Confusion Erupts Over Leaked Peace Plan
Sam Stein is joined by Erin Banco to discuss the 28-point Russia-Ukraine peace plan and the secret Miami hotel meeting sparking confusion in Washington as officials scramble to understand how a Russia-leaning proposal came together. Read Erin’s scoop in Reuters, “Trump officials’ meeting with Russian in Miami spurs questions about Ukraine proposal” (https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/trump-o...
15m Nov 23, 2025
15m
Why Trump’s Numbers Keep Getting Worse
Sam Stein and Jack Cocchiarella take on new polling showing Trump’s economic approval slipping lower than ever, with voters rejecting his spin and his team fumbling explanations on inflation and tariffs.
14m Nov 23, 2025
14m
Tim Miller: Trump Laughs at Being Called "Fascist"—But We Shouldn't
Tim Miller join MSNOW’s The Weekend (with The Bulwark’s own Catherine Rampell) to discuss Trump’s weird Mamdani meeting, why MTG suddenly bailed on Congress, and what the looming Epstein Files release could shake loose. Check out The Weekend on MSNOW: https://www.ms.now/the-weekend
14m Nov 23, 2025
14m
Trump’s Economic Numbers Don’t Add Up
Bill Kristol and Catherine Rampell talk the real state of the economy, new polling on how voters think Trump is handling it, and why Vance is suddenly diverging from Trump on key economic points.
42m Nov 23, 2025
42m
Trump’s Government Is Purging Core Economic and Social Data
After the shutdown froze key agencies, the U.S. is now stuck with permanent black holes in the economic record from missing jobs numbers, missing inflation data, and missing surveys that can never be recovered. But this crisis didn’t start with the shutdown. Andrew Egger talks to Catherine Rampell to get her take on the data series that have been deleted, defunded, or censored under Trump. Rea...
22m Nov 22, 2025
22m
Trump Folds the Second Mamdani Walks In–Plus a Sam & Sarah Q&A!
Sarah Longwell and Sam Stein take on Donald Trump's surprisingly friendly meeting with Zohran Mamdani, with Trump praising the future mayor of NYC and Mamdani calling him a fascist to his face. Plus, Sarah and Sam answer your mailbag questions on the future of the Bulwark, Sam's non-traditional management style, and Sarah's possible future run for office.
12m Nov 22, 2025
12m
BREAKING: Marjorie Taylor Greene Drops Sudden Resignation Video
Sam Stein, JVL and Andrew Egger take on Marjorie Taylor Greene’s shocking resignation announcement: why she did it, why it blindsided GOP leadership, what it says about Trump’s grip on the party, and whether this is the start of something bigger.
27m Nov 22, 2025
27m
How Sen. Mark Kelly Learned Trump Wanted Him “Executed”
Sen. Mark Kelly joins Sam Stein for his take on Donald Trump’s posts calling for him and other lawmakers to be tried for sedition and executed, why the video on unlawful military orders was originally released, and how his wife Gabby Giffords’ survival of a politically-motivated shooting shaped his response.
14m Nov 22, 2025
14m
Europe Will Stand Behind Zelensky, Not Trump (w/ Mark Hertling)
Bill Kristol and Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling discuss why the proposed U.S.–Russia “peace plan” would reward Russian aggression, undermine Ukraine’s sovereignty, alienate U.S. allies, and the dangerous misunderstanding of Ukraine’s history.
14m Nov 21, 2025
14m
Meet the Most Hated Democrat in America (w/ Bill Ferguson)
After Lauren Egan wrote her newsletter Meet the Most Hated Democrat in America (https://www.thebulwark.com/p/meet-the-most-hated-democrat-in-america) about Maryland Senate President Bill Ferguson has become the unlikely villain of the left, he reached out and wanted to come on and explain himself. All the attention was because he won’t redraw the state’s congressional map. He argues that pushi...
21m Nov 21, 2025
21m
Sen. Cassidy Said RFK Jr. Would Not Change Autism Guidance. Now What?
