Bulwark Takes: Episode Summary Title: Bruce Springsteen Called Trump “Treasonous.” Trump Proved Him Right. Host: Will Salatan
Release Date: May 21, 2025

In this compelling episode of Bulwark Takes, host Will Salatan delves into the escalating conflict between acclaimed musician Bruce Springsteen and former President Donald Trump. The discussion unpacks Trump's recent denunciations of Springsteen, highlights Trump's hypocritical actions on the international stage, and examines the broader implications for American democracy and values.

1. Bruce Springsteen's Bold Critique of Trump

The episode opens with Will Salatan introducing the contentious relationship between Bruce Springsteen and Donald Trump. Following a recent concert in England, Springsteen labeled Trump’s actions as “treasonous,” setting the stage for a fierce exchange.

Will Salatan [00:00]: "Guess who Donald Trump is fighting with now. Bruce Springsteen."

2. Trump's Accusation of Treason Against Springsteen

In response to Springsteen’s scathing remarks, Trump retaliated by accusing the musician of treason for criticizing him while abroad. Salatan underscores the irony in Trump’s allegations.

Donald Trump [00:15]: "In my home, the America I love... is currently in the hands of a corrupt, incompetent and treasonous administration."

Will Salatan [00:33]: "That accusation from Trump is one of the most hypocritical lectures you will ever see. ... Trump was flying back from a foreign country in which he himself had just trashed America."

3. Trump’s Hypocritical Foreign Speeches

Salatan meticulously dissects Trump’s international speeches, revealing a pattern of self-aggrandizement and disparagement of U.S. leadership while overseas. He highlights Trump’s focus on electoral victories rather than engaging with his foreign audience’s interests.

Donald Trump [01:31]: "We won a tremendous victory in November... The Electoral College, we won by 312 to 226."

Will Salatan [01:44]: "Trump is supposed to be talking about things [his foreign audience] care about. Instead, he's bragging about how many votes he got last year in our Electoral College."

4. Monetary Motives Over Democratic Values

A recurring theme in Trump’s speeches, as analyzed by Salatan, is his obsession with financial gains. Whether discussing Iraq or Ukraine, Trump emphasizes economic benefits over democratic principles or human rights.

Donald Trump [04:21]: "If you beat a country, you own that country, you take the oil... What did we get? We got nothing."

Will Salatan [05:43]: "This is how Trump thinks about everything. ... He doesn't care about democracy or human rights or who invaded who. All he cares about is money."

5. Undermining American Democracy

Salatan points out Trump’s efforts to delegitimize the American political system by labeling elections as rigged and corrupt. This undermines trust in democratic institutions and paints Trump as a victim rather than a perpetrator.

Donald Trump [08:11]: "I believe we would have had it filled out had the election been called fairly, which it wasn't. It was a rigged election."

Will Salatan [08:19]: "Trump told his audiences in these authoritarian countries that the American political system was fraudulent and corrupt."

6. Military Loyalty to Trump Over the Nation

In a particularly alarming revelation, Salatan discusses how Trump attempts to secure the loyalty of American troops by aligning their allegiance with his political ambitions rather than national service.

Donald Trump [09:35]: "We had three unbelievable campaigns... We've been an honor. ... Nobody been stronger than the military in terms of backing us."

Will Salatan [10:08]: "He told the troops that their loyalty is to him. ... He also told them that his political opponents in the United States are evil."

7. Transforming the U.S. into an Authoritarian Regime

Salatan warns of Trump’s aspirations to reshape American governance into a monarchy-like system, akin to the autocratic regimes he praised during his foreign visits. This shift threatens the foundational principles of American democracy.

Donald Trump [06:58]: "In recent years, far too many American presidents have been afflicted with the notion that it's our job to look into the souls of foreign leaders..."

Will Salatan [10:59]: "Donald Trump... is now telling American troops to join him in... turning it into a monarchy, just like those other countries."

8. The Aftermath: Trump's Domestic Attacks and Continuing Campaign

Upon returning from his trip, Trump intensified his attacks on domestic opponents, labeling them as corrupt and fraudsters. Salatan emphasizes the dangerous shift towards authoritarian tactics within American politics.

Donald Trump [10:41]: "We won three elections. ... And some people want us to do a fourth."

Will Salatan [10:59]: "Trump... is trying to destroy everything we stand for."

9. Conclusion: Springsteen Stands Firm Against Trump’s Assault

The episode culminates with a reaffirmation of Bruce Springsteen’s steadfast opposition to Trump’s actions and rhetoric. Salatan underscores Springsteen’s role as a defender of American values amidst growing threats to democracy.

Will Salatan [12:54]: "Trump went to the Persian Gulf, sucked up to the autocrats for money, trashed America, renounced American values, came home, and now he's trying to gut our country and turn it into a monarchy... Here's what the Boss, the real Boss, said..."

Key Takeaways:

• Hypocrisy in Leadership: Trump's accusations against Springsteen contrast sharply with his own actions abroad, where he espouses policies and attitudes detrimental to American values.

• Monetary Priorities Over Principles: Trump’s foreign engagements are driven by financial incentives rather than democratic ideals or human rights.

• Threat to Democracy: Efforts to undermine electoral integrity and foster loyalty to himself over the nation pose significant risks to democratic institutions.

• Enduring Resistance: Figures like Bruce Springsteen play a crucial role in challenging and holding accountable those who threaten the foundational principles of the United States.

This episode of Bulwark Takes serves as a poignant examination of the current political climate, highlighting the dangers of authoritarian tendencies and the importance of steadfast opposition from cultural and political leaders alike.