Bulwark Takes GOP Senators Call Out Trump on the Shutdown
10 snips
Oct 26, 2025 Scott Bessent faces tough questions as he defends Trump's shutdown and controversial tariffs. The hosts dissect the political fallout, including GOP loyalty to Reagan despite Trump’s actions. They highlight unusual presidential absence during such crises and critique Bessent’s claims about Democrats' responsibilities. Rand Paul suggests a bipartisan commission, raising eyebrows about negotiating funding during a temporary reopening. The impact of the shutdown on federal workers looms large, while the hosts express concern over the lack of urgency in resolving it.
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Soybean Farmer Claim
- Scott Bessent claimed a soybean farmer identity while doing multiple Sunday show interviews defending administration actions.
- Sam Stein and Will Saletan cast doubt on Bessent's actual farming credentials and mocked the claim.
Canada Ad Was Plain Conservative Messaging
- The Canada ad used Ronald Reagan to argue against tariffs and plainly cited Reagan's words on free trade.
- Will Saletan argues the ad is truthful messaging, not foreign-style propaganda, making Trump's tariff response childish.
Lack Of Urgency To End Shutdown
- The shutdown persists despite obvious harms and weak motivation to fix it from Republican leaders.
- Sam Stein highlights Trump appears content to let the government remain closed while he pursues foreign trips.