Bulwark Takes: Detailed Summary of "Mayor Bass Slams Trump: 'It Used to Be Called a Coup'"

Release Date: July 10, 2025

In this compelling episode of Bulwark Takes, host Lauren Egan engages in a profound conversation with Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and special guest Sam Stein. The discussion centers around the escalating tensions between Los Angeles city officials and the federal government under President Donald Trump's administration, particularly focusing on recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids and the deployment of the National Guard.

1. Introduction and Context

Lauren Egan opens the episode by introducing Mayor Karen Bass and Sam Stein, noting the latter's presence is due to his birthday. She sets the stage by highlighting the tumultuous events in Los Angeles over the past few weeks, including ICE raids, immigration enforcement actions, and the controversial deployment of the National Guard.

Lauren Egan (00:13): "Mayor Bass, you've had a pretty tumultuous few weeks in Los Angeles with ICE raids, immigration raids, the National Guard being sent to the city."

She references a concerning statement from the head of Customs and Border Protection (CBP):

Sam Stein (01:04): "Better get used to us now because this is going to be normal very soon."

2. Federal Intervention and Mayor Bass’s Strong Opposition

Mayor Bass vehemently opposes the federal government's actions, describing them as authoritarian and likening them to a coup. She provides a detailed critique of the federal tactics, emphasizing the illegitimacy and the negative impact on the community.

Karen Bass (01:36): "I absolutely will not accept that this is the norm. What happened at MacArthur Park was a performance. It was a show of force."

Bass draws parallels to historical coups and underscores the inappropriate use of the National Guard in civilian settings without necessity or request.

Karen Bass (02:03): "They have no contact with their families or with the law or with the legal counsel. What is this? You know, I think that we are the test case to see if Americans will accept this being the new normal."

She further highlights the unexpected lack of support from Trump supporters in Los Angeles, noting their absence from confrontational actions.

Karen Bass (02:45): "You don't see anybody running around with Trump flags going, yeah, yes, arrest those people."

3. Evolution of Mayor Bass’s Response

Lauren probes Mayor Bass on how her approach has evolved since the onset of these federal actions. Bass acknowledges being initially caught off guard but quickly shifted to a stance of resistance.

Karen Bass (04:03): "We weren't caught off guard. And then the seizure of power that came shortly thereafter."

She emphasizes the importance of Los Angeles standing as a "petri dish" for national resilience against federal overreach.

Karen Bass (04:25): "We have to push back, that we not accept this."

Bass also touches on the personal toll on National Guard members, criticizing their involuntary participation in political maneuvers.

Karen Bass (04:58): "Soldiers should not be props for anybody's reality show."

4. Media Strategy and Communication

Sam Stein raises the topic of media outreach, noting the proactive stance both Mayor Bass and Governor Gavin Newsom have taken in engaging with the media to counteract misinformation.

Sam Stein (06:43): "You've now taken a very proactive role... trying to get messaging out, trying to reach people, trying to debunk what you think are smears."

Bass acknowledges the increased media efforts and underscores their necessity in the current climate.

Karen Bass (06:52): "That's going to continue because again, LA has to stand strong for the nation."

She discusses the challenges posed by the blurred lines between government branches and the strategic overreach of the administration.

Karen Bass (08:30): "The co equal branches of the government... trying to flex its muscles to see how far they can push their power."

5. Supporting Other Mayors and Preparing for the Future

Mayor Bass elaborates on how Los Angeles is assisting other mayors across the country facing similar federal pressures. She highlights the importance of legal preparedness and resource sharing.

Karen Bass (09:13): "Providing that kind of assistance. We put lawyers on zoom calls so that mayors in other cities know their rights."

Bass emphasizes maintaining unity within cities to support local economies and communities adversely affected by federal actions.

Karen Bass (09:30): "Keeping their city united... dealing with the people... this has had a severe blow to our local economy."

6. Managing Upcoming Major Events Amid Federal Threats

The conversation shifts to major upcoming events in Los Angeles, such as the Summer Olympics, World Cup games, and the 2027 Super Bowl. Lauren Egan inquires about the potential threats posed by Trump’s administration.

