Bulwark Takes: Episode Summary — "The Text Chain That Should END Trump’s Presidency"

Podcast Information

• Title: Bulwark Takes
• Host/Author: The Bulwark
• Description: The news cycle doesn’t slow down, and neither does The Bulwark. Bulwark Takes brings you bite-sized takes on the news of the day from the entire Bulwark team, including Tim Miller, Sarah Longwell, and Bill Kristol, and more.
• Episode: The Text Chain That Should END Trump’s Presidency
• Release Date: March 24, 2025

Introduction to the Scandal [00:00 - 02:05]

JVL opens the discussion by highlighting a groundbreaking article by Jeffrey Goldberg in The Atlantic. The article exposes a significant security breach within the Trump administration where high-ranking officials, including National Security Advisor Michael Waltz, were using the encrypted messaging app Signal to discuss sensitive military operations against the Houthis in Yemen.

Notable Quote:

• JVL [00:00]: "It's one of the most astonishing security breaches I've ever seen in the history of America."

Sarah Longwell emphasizes the gravity of the situation, describing the conversation as both dangerous and idiotic. She prepares listeners for an in-depth analysis of how such high-level discussions occurred on a non-secure platform like Signal.

Notable Quote:

• Sarah Longwell [00:53]: "We're going to pull out all the different parts of the things that this journalist... was able to glean from being inadvertently added to a signal chain of all of the highest people..."

The Signal Group Revelation [02:05 - 05:22]

JVL recounts how Jeffrey Goldberg was mistakenly added to a Signal group conversation comprising influential figures like Marco Rubio, JD Vance, Pete Hegseth, Stephen Miller, and Tulsi Gabbard. The group was openly discussing plans to conduct strikes in Yemen to secure shipping lanes, revealing operational details that pose serious national security risks.

Notable Quote:

• JVL [02:02]: "It's Death of Stalin. Right. This is when people are like, oh, it's Veep, not House of Cards. That's not quite true because Veep is funny, but it's not sinister."

Sarah points out the absurdity and recklessness of such high-level officials debating military operations over an encrypted, yet commercially available, messaging app.

Notable Quote:

• Sarah Longwell [02:05]: "Because bombs bombing people is at the center of this conversation."

Detailed Examination of the Group Chat [05:22 - 11:07]

JVL and Sarah delve into the specifics of the Signal conversation. They highlight how JD Vance expressed concerns over the necessity and political viability of the proposed strikes, questioning why the U.S. should intervene to aid European shipping interests given that only 3% of American shipping passes through the contested lanes compared to 40% of European shipping.

Notable Quote:

• JD Vance [04:57]: "I think we should wait on this. Plus, the politics are bad. How are we going to sell the politics to the American people?"

Sarah underscores the unprofessionalism and the blatant disregard for operational security, noting the use of emojis and informal language in discussing serious military actions.

Notable Quote:

• Sarah Longwell [05:01]: "And the politics are bad. How are we going to sell the politics to the American people?"

Security Breaches and Operational Failures [11:07 - 15:04]

The conversation shifts to the broader implications of using Signal for such high-level discussions. JVL explains the inherent security risks, including the potential for messages to be accessed by unintended parties, such as personal contacts or even adversaries.

Notable Quote:

• JVL [11:07]: "Michael Waltz had provided the group an update... including information about targets, weapons the US would be deploying, and attack sequencing."

Sarah points out that this breach is not an isolated incident but indicative of a systemic problem within the government’s communication practices.

Notable Quote:

• Sarah Longwell [10:42]: "The idea that this is like a one off... This is how the American government is planning national, major national security incursions, bombings."

Consequences and Government Dysfunction [15:04 - 20:49]

JVL speculates on the potential fallout, questioning whether Congress will step in with hearings and oversight. Sarah doubts immediate congressional action, highlighting the chaotic nature of the administration's operations.

Notable Quote:

• JVL [15:04]: "Do you think there will be any congressional oversight in the wake of this historic security breach?"

Sarah humorously compares the administration’s handling to accidental missteps in everyday communication, emphasizing the unprofessional and haphazard approach to governance.

Notable Quote:

• Sarah Longwell [17:13]: "Imagine their conversations when they... send a text to the wrong person. It happens, but this is on a national security level."

Official Response and Public Perception [20:49 - 22:59]

The hosts discuss the official response to the leak. Brian Hughes, the spokesman for the National Security Council, confirmed the authenticity of the Signal group but downplayed the breach by labeling it as a "demonstration of deep and thoughtful policy coordination."

Notable Quote:

• Brian Hughes [22:59]: "This appears to be an authentic message chain... a demonstration of the deep and thoughtful policy coordination between senior officials."

Sarah critiques this response, arguing that it fails to address the fundamental security flaws exposed by the incident.

Notable Quote:

• Sarah Longwell [22:59]: "Their spin is like, well, what's in the chain is just them being thoughtful about it. No, it's like the opposite of them being thoughtful."

Implications for National Security and Governance [22:59 - 23:45]

JVL and Sarah reflect on the broader implications, suggesting that this incident is merely the "tip of the iceberg" and indicative of deeper issues within the government’s operational protocols.

Notable Quote:

• JVL [23:38]: "This is the part of the iceberg that is visible above the waterline."

Sarah agrees, emphasizing the need for vigilance and continued scrutiny to prevent further breaches and restore functional governance.

Notable Quote:

• Sarah Longwell [23:38]: "And, well, and we just, we gotta, we gotta. We got visuals on the below the watermark, and it ain't pretty."

Conclusion and Call to Action [23:45 - End]

In the closing remarks, JVL urges listeners to stay informed and engaged, portraying the situation as critical to the future of American governance. Sarah reinforces the importance of public awareness and continued fighting to reclaim a functional government.

Notable Quote:

• JVL [23:45]: "Hit, subscribe, hit follow. Stay with the channel. We are on this stuff 24 hours a day, seven days a week."

Sarah adds a final note on the necessity of public vigilance to counteract the administration's undermining of governmental integrity.

Notable Quote:

• Sarah Longwell [23:45]: "Keep fighting. Good luck, America."

Key Takeaways

• Severe Security Breach: High-ranking Trump administration officials discussed sensitive military operations on the non-secure, encrypted messaging app Signal.
• Operational Failures: The use of Signal for national security communications exposes critical vulnerabilities and a lack of proper protocol adherence.
• Government Dysfunction: The incident suggests systemic issues within the administration's operational practices, potentially leading to governance paralysis.
• Public Awareness and Action: The hosts emphasize the importance of public vigilance and engagement to address and rectify the administration's failures.

Implications

This episode highlights alarming lapses in national security protocols and governmental operations, suggesting that the Trump administration’s handling of sensitive information poses significant risks to American national security. The discussion underscores the urgent need for legislative oversight and reforms to prevent future breaches and ensure effective governance.