Podcast Summary: Bulwark Takes – "Noem Hearing: She Won’t Say Trump Lied"

Episode Overview

In the May 14, 2025 episode of Bulwark Takes, hosted by Sam Stein and featuring guest Tim Miller, the discussion centers on South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem's recent hearing before the House Homeland Security (DHS) Budget Appropriations Committee. The episode delves into Noem's contentious performance, highlighting her interactions with members of Congress, particularly Representatives Eric Swalwell and Dan Goldman. The hosts analyze the implications of Noem's responses, drawing connections to broader political dynamics and the influence of former President Donald Trump on current governmental actions.

1. Introduction to Kristi Noem's Congressional Hearing

Sam Stein opens the discussion by setting the stage for Kristi Noem's appearance before Congress regarding the DHS budget appropriation. He characterizes Noem's performance as "going sideways pretty badly," suggesting that her testimony revealed the extent to which Cabinet members feel compelled to align with Trump's directives.

Sam Stein [00:00]: "We are here to talk about Kristi Noem, who had a hearing before the members of Congress for the DHS budget appropriations request, and it went sideways pretty badly on multiple occasions."

2. Kristi Noem's Performance and Initial Impressions

Tim Miller expresses skepticism about Noem's presence, initially mistaking her for a wax figure due to her lack of facial expressions during the hearing. This observation underscores his perception of Noem's disengaged and inflexible demeanor.

Tim Miller [00:32]: "She's kind of my favorite to discuss. I was interested when you first sent me the links and said she was appearing in front of Congress. It took me a second because I was trying to decide if that was actually her or there's, like, the hall of Presidents figure of her."

3. Exchange with Representative Eric Swalwell

A significant portion of the episode focuses on Noem's exchange with Rep. Eric Swalwell. Swalwell confronts Noem with a photo purportedly showing DHS Representative Abrego Garcia with MS-13 tattoos, which was alleged to be manipulated under Trump's directive.

Key Moments:

• Swalwell Challenges the Photo's Authenticity:

  Eric Swalwell [01:33]: "Could you look at the photo, please? It's right in front of me."

• Noem Deflects the Inquiry:

  Kristi Noem [02:17]: "Today is on a doctored photo. You don't want to talk about the facts."

• Host Analysis:

  Sam Stein criticizes Noem for refusing to engage with the evidence, suggesting her responses are designed to protect Trump's narrative at all costs.

  Sam Stein [03:10]: "They are afraid to say that Donald Trump was wrong about anything."

Tim Miller further elaborates on the cult-like loyalty Noem exhibits towards Trump, emphasizing her inability to admit any inaccuracies in Trump's statements.

Tim Miller [03:44]: "It's like, no, this is a cult. It's the number one trait of a cult. The cult leader cannot be wrong."

4. Exchange with Representative Dan Goldman

The discussion shifts to Noem's interaction with Dan Goldman, who presses her on the legality of deporting Abrego Garcia, a U.S. citizen's parent with severe health issues.

Key Moments:

• Goldman Advocates for Due Process:

  Dan Goldman [10:45]: "I'm not advocating for him. I'm advocating for a court order. Madam Secretary, the court order says that you must take steps to follow the court order."

• Noem's Response Lacks Substance:

  Kristi Noem [11:08]: "It's got to Be extremely discouraging to be one of your constituents. To see you fight for a terrorist like this and not fight for them is extremely alarming to me."

Sam Stein and Tim Miller interpret Noem's responses as evasive, lacking concrete actions to address the legal and humanitarian concerns raised by Goldman.

5. Analysis and Implications

The hosts explore the broader implications of Noem's testimony, arguing that her inability to provide concrete answers or challenge Trump's narrative undermines the effectiveness of congressional oversight.

Key Insights:

• Marking Agenda with Limited Success:

  Tim Miller [07:31]: "But again, I don't know exactly the whole hearing. So some of that might have happened, but like that would, I think be the most useful."

• Potential for Future Revelations:

  Drawing parallels to the Benghazi hearings, Tim Miller suggests that sustained pressure could lead to significant disclosures, even if initial efforts seem futile.

  Tim Miller [09:22]: "You learn more stuff. And like, by a, like, long kind of butterfly flapping its wings way, that investigation ended up being the thing."

• Importance of Documenting Efforts:

  Sam Stein emphasizes the necessity of maintaining a record of these challenges, even when immediate results are absent.

  Sam Stein [10:20]: "It's important to have the record show that you're pushing for it."

6. Other Notable Moments and Broader Context

The episode briefly touches on other members of Congress, including Mayor Pete Buttigieg's remarks on due process, highlighting ongoing debates about legal protections and governmental authority.

Pete Buttigieg [13:15]: "Due process is afforded to everybody because it is through that due process that our society can make decisions, including challenging decisions about what happens to you if you are, in fact, held to be in violation of the law..."

Sam Stein and Tim Miller critique Buttigieg's stance, questioning its consistency and potential implications.

7. Concluding Thoughts

Sam Stein wraps up the discussion by reinforcing the importance of these congressional hearings in maintaining governmental accountability. He acknowledges the challenges faced when in the minority but stresses that persistent efforts are crucial for upholding the rule of law and exposing potential abuses.

Sam Stein [13:58]: "Another one of Biden's missed opportunities, I suppose."

Final Reflections

The episode of Bulwark Takes provides a detailed examination of Kristi Noem's contentious hearing, highlighting the struggles within the DHS to navigate post-Trump political landscapes. Through incisive analysis and critical questioning, Sam Stein and Tim Miller underscore the importance of congressional oversight and the need for transparency within governmental departments. The discussion encapsulates the tension between adhering to former administrations' directives and upholding democratic principles and legal standards.