Bulwark Takes: MAGA Chaos – MAHA in Disarray with RFK Deserters, Project Veritas Leader Goes Off the Rails

Episode Overview In the May 28, 2025 episode of Bulwark Takes, hosts Sonny Bunch and Will Sommer delve into the tumultuous developments within the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement led by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The discussion also explores the recent controversies surrounding James O'Keefe, the founder of Project Veritas, highlighting significant internal conflicts and his controversial actions post-ousting.

1. MAHA in Disarray: RFK Jr. and Del Bigtree's Rift

Key Discussions: The conversation begins with Sonny Bunch introducing the brewing conflict within MAHA, a faction of the MAGA movement spearheaded by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. A significant point of contention is the fallout between RFK Jr. and Del Bigtree, a prominent anti-vaccine activist who served as the communications director for RFK's campaign.

Notable Points:

• Del Bigtree's Resignation: Del Bigtree recently announced his departure from MAHA, citing a need to focus more intensively on anti-vaccine initiatives. This move signals a growing divide between the hardcore anti-vaccine faction and the more moderate members within MAHA.

• Diverging Agendas: The rift underscores a fundamental split within MAHA between those who view vaccines as a "mortal threat" and those who prefer a broader approach to health issues, such as focusing on food safety and other public health concerns.

Notable Quotes:

• Sonny Bunch at [02:04]: “There seems to be some division there between RFK and sort of his top lieutenant.”
• Will Sommer at [03:27]: “Del Big Tree is much more on the anti vaccine side. So him quitting and saying, you know, in his resignation announcement he said, you know, cleaning up the food is fine, but you know, we really need to focus on the vaccines.”

Analysis: The hosts highlight that Del Bigtree's resignation may reflect deeper strategic disagreements within MAHA. While RFK Jr. appears to be steering the movement towards a more encompassing health agenda, Bigtree and his allies seem intent on maintaining a sharp focus on anti-vaccine activism. This schism could potentially weaken MAHA's unified front, making it challenging to sustain its momentum and political influence.

2. Project Veritas Leader James O'Keefe: From Undercover Maverick to Controversial Outcast

Key Discussions: Shifting focus, Sonny and Will examine the latest developments surrounding James O'Keefe, the controversial founder of Project Veritas. After two years of relative obscurity, O'Keefe has resurfaced with a new documentary titled Truth Inside Veritas, which has reignited debates about his leadership and the future of the organization.

Notable Points:

• Documentary Revelations: O'Keefe's documentary presents his perspective, alleging that the Project Veritas board ousted him due to his reckless behavior, including extravagant spending and inappropriate conduct. He claims that internal conflicts led to his departure, painting himself as a victim of a power struggle within the nonprofit.

• Allegations of Misconduct: The documentary features shocking allegations, such as employees sending him sexually explicit images and accusations of creating a toxic work environment. These claims have sparked discussions about governance and accountability within activist organizations.

• Uncertain Future of Project Veritas: Despite O'Keefe's assertions of plans to reclaim leadership and revive Project Veritas, insiders close to the organization deny any imminent takeover, suggesting that O'Keefe's influence may be waning.

Notable Quotes:

• Will Sommer at [05:19]: “James o'Keefe has kind of been in the wilderness. I mean, this is the guy from all the undercover videos. He's been in the wilderness for two years.”
• Sonny Bunch at [07:44]: “This documentary is kind of part of this weird campaign he's running where he's claiming I'm in talks to retake Project Veritas and he does his videos now in front of the Project Veritas logo.”

Analysis: The episode paints a picture of an organization at a crossroads, grappling with leadership conflicts and reputational damage. O'Keefe's documentary serves both as a platform for his grievances and a strategic move to maintain his relevance within the right-wing activism sphere. However, the skepticism expressed by Project Veritas insiders about his intentions and capability to lead suggests potential instability ahead for the group.

Conclusion

This episode of Bulwark Takes offers a deep dive into the internal struggles within the MAHA movement and the unraveling leadership at Project Veritas. Sonny Bunch and Will Sommer provide insightful analysis, highlighting how these conflicts reflect broader tensions within right-wing activism and the challenges of maintaining cohesion in politically charged organizations. Listeners gain a nuanced understanding of the shifting dynamics and the potential implications for future political strategies and movements.

Key Takeaways:

• The split between RFK Jr. and Del Bigtree may signify a strategic pivot within MAHA, balancing between extreme anti-vaccine activism and broader health advocacy.
• James O'Keefe's controversial actions and publicized grievances highlight issues of governance and personal conduct in activist organizations, potentially impacting Project Veritas's effectiveness and reputation.

For those interested in the evolving landscape of right-wing politics and activism, this episode offers valuable perspectives on the fractures and power struggles that could shape future trajectories.