Bulwark Takes: Sean Combs’ Fate Depends on Trump’s Ego

Episode Date: August 2, 2025
Host: Sam Stein, Managing Editor at The Bulwark

Introduction and Context

In this episode of Bulwark Takes, Sam Stein delves into a revealing interview between former President Donald Trump and Newsmax. Released on August 2, 2025, the episode titled "Sean Combs’ Fate Depends on Trump’s Ego" explores Trump’s candid discussions about his potential use of presidential pardon power. Stein provides a critical analysis of Trump’s responses regarding high-profile figures seeking clemency.

Trump’s Recent Actions and Economic Concerns

Sam Stein begins by setting the stage with recent significant events:

• Firing of the BLS Commissioner: Trump dismissed the commissioner of the Bureau of Labor Statistics amidst claims of data manipulation to tarnish his administration's performance.

• Nuclear Submarines Threat: Trump made alarming statements about deploying nuclear submarines to Russia, raising international tensions.

• Poor Jobs Report: A recent employment report indicated a struggling economy and labor market, prompting Trump to respond defensively during his Newsmax interview.

"The economy is not actually in a great place, labor market's not in a great place," Stein notes, highlighting Trump’s reactive stance to unfavorable economic indicators.

Discussion on Presidential Pardons

A significant portion of the Newsmax interview focused on Trump’s potential pardons and acts of clemency. Stein emphasizes that Trump’s approach reveals much about his character and affiliations.

1. Sean "Puff Daddy" Combs

Background:
Sean Combs, a prominent music mogul, was recently convicted and faces a substantial jail sentence. His efforts to secure a pardon involve leveraging connections within Trump’s inner circle.

Trump’s Response:
"I would say so," Trump candidly admits at [03:36], indicating a possible inclination to pardon Combs. However, he also expresses reluctance due to past hostilities.

Notable Quotes:

• [02:40] Donald Trump: "Well, he was essentially, I guess, sort of half innocent. Yes. I don't know what they do still in jail or something..."

• [03:10] Donald Trump: "He said some not so nice things about you, sir."

Stein critiques this stance, pointing out the lack of meritocracy in Trump’s pardon considerations. He remarks, "Trump is being like, you know what? I might do it because I used to like the guy, but I might not do it because he was mean to me during a campaign."

2. George Santos

Background:
George Santos, a disgraced former congressman known for fabrications and corrupt activities, is another figure mentioned in the pardon discussion.

Trump’s Response:
At [04:54], Trump acknowledges Santos’s fraudulent behavior but remains non-committal about offering clemency.

Notable Quotes:

• [04:54] Donald Trump: "He lied like hell. Yeah. And I didn't know him, but he was 100% for Trump..."

• [05:27] Donald Trump: "It's a long seven years. He just went away."

Stein highlights the transactional nature of this consideration, noting that Santos's unwavering support for Trump during his tenure might be the only qualifying factor for any potential pardon.

3. Ghislaine Maxwell

Background:
Ghislaine Maxwell, associated with the Jeffrey Epstein case, is serving a 20-year sentence for sex trafficking. Recent developments include her transfer to a minimum-security facility and communications with Trump’s former lawyer.

Trump’s Response:
When questioned about Maxwell, Trump states at [07:57], "I'm allowed to do it, but nobody's asked me to do it." He deflects any commitment to considering her clemency.

Notable Quotes:

• [07:57] Donald Trump: "I know nothing about the case, but I know I have the right to do it."

Stein interprets Trump’s ambiguous stance as a veiled acknowledgment of the controversial Epstein files, suggesting that Trump’s reluctance to release more information may be tied to protecting certain interests.

Analysis and Implications

Sam Stein offers a comprehensive analysis of Trump’s approach to pardons:

• Favoritism Over Merit: Trump’s considerations appear heavily influenced by personal relationships and loyalty rather than the merits of each case.

• Transparency Issues: The lack of clear criteria and openness about the pardon process raises concerns about potential abuses of power.

• Impact on Public Trust: Such practices may erode public confidence in the presidential pardon system, traditionally seen as a check for judicial mercy rather than political favoritism.

Stein concludes by stating, "It's not too hard to read between the lines there," suggesting that Trump’s pardon discussions are more about consolidating power and rewarding allies than genuine justice.

Conclusion

This episode of Bulwark Takes sheds light on the potentially problematic use of presidential pardon power by Donald Trump. Through candid quotes and critical analysis, Sam Stein underscores the implications of favoritism, lack of transparency, and the broader impact on governance and public trust. For listeners seeking an in-depth understanding of Trump’s pardon strategies and their ramifications, this episode offers a compelling and insightful exploration.

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