Trump Presidential Library” that Trump now himself admits will “most likely” be a hotel. The crew digs into the absurd renderings, including the giant gold statue, an oversized ballroom, and even the Qatari plane overhauled to become Air Force One in the lobby. They also break down how valuable land originally owned by Miami Dade College was transferred to the state and then handed over for the Trump "library."Read more from JVL on the latest Trump family grift: https://www.thebulwark.com/p/the-great-trump-library-robbery

Command Post Live! Mark Hertling and Ben Parker are going live to discuss Trump’s speech tonight, the prospect of ground troops in Iran, and Trump’s slow-motion destruction of NATO.