Bulwark Takes: From "Kill the Cops" to DOJ Paycheck (w/ Mike Fanone) – Detailed Summary

Release Date: August 8, 2025
Host: Tim Miller
Guest: Michael Fanone

Introduction

In this episode of Bulwark Takes, host Tim Miller engages in a candid and impassioned discussion with former police officer and activist Michael Fanone. The conversation centers around the troubling appointment of Jared Wise to the Department of Justice's (DOJ) Weaponization Working Group, shedding light on broader issues of politicization within federal law enforcement agencies.

Jared Wise and DOJ's Weaponization Working Group

Tim Miller initiates the conversation by expressing outrage over the appointment of Jared Wise, a former FBI special agent with a history of extremist rhetoric, to a significant role within the DOJ.

• Tim Miller [00:00]: "We had one of these fucking disgusting news items of one of these insurrectionists who was shouting about killing the cops... now gets a job in this administration."

Michael Fanone responds by contextualizing this appointment within the broader pattern of the current administration's approach towards law enforcement and governance.

• Michael Fanone [01:09]: "This administration has always been all about... assigning him to the Weaponization Working Group... there's a perfect place for them."

Implications of Wise's Appointment

The dialogue delves into the implications of having individuals like Jared Wise within the DOJ, highlighting concerns about the erosion of trust and the potential for government officials to act against their own law enforcement personnel.

• Tim Miller [02:43]: "Kill him. You guys are disgusting. You are the Nazi. You are the Gestapo... Kill him. Kill him."

• Michael Fanone [08:03]: "Calling out the fact that this looks a whole hell of a lot like 1930s Germany is completely appropriate."

DOJ Leadership and Ed Martin's Role

Tim Miller discusses the leadership of Ed Martin within the Weaponization Working Group, criticizing his qualifications and the decision-making process that led to his appointment.

• Tim Miller [06:22]: "Eagle Ed Martin... how bad... embarrassing his resume was..."

Michael Fanone echoes these sentiments, adding personal anecdotes about Ed Martin's dismissive attitude towards his credentials.

• Michael Fanone [08:27]: "Ed Martin... referred to me as a fake police officer... feeding into the conspiratorial nature."

Firing of FBI Agents Associated with January 6th

The conversation shifts to recent dismissals of FBI agents who were involved in the investigations of the January 6th insurrection, emphasizing the administration's retaliatory stance against those enforcing the law.

• Michael Fanone [05:57]: "Three career federal prosecutors... their crime... prosecuting individuals who participated in the January 6th insurrection."

• Michael Fanone [09:34]: "Rebuilding trust with the American people... I don't think I would ever trust the Department of Justice in my lifetime."

Parallels to Autocratic Regimes and the Deep State

Both hosts draw alarming parallels between current DOJ actions and historical autocratic regimes, suggesting the emergence of a "deep state" intent on undermining democratic institutions.

• Michael Fanone [08:03]: "We certainly do now... how do you purge these people from the ranks... rebuild trust."

• Tim Miller [08:54]: "They literally have a spy in their midst. They said that there's this deep state against them."

Erosion of Trust in the Department of Justice

The discussion underscores a profound distrust in the DOJ, stemming from perceived internal corruption and politicization that compromise the agency's integrity and mission.

• Michael Fanone [09:34]: "Rebuilding trust with the American people... adversarial role for doing nothing other than speaking the truth."

• Tim Miller [11:19]: "People that were just doing their jobs... getting fired and smeared... it's getting... pretty alarming state of personnel there."

Final Thoughts and Conclusion

As the episode concludes, Tim Miller and Michael Fanone reflect on the challenges ahead, emphasizing the need for accountability and systemic reform within federal law enforcement to restore public trust and uphold democratic principles.

• Tim Miller [12:23]: "Sounds good, brother. I appreciate it. We’ll be talking to you soon."

• Michael Fanone [12:08]: "We surpassed a quarter of a million followers... Appreciated your service."

Notable Quotes

• Tim Miller [00:00]: "We had one of these fucking disgusting news items of one of these insurrectionists who was shouting about killing the cops."

• Michael Fanone [01:09]: "If you're somebody that believes that the Constitution is a good thing, then yes."

• Michael Fanone [08:03]: "Calling out the fact that this looks a whole hell of a lot like 1930s Germany is completely appropriate."

• Michael Fanone [09:34]: "I don't think I would ever trust the Department of Justice in my lifetime."

Conclusion

This episode of Bulwark Takes offers a critical examination of the current state of the Department of Justice, highlighting the dangers of politicization and the undermining of law enforcement credibility. Through the insights of Michael Fanone, the conversation sheds light on the systemic issues threatening democratic institutions and the imperative for meaningful reforms to restore trust and uphold the rule of law.