Bulwark Takes: Fox Host Says Putin Embarrassing Trump! Charlie Kirk Doubting Trump Too?!
Release Date: April 25, 2025
Host: Tim Miller, The Bulwark
Introduction
In the latest episode of Bulwark Takes, host Tim Miller delves into recent developments within conservative media and political circles, focusing on remarks made by Fox News host Brian Kilmeade and Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk. The episode, titled "Fox Host Says Putin Embarrassing Trump! Charlie Kirk Doubting Trump Too?!", provides an incisive analysis of the shifting dynamics and internal tensions among right-leaning commentators and their stance on former President Donald Trump’s policies and leadership.
Brian Kilmeade's Critique of Trump and Putin Relations
Tim Miller opens the discussion by highlighting a provocative statement from Fox and Friends host Brian Kilmeade. Kilmeade publicly remarked that Donald Trump is "getting embarrassed by Vladimir Putin" amid ongoing Russia negotiations expected to conclude within 24 hours.
Notable Quote:
Brian Kilmeade [01:41]: "No, yesterday he blasted him. It's going to get worse and there are sanctions queued up. He says it doesn't help me and doesn't help the situation if I tell you what's going to happen to Russia if they continue to undermine these peace talks."
Miller interprets Kilmeade's comments as an acknowledgment of the faltering relationship between Trump and Putin, suggesting that even within Fox News, there is recognition of the problematic nature of the current negotiations.
Analysis of Kilmeade’s Attempt to Influence Trump
Miller critiques Kilmeade’s approach, portraying it as a subtle attempt to "nudge" Trump towards more assertive actions against Putin. He observes that Kilmeade is trying to appeal to Trump's desire to avoid embarrassment, rather than outright challenging his policies.
Notable Quote:
Tim Miller [00:45]: "Brian Kilmeade is starting to observe the fact that things are not going very well at all... he's doing so in a, oh, maybe I can nudge him. Maybe I can nudge Donald to do the right thing. Like Donald, you don't want to get embarrassed. You don't want to get embarrassed, do you?"
Miller expresses skepticism about the effectiveness of this strategy, doubting that Trump will shift his stance or utilize hard power in response to soft pressure from his Fox News allies.
Charlie Kirk's Criticism of Immigration Policies
Shifting focus, Miller introduces a segment featuring Charlie Kirk’s concerns regarding the administration's immigration policies, specifically the deportation of individuals for writing op-eds critical of Israel. This marks a rare instance where Kirk appears to question government overreach and its impact on First Amendment rights.
Notable Quote:
Charlie Kirk [03:46]: "Deporting somebody because they wrote an op ed critical of Israel... I think that's probably in the gray area."
Kirk elaborates that targeting individuals for their written opinions fosters greater anti-Israel sentiment and anti-Semitism, emphasizing the unintended consequences of such stringent immigration enforcement.
Implications for the Conservative Coalition
Miller uses these instances to illustrate emerging fractures within the conservative movement. He suggests that as policies related to tariffs, immigration, and foreign affairs become more contentious, the unity among conservatives is wavering. The cracks are evident as influential figures like Kilmeade and Kirk occasionally express doubts or concerns that deviate from the dominant Trump-aligned narrative.
Notable Quote:
Tim Miller [04:28]: "If the head of Turning Point USA is saying, whoa, maybe we're going a little bit too far on some of these green card detentions... signals that you got real problems."
Miller warns that such dissent could erode the once-solid coalition supporting Trump, especially if alternative political leadership, such as a hypothetical AOC administration, emerges. The tension between maintaining a strong, unified front and addressing policy disagreements is highlighted as a critical challenge for conservatives moving forward.
Conclusion
Tim Miller concludes the episode by reflecting on the broader significance of these developments. He underscores the importance of monitoring these shifts as they may indicate a declining consensus within the conservative base and potential vulnerabilities in Trump’s influence. Despite the internal disagreements, Miller remains vigilant, emphasizing the need for the conservative movement to navigate these challenges to maintain its effectiveness and cohesion.
Final Thoughts:
Tim Miller [05:00]: "Cracks are starting to emerge all around the various sides of the coalition because, like, eventually reality intervenes."
Miller signs off by reaffirming the value of Transparency and critical analysis provided by Bulwark Takes, encouraging listeners to stay informed and engaged with the evolving political landscape.
Key Takeaways
- Brian Kilmeade acknowledges Trump’s embarrassing position in dealings with Putin, signaling internal awareness of diplomatic struggles within Fox News.
- Charlie Kirk expresses concerns over immigration policies that penalize individuals for their written opinions, indicating a potential shift towards valuing First Amendment rights over strict enforcement.
- Conservative Cohesion: These instances reflect emerging divisions within the conservative movement, challenging the previously unified support for Trump and highlighting the need for strategic adaptability.
Bulwark Takes continues to provide in-depth analysis and diverse perspectives on the ever-changing political news cycle, ensuring listeners are well-equipped to understand and engage with current events.