

Bulwark Takes
The Bulwark
The news cycle doesn’t slow down, and neither does The Bulwark. Bulwark Takes brings you bite-sized takes on the news of the day from the entire Bulwark team, including Tim Miller, Sarah Longwell, and Bill Kristol, and more.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 5, 2026 • 41min
BOMBSHELL: Trump Fires DHS Sec. Noem; Sen. Mullin Tapped as Replacement
A fast-paced breakdown of Kristi Noem's sudden ouster from DHS and the dramatic public firing that followed. Discussion of the Kennedy hearing that exposed DHS spending and the possible setup behind it. A close look at Markwayne Mullin as the pick to replace her and what his record suggests for DHS tactics. Political fallout for Noem and how this reshapes 2028 calculations.

Mar 5, 2026 • 8min
Pam Bondi’s Revenge Tour Is a Total Bust
A fiery rundown of failed revenge investigations by the DOJ under Pam Bondi. Discussion centers on the New York Times’ report about the autopen probe and why it collapsed. A catalog of high‑profile attempts to target politicians and critics that never produced indictments. A critical look at shifting priorities toward politically charged probes.

7 snips
Mar 5, 2026 • 20min
RFK Jr. Picks a Fight With Dunkin’—And New England Isn’t Having It
They unpack RFK Jr.'s demand for

22 snips
Mar 4, 2026 • 50min
LIVE REACTION: Hegseth Press Event, Iran War Updates (w/ Tom Nichols)
Tom Nichols, professor emeritus and foreign-policy commentator, joins to break down strategy versus operations. He critiques the administration's lack of coherent plan. They react to recent press remarks and unpack the limits of air power. The conversation covers logistics, munitions constraints, coordination with allies, and hard choices about what comes next after heavy strikes.

Mar 4, 2026 • 9min
Sarah, Tim and JVL Went to See Minneapolis for Themselves
A trip to Minneapolis to witness activity around the Whipple detention center and meet local protesters and volunteers. Stories about alleged release practices and accounts of steady ICE vehicle traffic. Reports of agents using disguises and growing confrontations with on-site residents. Focus on community mutual aid, documentation efforts, and why volunteers keep returning.

Mar 4, 2026 • 18min
Tim Miller: MAGA Influencers Don’t Know How to Defend This War
A heated recounting of a TV panel where Trump’s escalating strikes on Iran spark unexpected hesitation among his strongest allies. The conversation digs into whether the attacks signal regime change or a limited strike. Political timing and the potential costs to Trump’s campaign are scrutinized. Concerns rise about strategy, casualties, and the absence of a clear exit plan.

Mar 4, 2026 • 16min
Sen. Kaine on Iran War: “Have we learned nothing?”
Tim Kaine, U.S. Senator from Virginia and former governor, pushes for congressional authorization before major military actions. He forces a Senate vote on blocking unilateral strikes on Iran. He questions administration rationales, compares past war votes, and demands clear legal and targeting answers. He stresses accountability and lessons not learned from Iraq and Afghanistan.

Mar 4, 2026 • 1h 19min
Texas Votes: Crockett vs. Talarico! How MAGA Will Texas Go?
Lauren Egan, journalist and on-the-ground campaign reporter, breaks down Texas primary drama. She discusses Dallas voting chaos and how late returns could reshape outcomes. She explains Tallarico’s viral social media surge and the clash between identity and electability. She also maps national implications and what primary winners mean for resource allocation.

8 snips
Mar 4, 2026 • 27min
GOP Senators Suddenly Discover Kristi Noem Is a Problem
A lively break down of a tense Senate Judiciary hearing over DHS leadership and accountability. They dig into $220 million in DHS ads starring the secretary and why Republican senators suddenly turned critical. The conversation questions whether political maneuvering is setting someone up as a scapegoat to avoid broader DHS and ICE reforms.

Mar 3, 2026 • 16min
Tulsi Gabbard Believes in Nothing
A sharp critique tracing a political shift from anti‑war warnings to backing military strikes. The host compares past objections to regime change with recent praise for ceasefires after bombings. The discussion highlights changing stances on Iran, Venezuela, and Greenland. It questions consistency and motives through contrasting past statements with present actions.