The CDC just updated its website regarding vaccines and autism, backtracking on a promise RFK Jr. made to Senator Bill Cassidy during his confirmation. JVL and Jonathan Cohn explain what the CDC actually said, review the scientific evidence on vaccines and autism, and give their takes on the implications this could have on public trust in health agencies. Get 40% off your order during Soul’s B...
19m Nov 21, 2025
19m
Rep. Fletcher: Trump May LOSE the Texas Map Fight!
Sarah Longwell sits down with Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher to break down the Texas redistricting ruling and why a Trump-appointed judge delivered a major surprise. They dig into what this means for 2026 and why the fight over fair maps is far from over. Get 40% off your order during Soul’s Black Friday-Cyber Monday sale at https://GetSoul.com with promo code BULWARKTAKES Take our quick surve...
22m Nov 20, 2025
22m
Trump Called for Democrats to Be Executed
Trump spent the morning amplifying posts calling for Democratic lawmakers to be hanged for releasing a video reminding service members they don’t have to follow unlawful orders. Sam Stein and Andrew Egger give their take why Trump snapped, what the Democrats actually said, and why this moment is more dangerous than we’ve gotten used to pretending. Get 40% off your order during Soul’s Black Fri...
14m Nov 20, 2025
14m
Billionaire Sickos Cozy Up With Saudi Dictator at Trump Dinner
Donald Trump hosted a dinner for Saudi Arabia's Mohammed bin Salman and America’s billionaire class were all tuxed up, grinning, and taking selfies with a dictator who had a journalist chopped into pieces. Tim Miller gives his take on the most depraved display of American oligarchy we’ve seen yet as Saudi Arabia looks to buy its way into Silicon Valley and Washington. Get 40% off your order du...
13m Nov 20, 2025
13m
Tim Miller: The Wheels Are Coming Off The Trump Train
Tim Miller takes on Trump’s terrible week—the botched Comey prosecution, the Epstein mess, the gold-plated White House antics, and why even MAGA-friendly voices are calling him a lame duck. Check out Deadline: White House on MSNOW: https://www.ms.now/deadline-white-house
13m Nov 20, 2025
13m
Loomer As Fed Chair? Don’t Laugh–It Could Happen!
Trump publicly fantasized about firing Jerome Powell and installing a more compliant Fed chair. Andrew Egger and Catherine Rampell break down why Trump’s threats to seize control of monetary policy could destabilize inflation, markets, and the entire economy—and why Wall Street still seems weirdly calm about it.
18m Nov 19, 2025
18m
Trump Can’t Keep His Own Stories Straight Anymore
JVL and Sam Stein take on Trump’s rambling McDonald’s appearance, the scrambled stories, and the stark drop in his energy compared to last year—and discuss why his team keeps steering him into cushioned, low-pressure settings. Be sure to read JVL's Triad newsletter on the speech: https://www.thebulwark.com/p/trump-is-not-have-all-the-mentals-cognitive-functioning Take our quick listener surve...
21m Nov 19, 2025
21m
Texas and Indiana May Derail Trump’s Gerrymandering Plan
Sam Stein and Tim Miller take on the genuinely wild day in redistricting. Texas’ GOP-drawn maps were blocked by a federal court as Indiana Republicans revolt against Trump’s pressure campaign, and the whole 2025 gerrymandering project starts wobbling. Take our quick listener survey and help us make The Bulwark even better. https://bit.ly/bulwarkaudio
13m Nov 19, 2025
13m
Trump's SICKENING Press Conference with MBS
Donald Trump welcomed Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to the Oval Office and whatever you were expecting from the press conference — it was worse. JVL and Andrew Egger share their take on Trump's attacks on an American reporter for asking about slain journalist Jamal Khashoggi, Trump's praise for Saudi Arabia's “human rights" record, and then meltdown when he was pressed about the Epstei...
17m Nov 19, 2025
17m
BREAKING: House Passes Epstein Files Release 427–1
Description: The House just voted 427–1 to release the Epstein files, a shocking turn after months of GOP resistance, including from President Trump. Sam Stein and Joe Perticone break down how Trump’s flip changed everything, why Mike Johnson lost control of his own conference, and what happens now as the Senate takes over. Take our quick listener survey and help us make The Bulwark even bette...
