Bulwark Takes: Sarah Longwell on Trump’s Fans Turning on His Lawless Orders

Episode Release Date: April 9, 2025
Host/Author: The Bulwark
Guest: Nicole Wallace
Duration: Approximately 6 minutes

Introduction: Escalating Executive Orders

Sarah Longwell opens the discussion by addressing the recent surge in Donald Trump's use of executive orders to target individuals like Miles Taylor and Chris Krebs for speaking out against his administration. Expressing her astonishment, Longwell states:

"It is incredibly pernicious for him to sign executive orders and launch investigations into people simply for speaking out against what they saw from his administration." (00:00)

She questions the rationale behind using executive orders as a tool for such attacks, emphasizing the authoritarian nature of these actions.

Analyzing Trump's Tactics: Distraction and Authoritarianism

Longwell delves into Trump's possible motivations behind his aggressive executive actions. She speculates whether Trump is attempting to distract the public from other controversial moves, such as his sudden reversal on tariff policies:

"Is he trying to distract you like, like a guy with a laser pointer and the media is a bunch of cats?" (01:00)

She criticizes the use of executive orders to intimidate critics, comparing Trump's approach to authoritarian tactics by instilling fear among those who might dare to oppose him.

Discussion with Nicole Wallace: Impact of Policy Failures

Nicole Wallace joins the conversation to highlight the ramifications of Trump's policy missteps, specifically the tariff announcements and the Signal Gate national security crisis. Wallace remarks:

"Talk about sort of the wear and tear that those two sort of twin self-inflicted crises have taken on his early presidency." (02:37)

Longwell expands on the Signal Gate incident, pointing out the mishandling of classified information and the lack of accountability:

"Donald Trump is a real stalwart around classified information, considering that he left a bunch of classified documents in his bathroom at Mar A Lago." (03:08)

She underscores how these crises, many self-inflicted, have eroded trust in Trump's administration.

Economic Policies: The Tariff Debacle and Voter Sentiment

The conversation shifts to Trump's economic strategies, particularly his initial promises to lower prices and subsequent tariff-induced inflation. Wallace observes:

"My thoughts are that the tariff and the intentional damage to the economy is one such off ramp." (05:24)

Longwell agrees, distinguishing between hardcore MAGA supporters and those drawn to Trump's economic promises:

"A big part of the Trump voter coalition were just people who wanted prices lowered. When he fails to do that, it drives a knife through the heart of the central mythology around Trump." (05:00)

She explains that many voters are beginning to doubt Trump's business acumen as economic conditions deteriorate, creating an "off ramp" away from unwavering support.

Authoritarian Tendencies and Party Dynamics

Longwell warns against Trump's attempts to suppress dissent within the Republican Party. She highlights his history of targeting Republicans who oppose him:

"He has always reserved his greatest ire for people who were members of the Republican Party who have stood up to him." (06:14)

Both Longwell and Wallace emphasize the importance of supporting figures like Chris Krebs and Miles Taylor, who have stood against Trump's authoritarian measures. Longwell urges:

"People should come to Chris and Miles defenses here. If people let them hang out to dry...they're going to get to you eventually." (06:40)

Conclusion: A Call to Action

In closing, Longwell urges former Trump administration members and the broader Republican base to speak out against Trump's actions. She stresses the necessity of standing up to prevent further authoritarian overreach:

"I hope that everybody speaks up now to say that this is wrong." (06:40)

The discussion encapsulates the growing disenchantment among Trump's supporters, driven by his lawless orders and failed economic policies, signaling a potential shift in the political landscape.

Key Takeaways:

• Authoritarian Measures: Trump's use of executive orders to target critics is seen as a move towards authoritarianism.
• Policy Missteps: Failed economic policies, especially tariffs, are eroding support among voters who initially backed Trump for lowering prices.
• Internal Party Conflict: Efforts to silence dissent within the Republican Party highlight internal fractures and the potential for change.
• Voter "Off Ramps": Economic frustrations may lead a significant portion of Trump's voter base to reconsider their support.

This episode of Bulwark Takes offers a critical examination of Trump's recent actions and their impact on his political standing, emphasizing the broader implications for American democracy and the Republican Party.