Lauren Egan (11:13): "How do you think about Trump's vindictiveness and the threat factor with him?"

Bass responds by prioritizing the safety of Angelenos and dismissing fears of Trump taking away these events.

Karen Bass (11:56): "I have to defend my people today. It's my job to keep Angeleno safe."

She clarifies the legal limitations of the President regarding the relocation of international events.

Karen Bass (12:21): "He doesn't have the power to do that... the Games are run by the International Olympic Committee."

7. Confrontation vs. Strategic Resistance

Lauren brings up instances of Democratic officials confronting federal law enforcement, questioning the effectiveness of such tactics.

Lauren Egan (12:32): "Do you think that that strategy is effective, or do you worry that it plays into kind of the spectacle element that Trump and his administration is looking for?"

Bass advises against confrontation, stressing that aggressive actions only embolden the administration’s tactics.

Karen Bass (13:05): "I don't want to see people confront law enforcement... This administration is salivating at the idea of bringing major federal trade charges."

She advocates for non-confrontational strategies while continuing to oppose federal overreach.

8. Balancing Democratic Responses and Party Unity

Sam Stein prompts Bass to discuss the broader Democratic Party’s stance and whether the party has found the right balance in responding to Trump’s actions.

Sam Stein (15:10): "...how do you balance war?"

Bass indicates the difficulty in addressing these issues from a mayoral perspective, noting that her current role differs from her previous experience in Congress.

Karen Bass (15:21): "Nobody here is defending child molesters and hardened criminals... The tactics they are using are a strategy of fear and terror."

She elaborates on the specific and often arbitrary nature of ICE raids, emphasizing their impact on innocent citizens.

Karen Bass (16:00): "People are being snatched off the street... This is the strategy to blanket the area with fear."

9. Communication with the White House

In discussing attempts to communicate with the White House, Mayor Bass reveals a lack of cooperation and ongoing communication barriers.

Karen Bass (17:25): "I have there hasn't been communication."

She mentions initial attempts to engage but notes the absence of substantive dialogue regarding immigration issues.

Karen Bass (17:40): "The meeting hasn't happened, so we will see."

10. Positive Developments Amidst Turmoil

Despite the challenges, Mayor Bass shares optimistic news about Los Angeles, countering federal narratives of chaos.

Karen Bass (18:25): "Crime is down 60 year low for homicides... a huge decrease in crime."

She contrasts the limited scope of recent disturbances with the overall stability and improvement in city safety metrics.

Karen Bass (18:40): "The conflict that happened... was about a square mile... we have people on the street significantly decrease."

11. Conclusion

Lauren Egan wraps up the episode by acknowledging Mayor Bass’s busy schedule and expressing gratitude for her participation and insights.

Lauren Egan (19:09): "Thanks for making Sam's birthday and joining us today. We really, really appreciate. Come back anytime."

Mayor Bass echoes the thanks, affirming her commitment to the city and the ongoing struggle against federal overreach.

Karen Bass (19:23): "Thank you very much."

Key Takeaways

• Authoritarian Tactics: Mayor Bass strongly opposes the federal government’s use of ICE raids and National Guard deployments in Los Angeles, labeling such actions as attempts at a coup.

• Media Engagement: Both Mayor Bass and Governor Newsom are actively engaging with modern media to counteract misinformation and maintain public support.

• Support for Other Mayors: Los Angeles is providing legal and strategic support to other mayors facing similar federal pressures, emphasizing preparedness and legal rights awareness.

• Non-Confrontational Resistance: Mayor Bass advocates for strategic, non-confrontational resistance against federal actions to avoid escalating conflicts and empower federal overreach.

• Positive City Metrics: Despite federal interference, Los Angeles reports significant decreases in crime rates, challenging federal narratives of widespread chaos.

• Communication Barriers: Attempts to engage with the White House on immigration issues have been largely unsuccessful, highlighting political and communication rifts.

This episode of Bulwark Takes provides a deep dive into the intersection of local governance and federal overreach, showcasing Mayor Bass's resilience and strategic approach in safeguarding her city’s autonomy and well-being amidst national political turbulence.