14m Nov 18, 2025
14m
Why Mitch McConnell and Rand Paul Are Fighting Over Weed Seltzers (w/ Natalie Fertig)
Red states built up a massive hemp industry and the vote by Congress to reopen the government suddenly set up a deadline to shut it all down. Tim Miller is joined by Politico's Natalie Fertig as they take on the strange coalition forming to save THC seltzers and how Sens. Mitch McConnell, Ted Cruz, and Rand Paul ended up on opposite sides of the issue. Take our quick listener survey and help u...
13m Nov 18, 2025
13m
Tim Miller: Trump Bullies One Ally While Another Slips Away
Tim digs into Trump’s ugly attacks on Rep Thomas Massie, the backstory Trump ignores, and what it says about the cracks forming inside MAGA. He also joins Nicolle Wallace to dig into it. Watch Deadline: White House on MSNBC: https://www.msnbc.com/deadline-white-houseTake our quick listener survey and help us make The Bulwark even better. https://bit.ly/bulwarkaudio
15m Nov 18, 2025
15m
Why Would You Get DATING Advice From Jeffrey Epstein?!
JVL and Sam Stein take on Larry Summers’ embarrassing Epstein emails, Summers’ long-running influence in Democratic circles, the fallout inside Harvard and CAP, and the absurdity of a Treasury Secretary asking a convicted predator for dating tips. Take our quick listener survey and help us make The Bulwark even better. https://bit.ly/bulwarkaudio
15m Nov 18, 2025
15m
Why MTG’s Chaos Makes Her Useful
Sam Stein and JVL take on Marjorie Taylor Greene’s break from Trump, why her sincerity sets her apart from the GOP’s careerist crowd, and what her Epstein-driven pivot says about the party’s collapse into pure performance politics. Take our quick listener survey and help us make The Bulwark even better. https://bit.ly/bulwarkaudio
16m Nov 17, 2025
16m
Why Republicans Are Terrified of The Emails
Sam Stein and Will Saletan dissect Sen. Barrasso’s messy defense of Trump amid new Epstein-related revelations, soaked in both contradictions and political awkwardness. Take our quick listener survey and help us make The Bulwark even better. https://bit.ly/bulwarkaudio
15m Nov 17, 2025
15m
Trump Can’t Hold the Coalition Together Anymore
Sam Stein and Jack Cocchiarella take on Trump’s attacks on Rep. Massie hitting a nerve within his own base, as Marjorie Taylor Greene pivots away from Trump on CNN and die-hard MAGA loyalists start calling out the corruption and hypocrisy.
18m Nov 16, 2025
18m
Hertling and Kristol on Venezuela, Tensions in Europe, and a Pentagon Under Pressure
Bill Kristol and Mark Hertling discuss Venezuela’s uncertain path, Europe’s evolving troubles, and growing discontent inside the Pentagon. Pre-order "If I Don't Return" by Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling (Ret.) (https://www.ballastbooks.com/ballast-bookstore/if-i-dont-return)
34m Nov 16, 2025
34m
Chris Murphy: Trump’s Freakout Over the Epstein Files Tells You Everything
Sam Stein is joined by Sen. Chris Murphy live in Austin, TX to talk the Epstein files fight, Trump’s threats to democracy and abuse of pardons, shutdown politics, and how Democrats should respond. Plus, an audience Q&A on AI, gun violence, and rebuilding a broad pro-democracy coalition. NOTE: There are a few moments when the recording cuts out. We apologize for these issues.
1hr 4m Nov 16, 2025
1hr 4m
Trump’s Lost His Most Reliable Amplifier
JVL and Andrew Egger take on Donald Trump’s messy public split with Marjorie Taylor Greene and what this rift signals for the future of the MAGA movement.
19m Nov 15, 2025
19m
The Most Unhinged 24 Hours of the Trump Era (So Far)
Sam Stein gives a rapid rundown of a chaotic 24 hours in Trump-world, from corruption allegations and lavish gifts, to meltdown posts, MRI secrecy, and Trump lashing out at critics. It’s all so over the top, even MAGA’s most influential figures are beginning to notice the blatant corruption.
