Bulwark Takes: GOP Silent as Trump Goes Full Dictator
Release Date: April 15, 2025

In the April 15, 2025 episode of Bulwark Takes, hosted by Andrew Egger, The Bulwark’s congressional reporter Joe Perdichone delves into the alarming silence within the Republican Party as former President Donald Trump exhibits increasingly authoritarian behavior. This detailed analysis sheds light on the GOP's reluctance to confront Trump’s actions, undermining democratic institutions and the rule of law.

Introduction: The GOP's Reticence in the Trump Era

Andrew Egger opens the discussion by highlighting a recurring narrative since Trump’s first term: "Here goes Donald Trump to do something crazy... the congressional press corps to run after elected Republicans to kind of watch them squirm" (00:00). This episode examines whether this pattern continues as Trump intensifies his disregard for constitutional norms.

Trump’s Authoritarian Moves: Ignoring the Supreme Court

Perdichone underscores recent developments, notably Trump’s meeting with President Bukele of El Salvador: “...they basically talked about how they were just gonna sort of ignore the Supreme Court's ruling on bringing a wrongfully deported man back to America” (00:52). This act represents a blatant defiance of judicial authority, raising concerns about Trump’s trajectory towards dictatorial behavior.

GOP’s Evolving Response: From Aggressive Scrutiny to Dead Silence

Reflecting on the early days of Trump’s presidency, Perdichone notes a shift in the GOP’s approach: “In the early days of, like, 2017... we would bring printed out tweets of Trump's to be like, please comment on this" (01:08). Over time, Republicans have learned to evade direct confrontation, leading to the current "dead silence" observed this week (02:22).

Selective Engagement: Case Studies of GOP Members

The conversation highlights specific Republican figures to illustrate the party's fragmented response:

• Rand Paul: Perdichone praises Paul’s principled stance on trade, noting, “...there's just this rhetoric with no action attached to it” (01:52). Paul remains vocal on tariffs, reflecting his commitment to trade policy over party loyalty.

• Bill Cassidy: In contrast, Cassidy’s ambiguous responses are critiqued: “He just kind of said, I trust the American Dental Association” (01:52), when questioned about controversial topics like removing fluoride from public water.

• Don Bacon: Expected to defend constitutional integrity, Bacon remains silent on critical issues, frustrating observers: “You would think that someone like that in this moment would want to speak up against something very obviously illegal” (03:01).

• Marjorie Taylor Greene and Lauren Boebert: Representing the more extreme factions, their lack of substantive commentary exacerbates the GOP’s image problem (04:13).

Coded Messages and Subtle Endorsements

Perdichone identifies nuanced support from hardcore MAGA Republicans: “Andy Ogles posted this morning, if you're not supposed to be here, we're going to kick your butt out” (05:21). While not directly addressing Trump’s actions, such statements echo a broader endorsement of aggressive policies like deportations without due process.

Implications for Due Process and the Rule of Law

A significant portion of the discussion centers on the erosion of due process:
Andrew Egger: “Are you going to do anything to stop what's happening?” (02:15)
Joe Perdichone: “Every single thing... zero comment whatsoever on what happened in that White House meeting yesterday” (03:01).

The episode underscores the dangerous precedent of circumventing legal safeguards, posing a direct threat to American justice.

Historical Comparisons and Future Predictions

Drawing parallels to Trump's 2016 campaign rhetoric, Perdichone warns of the long-term ramifications: “He could shoot somebody in the middle of Fifth Avenue and my supporters would still back me” (13:43). This unwavering base support emboldens Trump’s actions, making congressional opposition unlikely.

Perdichone expresses skepticism about any meaningful GOP response:
Joe Perdichone: “Can you imagine a single thing that Donald Trump could do... that would even raise the prospect of Republican House impeaching him? No, not a single action” (13:29).

Potential for Congressional Pushback

While currently subdued, Perdichone remains vigilant for signs of future resistance within Congress:
Joe Perdichone: “I just hope that there’s a clear pathway for some of the people who do have moral misgivings about this to be able to answer it honestly” (12:31).

However, he remains doubtful, citing the fractured and self-preservationist nature of Congress: “And the important part about getting answers on it before it happens is to be able to plant that flag” (06:57).

Conclusion: A Grim Outlook for GOP Accountability

The episode concludes on a somber note, emphasizing the disheartening silence within the GOP and its implications for American democracy. With key Republicans evading responsibility and Trump continuing to challenge institutional norms, the path forward appears bleak. Perdichone and Egger leave listeners with a sense of urgency and concern over the future of GOP accountability and the preservation of democratic principles.

Notable Quotes:

• Andrew Egger [00:00]: “One of the most common through line stories the whole first Trump term was, here goes Donald Trump to do something crazy.”

• Joe Perdichone [01:08]: “Over the years, they've quickly learned that they don't have to really address it if they don't want to and if it's uncomfortable.”

• Joe Perdichone [03:01]: “There's just zero comment whatsoever on what happened in that White House meeting yesterday.”

• Joe Perdichone [13:29]: “Can you imagine a single thing that Donald Trump could do... that would even raise the prospect of Republican House impeaching him? No, not a single action.”

• Joe Perdichone [14:57]: “When you look at what action is taken... it's all special interests and it's... very limited.”

This episode of Bulwark Takes serves as a critical examination of the GOP’s current stance towards Trump’s authoritarian tendencies, highlighting a troubling trend of inaction and silence that threatens the foundational pillars of American democracy.