Bulwark Takes: Episode Summary Title: Mike Flynn Devoured by the MAGA Conspiracies He Created
Release Date: May 1, 2025
Host/Author: The Bulwark
Speakers: Sam Stein (Managing Editor at The Bulwark), Will Sommer (Author of the False Flag Newsletter Franchise)

Introduction

In this episode of Bulwark Takes, Sam Stein engages in a deep-dive conversation with Will Sommer to explore the intriguing and ironic downfall of Michael Flynn, a central figure in the MAGA conspiracy landscape. The discussion unpacks how Flynn, once a pivotal player in propagating conspiracy theories, has now become ensnared in one of his own making.

Michael Flynn's Rise in Conspiracy Theories

[00:00 - 00:54]
Sam Stein opens the discussion by highlighting Michael Flynn's transformation from a retired general and brief Trump national security adviser to a martyr within the Trump grassroots and conspiracy-theorist communities.

Will Sommer: "Michael Flynn was of course, a general. He was briefly Trump's national security adviser in the first term, and most importantly for our purposes, he was indicted by Robert Mueller. And so because of that, he became a hero to the Trump grassroots and especially conspiracy theorists who thought that, you know, anyone getting indicted by Robert Mueller was sort of a victim of the deep state and this, this hero."

Flynn's Deepening Involvement with QAnon

[00:54 - 02:36]
Will Sommer elaborates on Flynn's immersion into the QAnon conspiracy movement, describing how his indictment positioned him as a martyr and facilitated his rise as a central figure within the community. Flynn's active participation in QAnon conventions and promotion of related conspiracy theories solidified his status.

Will Sommer: "He starts promoting... he was like, we should do a Myanmar style coup here against liberals... And so this is a guy who has been riding high and sort of remade himself after leaving government as like a hero to conspiracy theorists."

Transition Post-Trump Re-election

[02:36 - 03:06]
Post-Trump reelection, Flynn remains active within conspiracy circles but has not reentered governmental roles. Rumors suggest potential involvement in a new administration, though no concrete evidence supports these claims.

Sam Stein: "I would be surprised. There are certain stoves you don't touch."

Flynn's Entanglement in January 6th Conspiracies

[03:06 - 05:28]
Sam Stein and Will Sommer dissect the emerging conspiracy that accuses Flynn of orchestrating the January 6th insurrection to entrap Trump supporters. The theory suggests that Flynn, under the guise of a conspiracy hero, manipulated events to create legal troubles for his allies.

Will Sommer: "There's kind of like a lot of under this conspiracy... they think he's still working for the deep state... that he was sort of what you might say he was sheep dipped."

Internal QAnon Feuds and Impact on Flynn

[05:28 - 07:29]
The conversation shifts to internal conflicts within the QAnon movement, particularly between Flynn and other influential members like "the Matrix" and "Shady Groove." These disputes have led to a fracturing of support, exacerbated by external pressures such as the nomination of Earl Matthews to the Pentagon's general counsel position. Matthews' criticism of the Flynn family has fueled further conspiratorial narratives against them.

Sam Stein: "Michael Flynn standing in my way."

Additionally, a QAnon rap criticizing Flynn and supporting Earl Matthews is discussed:

Rap Lyrics: "There's a reason yo they duck and they weed Flynn Network sh. Can't let you believe Earl Matthew's name they won't let it shine but the truth's breaking free It's a matter of time Reasons they hide reasons they lie Patriots, opposers let's look in their eyes."

Earl Matthews' Role and QAnon Exploitation

[07:29 - 08:39]
Will Sommer explains how Earl Matthews, amidst his confirmation process, has become a target for QAnon narratives. Despite his professional role, Matthews actively engages in online criticism of the Flynn family, which QAnon enthusiasts have leveraged to deepen their conspiratorial claims.

Will Sommer: "He reposts a QAnon video about, you know, Flynn's panicking because Earl's in charge... This is like. This guy is otherwise presents as like, a pretty, like, straightforward military guy, but."

Flynn's Reaction to Being the Target of Conspiracies

[08:39 - 09:11]
The episode concludes with Flynn's visible frustration over becoming a victim of the very conspiracies he once championed. His public statements reflect his distress and lack of amusement at the irony of his situation.

Will Sommer: "Flynn is absolutely blowing his lid over this. I mean, he is tweeting... 'me and my family are tired of being a pin cushion for the mob and all this.'"

Conclusion and Looking Forward

Sam Stein and Will Sommer wrap up the episode by pondering the future developments in Flynn's saga, particularly the impact of internal QAnon conflicts and Flynn's potential moves against further conspiratorial entanglements. The discussion underscores the complex and often self-destructive nature of conspiracy movements.

Sam Stein: "We'll be watching to see what he does with this. And maybe they'll just eat each other. And I'm very curious to see if Earl Matthews ends up at the Pentagon."

Key Takeaways

• Michael Flynn's Transformation: From a Trump official to a QAnon martyr, Flynn's journey illustrates the volatile nature of political conspiracies.
• Irony of Downfall: Flynn, once a master of conspiracy theories, is now ensnared in one, highlighting the self-perpetuating cycle of misinformation.
• Internal QAnon Dynamics: Infighting and rivalries within QAnon factions exacerbate the complexity of conspiratorial narratives.
• Earl Matthews' Involvement: Matthews' professional role intersects with QAnon, providing ammunition for ongoing conspiracies against the Flynn family.
• Future Implications: The unfolding drama around Flynn and his associates may signal broader shifts within the MAGA conspiracy landscape.

Notable Quotes:

• Will Sommer (00:54): "Michael Flynn was... indicted by Robert Mueller... he became a hero to the Trump grassroots and especially conspiracy theorists who thought that, you know, anyone getting indicted by Robert Mueller was sort of a victim of the deep state."

• Sam Stein (04:15): "I love my brother, and if he went crazy down rabbit holes, I would not disown him, but I would find it a little bit uncomfortable."

• Will Sommer (05:49): "They have turned on him... now Michael Flynn... has been nominated to be the Pentagon's general counsel... providing grist for that."

• Will Sommer (08:03): "This guy is otherwise presents as like, a pretty, like, straightforward military guy, but."

• Will Sommer (09:11): "There's this irony that he was like, Mr. Conspiracy Theory, and now he's, you know, the victim of one."

This episode provides a comprehensive and engaging exploration of Michael Flynn's entanglement in the very conspiracies he once helped propagate, offering listeners a nuanced understanding of the intricate dynamics within the MAGA conspiracy ecosystem.