10m Nov 15, 2025
10m
Tim Miller: JD Vance Can’t Keep His Story Straight
Tim Miller takes on JD Vance’s latest lie, the immigrant scapegoating cycle, and why Trump’s economic crew keeps bending reality on prices, tariffs, and the state of the economy. He also joins Nicolle Wallace to dig into it. Watch Deadline: White House on MSNBC: https://www.msnbc.com/deadline-white-house
11m Nov 15, 2025
11m
Adam Kinzinger Teases a Run Against Ted Cruz?
NOTE: There are a few moments when the video cuts out. We apologize for these issues with the recording. Sam Stein sits down with former Congressman Adam Kinzinger at the Texas Tribune Festival to talk about “The Last Republican,” how the GOP became a personality cult, what January 6 did to his family, McCarthy’s surrender in Mar-a-Lago, the DOJ’s failures, and why winning back ex-MAGA voters ...
1hr 1m Nov 15, 2025
1hr 1m
Trump Promotes Guy Who Was Too Racist for GOP Senators
Tim Miller gives his take on Donald Trump promoting Paul Ingrassia, the racist Twitter troll whose private texts about having a "Nazi streak" were so vile that even MAGA group chats were telling him to dial it back. The Senate refused to confirm him for a previous job and now he's going to be deputy general counsel at the General Services Administration. Watch Tim's video on Ingrassia's texts:...
10m Nov 14, 2025
10m
Megyn Kelly is a Deeply Broken Person
Tim Miller takes on Megyn Kelly and Batya Ungar-Sargon’s appalling attempt to spin Jefferey Epstein’s 15 and 16-year-old victims as nearly-adults, as they try to manipulate the well-documented accusations in effort to rewrite the story to protect Trump. Watch Tim’s conversation with Stacey Williams (https://youtu.be/jiPPbfFAISY?si=ksc8dMeHOtyEql1A)
22m Nov 14, 2025
22m
Fox News Practically BEGS Trump To Admit Prices Are Up
Donald Trump has a new message for Americans worried about the economy: you’re wrong. Andrew Egger and Will Saletan share their take on Trump's message, breaking down his bizarre insistence that prices are “way down,” that gas is $2, that groceries are cheaper, and that any reporting to the contrary is just a “manufactured” media conspiracy.
20m Nov 13, 2025
20m
MAGA Media Turns on Kash Patel—And His Girlfriend
Sam Stein and Will Sommer take on Kash Patel’s government jet scandal, the MAGA pile-on targeting his girlfriend, the absurd “Mossad honeypot” conspiracy, and the escalating lawsuits shaking up the right. Read more in Will Sommer's latest False Flag newsletter: https://www.thebulwark.com/p/kash-patel-girlfriend-alexis-wilkins-driving-maga-nuts
12m Nov 13, 2025
12m
Trump Panics as House Takes Step to Release Epstein Files
The House just hit 218 votes to force a floor vote on the release of the Jeffrey Epstein files — a rare bipartisan revolt that Donald Trump tried, and failed, to stop. Sam Stein and Andrew Egger share their take on what's next before the files could be released, why MAGA world is panicking, and what the newly released Epstein emails reveal about Trump’s own connections to the disgraced financie...
18m Nov 13, 2025
18m
BREAKING: New Emails Suggest Epstein Had Major Leverage Over Trump
Sarah Longwell and Andrew Egger take on the explosive new Epstein emails that suggest direct links between Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein—including messages showing Epstein and Michael Wolff scheming to help Trump, and evidence that Trump knew about “the girls.” Get 40% off your subscription to Calm’s entire library at https://Calm.com/BULWARKTAKES
28m Nov 12, 2025
28m
Trump Tore Down JFK’s USAID Program (w/ Atul Gawande)
Atul Gawande joins Jonathan to expose the deadly consequences of Trump’s foreign aid cuts—hundreds of thousands of lives lost, programs dismantled, and America’s moral leadership destroyed. Learn more about the documentary "Rovina's Choice": https://rovinaschoice.com/ Check out the PEPFAR Impact Tracker: https://pepfar.impactcounter.com/ Get 40% off your subscription to Calm’s entire library...
