Bulwark Takes: Episode Summary

Title: Hegseth Disaster! Trump’s Big Parade! Rep. Jason Crow Talks All
Host: The Bulwark
Release Date: June 11, 2025

In this episode of Bulwark Takes, Sam Stein, the managing editor at The Bulwark, engages in a comprehensive conversation with Congressman Jason Crow of Colorado. The discussion centers around President Trump's planned military parade, the administration's handling of various national issues, and recent controversies involving Department of Defense (DoD) Secretary Pete Hegseth.

1. Introduction to the Episode

Sam Stein opens the conversation by setting the agenda for the discussion, initially intended to focus on Trump's upcoming military parade. However, he acknowledges that multiple pressing issues have emerged, necessitating a broader dialogue.

Sam Stein [00:00]:
"When we booked this, we were going to talk about Trump's military parade. But like all things, there's like four or five existential stories."

2. Trump's Military Parade: An Ominous Display

The primary topic is President Trump's planned military parade in Washington D.C., scheduled for the upcoming Saturday. The presence of tanks and increased security measures have generated a sense of foreboding among locals and critics alike.

Sam Stein [00:37]:
"Tanks are rolling into our dear city. I've seen them. The appetite here is one of, I don't know, how would you put it? It feels very ominous to a degree..."

Rep. Jason Crow [00:58]:
"Yeah, well, there is an ominous cloud hanging over the city generally. So it's hard to tell whether it's a parade cloud or just the General Trump cloud."

Crow, an Army veteran, expresses his commitment to honoring the military but criticizes the administration's approach as excessive and financially irresponsible.

Crow [01:40]:
"The administration does, it's overkill. It goes overboard and it loses the forest through the trees."

3. Critique of Administration's Expenditures

Congressman Crow delves into the financial implications of the parade and other administrative expenditures, highlighting what he perceives as misallocated funds.

Crow [01:45]:
"There's no coincidence here. The man wants pomp and circumstance and to have his ego stroked on his birthday... They are blowing through money like it's free in this administration."

He outlines various budgetary concerns:

• $50 Million: Cost of the parade.
• $140 Million: Deployment of Marines and National Guard to Los Angeles.
• $25 Billion: Allocation for the "Golden Dome," a missile defense system.
• $1 Billion: Airstrikes against the Houthis, deemed ineffective.

Crow [02:51]:
"Like money is free and doesn't mean anything apparently to this administration."

He contrasts these expenditures with neglected areas such as DoD barracks and veterans' services.

Crow [04:56]:
"And then all the other money we're spending... they're reallocating it for the border... cutting veterans jobs, they're slashing VA healthcare and services."

4. Handling of Protests and Civil Unrest

The conversation shifts to President Trump's statements regarding protests, which he has characterized in a threatening manner.

Sam Stein [05:17]:
"Trump today was talking about the parade and he had this kind of ominous line about protests... 'If you show up in protest, we're going to confront you with force.'"

Crow responds by drawing parallels to past administrations' handling of civil unrest, emphasizing the overreach of Trump's approach.

Crow [05:33]:
"Trump has repeatedly maligned veterans and our combat soldiers... won't go to the cemetery where our brothers and sisters are buried."

He encourages alternative forms of honoring veterans rather than participating in what he views as a show of military might.

Crow [07:17]:
"I'm encouraging people to find other ways to honor our army... service is the best way to honor folks, in my opinion, rather than sitting there and watching a bunch of tanks roll down Pennsylvania Avenue."

5. Criticism of Pete Hegseth and DoD Management

The discussion transitions to recent controversies involving Pete Hegseth, Secretary of Defense, focusing on his handling of the Department of Defense post-Gate scandal and the deployment of troops to Los Angeles.

Sam Stein [08:46]:
"That actually is a good segue to Pete Hegseth who was on the Hill today talking to the appropriators..."

Crow [09:32]:
"The man is a disgrace... Most of his senior staff have resigned and become disgruntled employees."

He criticizes Hegseth's leadership, noting the lack of transparency and accountability within the DoD under his tenure.

Crow [10:48]:
"They've shut down any public reporting and transparency. All he tends to do is run around and do PT with troops."

Crow also highlights Hegseth's neglect of essential duties, such as attending NATO meetings, in favor of superficial public relations activities.

6. The Role of Democrats and Future Strategies

Addressing concerns among Democrats about attending the parade amidst threats of confrontation, Crow emphasizes resilience and proactive engagement.

Sam Stein [14:22]:
"Is this something where Democrats should say, fine, bait us like we... this is an argument we have to have."

Crow [14:38]:
"If there's something that needs to be said or an argument you need to have, then have it with strength and conviction and don't back down."

He encourages Democrats to demonstrate strength and uphold their values through meaningful actions rather than succumbing to intimidation.

Crow [15:08]:
"Let's weigh in and have the fight. If something's right, it's right. If it's wrong, it's wrong."

7. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The episode concludes with mutual appreciation between Sam Stein and Congressman Crow. Stein invites Crow to return for future discussions, acknowledging the importance of such dialogues in navigating the complex political landscape.

Sam Stein [15:27]:
"All right, Congressman, I appreciate this. Thank you so much. Let us know how your celebration goes on Saturday."

Crow [15:43]:
"Thanks, Sam. Appreciate it."

Key Takeaways:

• Excessive Spending: Rep. Crow criticizes the administration's allocation of funds towards the military parade and other projects, viewing them as financially imprudent.

• Intimidation Tactics: The use of military force to suppress protests is seen as a tool for intimidation, undermining democratic freedoms.

• Leadership Failures: Pete Hegseth's management of the DoD is heavily criticized for lacking transparency and effective leadership.

• Democratic Resilience: Emphasis on Democrats maintaining strength and conviction in the face of perceived governmental overreach and intimidation.

This episode provides an in-depth analysis of current political tensions, military expenditures, and the administration's strategies, offering listeners a detailed perspective from a sitting Congressman.