Bulwark Takes

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Trump’s UFC White House Stunt Could Be Illegal Jun 09, 2026

Show notes

Sam Stein went on MS Now to give his take on the lawsuit trying to stop Donald Trump’s planned UFC event at the White House, the legal questions surrounding it, and why it’s yet another example of Trump blurring the line between public office and private interests. His longtime ally Dana White is involved, Trump holds a financial stake in UFC’s parent company, it's on federal property, and they're having it be a nationally televised by another Trump ally. Then, Sam dives into a new report on FBI Director Kash Patel’s continuing search for evidence of a supposed “deep state” conspiracy against Trump. Why are prosecutors leaving? Why do investigations keep coming up empty?

Elevate your summer wardrobe. Go to https://Quince.com/bulwarktakes for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too.

Jared Kushner Makes Hunter Biden Look Like a Boy Scout Jun 08, 2026

Show notes

Andrew Egger is joined by Casey Michel, author of the forthcoming book United States of Oligarchy: How America's Wealthiest Ally with Dictators, Weaken the U.S., and Destroy Democracy, to examine how Jared Kushner became a walking conflict of interest at the center of American foreign policy. From cultivating relationships with Saudi royals and Gulf autocrats while serving in the White House to launching a multibillion-dollar investment fund backed by foreign governments after leaving office, Casey walks through how Kushner went from being a laughingstock in the Middle East to a billionaire. Plus, with all these foreign interest conflicts, why is Congress allowing him to be one of Trump's key players in negotiations on Gaza, Ukraine, and Iran despite having no traditional diplomatic experience.

Elevate your summer wardrobe. Go to https://Quince.com/bulwarktakes for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too.

You can pre-order Casey's book here: https://www.amazon.com/United-States-Oligarchy-Wealthiest-Dictators/dp/1250430119/?tag=bulwark08-20

MAJOR MAGA on MAGA Fights | MAGA Mondays Jun 08, 2026

Show notes

Sam Stein and Will Sommer give their takes on the flurry of stories across the right-wing fever swamp. They discuss: Mike Lee blasting Pete Hegseth for snubbing Mormons, Kash Patel launching attacks against Judicial Watch, Republicans claiming fraud because Spencer Pratt is losing in the LA mayoral race, Lauren Boebert sounding off on a Fox News reporter, and whether Albania’s PM could be ousted over Jared and Ivanka’s luxury resort.

Elevate your summer wardrobe. Go to https://Quince.com/bulwarktakes for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too.

'Pressure' Is a Great Movie With the Wrong Eisenhower Jun 08, 2026

Show notes

Sonny Bunch and Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling (Ret.) review Pressure, the new film about the D-Day weather decision that nearly derailed the largest invasion in history. They discuss what Eisenhower was really up against: a catastrophic dress rehearsal, a ghost army commanded by Patton, alliance politics, and a lone British meteorologist telling him the June 5th launch date would be a disaster. Plus: Hertling on getting caught in an Iraqi sandstorm, the Coast Guard's impossible mission in The Perfect Storm, the Eagle Claw debacle in Argo, and the Benghazi chaos of 13 Hours—and what all of these have in common. Also, was Brendan Fraser the right choice to play Ike?

Trump Completely Loses It During Bizarre NBC Interview Jun 07, 2026

Show notes

Tim Miller reacts to Donald Trump’s combative NBC interview, where the president lashes out at the press, revives election conspiracy theories, defends his Jan. 6 compensation fund, dismisses farmers’ economic pain, and makes fresh promises on gas prices and Iran. By the end, the interview devolves into a shouting match—and Trump storms out.

Will the Senate Confirm Thugs Like Bill Pulte & Todd Blanche? (w/ Tom Joscelyn) Jun 07, 2026

Show notes

Tom Joscelyn joins Bill Kristol for Bulwark on Sunday.

The Most Important Research Project in American Political Journalism Jun 06, 2026

Show notes

Sam Stein and Brendan Hartnett take on the most important research project in American political journalism: documenting every time Donald Trump has publicly lost his mind over how handsome a man is.

After over 100 documented instances, it's fair to say we have a pattern on our hands. The president cannot stop slow-panning across a room full of guys and narrating what he sees. We're not here to judge. We're here to document

Art of the Gaffe: Trump’s Greatest On-Air Trainwrecks Jun 06, 2026

Show notes

Donald Trump has spent years giving his critics material. Will Saletan brings together some of his favorite Bulwark Takes videos covering Trump's most absurd interviews, bizarre conspiracy theories, embarrassing gaffes, and unforgettable Fox News trainwrecks. From anchors desperately trying to coach him through interviews, to the dumbest lies he's said about elections, to his strange relationship with Vladimir Putin, there is no shortage of moments that go from comical to infuriating.

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Beef Prices Are Already Sky High. Now Comes Screwworm. Jun 05, 2026

Show notes

Catherine Rampell and Jonathan Cohn give their takes on the return of the flesh-eating parasite screwworm. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins has already blamed the Biden's border and immigration policies as a potential cause after saying in November that it was under control. But is that the full story? We examine whether DOGE-related staffing cuts and the broader erosion of international cooperation may have played a role in weakening surveillance and response systems. Plus, beef prices are already at record highs, and ranchers are warning of even more disruption ahead if the outbreak spreads, we explain the economic impacts this could have on farmers and consumers.

Stop putting off those doctors appointments and go to https://ZocDoc.com/BULWARKTAKES to find and instantly book a doctor you love today.

Thom Tillis Said He Would Kill Trump’s Slush Fund. What Happened?! | Receipts Live Jun 05, 2026

Show notes

Catherine Rampell and Sam Stein went live to cover the week's financial and economic news.

Stop putting off those doctors appointments and go to https://ZocDoc.com/BULWARKTAKES to find and instantly book a doctor you love today.

Read Catherine Rampell's 'Receipts' newsletter: https://www.thebulwark.com/s/receipts

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