The Bulwark Podcast Bill Kristol: Trump's Revenge Tour Is Backfiring
73 snips
May 4, 2026 
Bill Kristol, conservative analyst and Never Trump leader, offers sharp political commentary. They tackle rising Iran tensions and whether Trump will escalate or back down. They dissect the troop pull from Germany as a strategic and symbolic misstep. They also examine chaotic revenge prosecutions, political fallout from tariffs and polls, and the spectacle of Trump’s grandiose public projects.
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Iran War Is Escalation Theater With Tangible Costs
- The Iran conflict feels like escalating theatre with limited strategic gains and rising economic costs for the U.S. public.
- Bill Kristol and Tim Miller note shipping disruptions, missile strikes, and rising oil prices show the blockade hurts global markets more than it weakens Iran.
Strait Closure Harms Global Economy More Than Iran
- Continued blockade of the Strait of Hormuz benefits Iran strategically while imposing escalating costs on global supply and American consumers.
- Kristol argues the longer the strait stays closed the more the world economy and U.S. gas prices suffer, yet Iranian losses from export limits may be manageable.
Don't Punish Allies By Withdrawing Key Support
- Avoid punitive troop moves that undermine logistics and medical support for regional operations.
- Kristol warns pulling 5,000 troops from Germany as a tantrum erodes NATO access to Rammstein hospital, refueling, and other vital support for Middle East operations.