Bulwark Takes: FOX Presses Trump on Possible Recession

Host: Tim Miller
Release Date: March 9, 2025

In this episode of Bulwark Takes, hosted by Tim Miller, the discussion centers around Maria Bartiromo's recent probing of former President Donald Trump regarding the looming possibility of a recession. The episode delves into the intricacies of the current economic climate, media narratives, and political maneuvering within conservative circles.

Maria Bartiromo’s Economic Concerns

Maria Bartiromo, a prominent figure in conservative media, has taken an unexpected stance by raising alarm bells about the potential economic downturn. Initially known for her strong support of former President Trump, Bartiromo has shifted gears, expressing genuine concerns about the state of the economy.

At [01:39], Bartiromo emphasizes the risks associated with government spending cuts:
"About all of these spending cuts potentially leading to a recession. Now there's new growth worries."

She references the Atlanta Federal Reserve's projection of a contraction in the first quarter and challenges the notion that reduced government spending alone would trigger a recession, stating:
"Can Doge induce a recession? No, it can't. ... I said earlier it would be Biden's recession." [01:55]

This pivot marks a significant departure from her previous unwavering support of Trump, signaling a nuanced perspective amidst growing economic uncertainties.

Trump’s Evasive Responses

During her interview with Trump, Bartiromo seeks clarity on whether a recession is imminent. At [03:10], she directly asks:
"Are you expecting a recession this year?"

Trump’s response is notably cautious and lacks his typical assertiveness:
"I hate to predict things like that. There is a period of transition because what we're doing is very big. We're bringing wealth back to America. That's a big thing. ... I don't think it should be great for us. I mean, I think it should be great." [03:24]

This answer deviates from Trump's usual economic bravado, suggesting underlying concerns about the current trajectory of the economy.

In a subsequent exchange about the stock market, Bartiromo presses further:
"Look, we're going to have a disruption, but we're okay with that. Is that what you meant? The stock market going down was the disruption? What other disruption were you alluding to?" [04:43]

Trump responds by contrasting American and Chinese economic perspectives:
"Look, what I have to do is build a strong country. You can't really watch the stock market. If you look at China, they have a 100 year perspective. We have a quarter, we go by quarters." [04:54]

His remarks hint at long-term strategies overshadowed by immediate economic challenges, though they lack concrete assurances.

Tim Miller’s Analysis

Tim Miller critically examines Bartiromo's shift and Trump's subdued responses. He notes Bartiromo’s willingness to question the prevailing optimistic narratives within the MAGA-aligned media landscape:
"Maria Barrett Romo surprises abound in Donald Trump's America." [05:14]

Miller highlights the incongruity between Trump's usual dismissive rhetoric and his current inability to confidently project economic stability:
"This is someone that is flailing. This is someone that is very concerned that the market is going down, that he doesn't have any levers to pull." [03:47]

He also points out the irony in Trump’s comparison of American economic strategy to China's long-term planning, labeling it as "preposterous" given Trump's reputation for favoring immediate results.

Key Takeaways and Implications

• Media Dynamics: Bartiromo’s stance indicates increasing diversity of thought within conservative media regarding economic policies and their potential fallout.

• Economic Uncertainty: The discussions reflect a broader unease about the sustainability of current economic strategies, especially in light of market volatility and global economic pressures.

• Political Ramifications: Trump's inability to maintain his characteristic economic optimism may signal vulnerabilities within his support base and broader political implications for conservative leadership.

This episode of Bulwark Takes offers a compelling look into the shifting narratives within conservative media and political discourse, highlighting the complexities of managing economic perceptions amidst real and perceived challenges.