Podcast Summary: Bulwark Takes

Episode: Fingering Trio Presents: Three FBI Agents Walk Into Glenn Beck’s Living Room...
Date: October 14, 2025
Hosts: Tim Miller, Sam Stein, Will Sommer
Main Theme:
An exploration of the increasingly fuzzy line between right-wing media narratives and federal law enforcement activity, centering on a bizarre incident where Glenn Beck claimed FBI agents visited his home to discuss his “Antifa Pyramid of Power” theories. The panel dissects the absurdity, the risks of politicized law enforcement, implications for progressive donors and activists, plus a wild side-plot involving a notorious Brazilian fraudster and Project Veritas.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Glenn Beck’s “Antifa Pyramid of Power” and FBI Engagement

• Context: Glenn Beck recently revived his signature “chalkboard” conspiracy session, weaving intricate connections between Antifa, leftist funders like Soros and the Tides Foundation, and even mainstream institutions like Fidelity Investments ([03:05]).

• Turn of Events: Beck claimed on his show that after one particularly feverish episode, the FBI director (implied to be influenced by figures like Cash Patel) sent three agents to his house to “dig deep” into his research ([04:34], [05:54]).

  • Quote – Glenn Beck:
    “Three agents sat in my living room on Saturday afternoon for almost two hours… At one point, I talked to them for about 15 minutes, just going over the Tides Foundation and saying, if you understand Tides, you’ll understand how difficult your job is going to be." ([05:54])

• Panel’s Take:

  • The team is incredulous but notes it's not inconceivable in an administration that takes cues from right-wing media.
  • Will Sommer:
    “This is every crank’s dream, right? That the FBI is going to call and be like, we really think you’re onto something here, Glenn.” ([07:05])
  • Note: They highlight the absurdity that agents’ time is consumed by this instead of serious crime, and debate how much is Beck’s fantasy versus reality ([08:57], [09:10]).

2. The Threat of Politicized Federal Investigation

• Host Anxiety: Tim Miller discusses, in a rare serious moment, his concern about the potential for politicized FBI harassment, describing how law enforcement could easily “make your life miserable”—even short of charges ([07:47]).
  • Quote – Tim Miller:
    “I’ve had friends work with and around the FBI, and they’re like, dude, you don’t even realize how much of your info they can grab... They can really harass you and make your life miserable.” ([07:47])

3. Enter: The Brazilian Fraudster & Project Veritas’ Bizarre Sideplot

• Story: Will Sommer explains how Patricia Lease (likely “Patricia Lelis”), a Brazilian accused fraudster wanted by the FBI, has improbably teamed up with Project Veritas to circulate potentially fake texts implicating Justice Department officials.
  • The twist: The FBI both pursues her for fraud and, per conspiracy, may entertain dirt she supplies on her “enemies” ([09:43]–[12:21]).
  • Quote – Will Sommer:
    “She’s a notorious accused Brazilian fraudster… currently on the run from our FBI, and yet she’s teamed up with Project Veritas. They have this whole claim that Bill Barr is secretly, you know, framing Trump...” ([09:45])

4. Fallout for Progressive Groups and Donors

• Progressive Anxiety: Discussion turns to repercussions for groups like Media Matters and practices of “progressive foundation giving.”
  • Sam Stein: notes increased caution, with some donors halting gifts or looking for less traceable ways to distribute funds ([13:13] – [15:05]).
  • The climate of fear may be shifting progressive philanthropy towards smaller, direct giving, as organizations become targets for government attention.

5. The Viral Turning Point USA “Measles” Halftime Poster Gag

• Comic Relief: Will Sommer brings up a satirical online poster for a Turning Point USA Super Bowl alternative halftime show, featuring a fake band called “Measles.” The panel laughs over right-wing influencer gullibility ([17:07]).
  • Quote – Will Sommer:
    “At the very bottom it says, ‘a special appearance from Measles.’” ([17:07])
  • Many MAGA influencers missed the joke; one incredulously asks, “Who the f– is this band Measles?” ([17:19])

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Will Sommer, on the right-wing dream:
  “This is every crank’s dream, right? That the FBI is going to call and be like, we really think you’re onto something here, Glenn.” ([07:05])

• Tim Miller, on FBI’s real work:
  “You would think they’d be going after actual criminals… but what you have here is like a clown show.” ([08:24])

• Sam Stein, sympathetic to progressive worry:
  “There’s plenty of donors who stop giving… plenty who won’t speak up.” ([14:31])

• Will Sommer, on right-wing own goals:
  “Maybe the saving grace… is that these people keep blowing up these weaponization schemes by revealing them prematurely.” ([15:45])

• On the viral “Measles” band:
  “At the very bottom, it says a special appearance from Measles… all these people were like, ‘this is going to rock,’ still missing the joke!” ([17:07]–[17:19])

Timestamps: Segment Highlights

• 00:30 – Hosts introduce the “Fingering Trio” and set up the Glenn Beck/FBI topic.
• 03:05 – Beck’s conspiracy chalkboard session recapped.
• 05:54 – Glenn Beck: detailed account of the FBI’s home visit.
• 07:05 – Trio discusses the fantasy/absurdity of FBI seeking Beck’s theories.
• 07:47 – Tim Miller reflects on the real hazards of politicized law enforcement.
• 09:45 – Introduction of Patricia Lelis and Project Veritas collaboration.
• 12:21 – Wild web of leaks, doctored texts, and escalating infighting at DOJ.
• 13:13–15:09 – Effects on progressive groups, foundations, and donors.
• 17:07–17:37 – The “Measles” band meme and MAGA influencer credulity.

Tone & Final Notes

The episode balances incredulity and gallows humor: the panel is both disturbed and bemused by the spectacle of federal resources deployed at the whims of right-wing personalities, the resulting chaos for investigative targets, and the meme-laden culture of political media. The “Fingering Trio” chemistry is skeptical, sharp, and occasionally vulgar, but always insightful—offering both laughs and serious unease at the current state of political law enforcement in America.