26m Nov 12, 2025
26m
Tim Miller: Trump’s “Anti-Establishment” Act Is Over
Tim Miller joins Nicolle Wallace on Deadline: White House to discuss Trump’s economic mess and why his “man of the people” act is collapsing under the weight of gold-plated excess and billionaire buddies. Tim explains how Trump lost touch—and why Democrats are finally gaining the upper hand. Watch Nicolle’s on MSNBC: https://www.msnbc.com/deadline-white-house
15m Nov 12, 2025
15m
The Redistricting Twist No One Saw Coming (w/ Dave Wasserman)
Tim Miller talks with Cook Political Report’s Dave Wasserman about how Democrats are quietly racking up wins in the redistricting wars—from Utah’s shock court ruling to key shifts in Virginia and California—and what it all means for control of the House in 2026.
22m Nov 12, 2025
22m
Leaked Emails Expose Ghislaine Maxwell’s Prison Privileges (w/ Julie K. Brown)
Tim Miller takes on Ghislaine Maxwell’s outrageous “Club Fed” treatment with investigative reporter Julie K. Brown. They discuss the newest leaked emails, political cover-ups, and why powerful people keep escaping justice in the Epstein saga.
17m Nov 12, 2025
17m
NEW POLL: Independent Voters are Rejecting Trump (w/ Alyssa Cass)
Sam Stein is joined by Blueprint's chief strategist Alyssa Cass for her take on Blueprint's new poll, unpacking the data behind Trump's actions and what policies voters consider "authoritarian." Blueprint: Authoritarian, Just Unpopular, or Both? Trump’s Actions Under a Microscope: https://blueprint-research.com/polling/authoritarian-test/
10m Nov 11, 2025
10m
Trump’s Own AI Knows He’s Wrong!
Tim Miller takes on the Truth Social AI that accidentally tells the truth. From tariffs to Ivanka to Venezuela, Trump’s own chatbot keeps debunking Trump's lies.
9m Nov 11, 2025
9m
Trump Can’t Pardon State Crimes. He’s Trying Anyway. (w/ Liz Oyer)
Sam Stein speaks with Former U.S.  Pardon Attorney Liz Oyer for her take on Trump's latest round of pardons for Rudy Giuliani, Jenna Ellis and several other top officials who tried to overturn the 2020 election. Liz warns about how Trump's pardons are "blatantly corrupt" and could test how far presidential pardon power can go. You can follow Liz's writing here: https://www.lawyeroyer.com/
18m Nov 11, 2025
18m
Nancy Mace is STILL Complaining About Airport Security
Sam Stein, Tim Miller, and Will Sommer share their takes on Nancy Mace’s bizarre feud with Charleston airport security. It started with a tantrum at the Charleston airport before Mace accused her opponent of protecting pedophiles and somehow dragged Senators Tim Scott and Lindsey Graham into it.
19m Nov 11, 2025
19m
Will the Shutdown Deal Actually Hold?
Sam Stein and Joe Perticone discuss the breaking news that it appears the Senate has enough votes to approve a budget and end the government shutdown, moving the pressure over to Mike Johnson and the House of Representatives.
14m Nov 10, 2025
14m
Trump Posts, His Staff Panics—Again
Sam Stein and Jack Cocchiarella take on Scott Bessent’s walk-back of Trump’s bleated announcement of “$2,000 checks” amid the government shutdown that continues to rock the economy.
15m Nov 09, 2025
15m
The Emperor Without Empathy (Live Chat w/ Steven Beschloss)
Recorded live on Friday, November 8, 2025, this Substack conversation between Steven Beschloss (America, America) and Jonathan V. Last takes on the 2025 election results, Trump’s growing authoritarianism, and America’s slide toward economic kleptocracy.
54m Nov 09, 2025
54m
James Talarico's "Scandal" Makes Me Like Him More!
Tim Miller takes on James Talarico's spicy Instagram follows, Candace Owens leaking texts with Charlie Kirk, and Tim's heated panel at Crooked Con.
14m Nov 09, 2025
14m