Bulwark Takes – Episode Summary

Podcast: Bulwark Takes
Episode: Tim Miller: Trump Bullies One Ally While Another Slips Away
Host: Tim Miller + segment with Nicole Wallace
Date: November 18, 2025

Overview

This episode centers on two emerging divisions within the MAGA movement: Donald Trump's intensely personal attacks on GOP Congressman Thomas Massie, and the widening ideological cracks symbolized by contrasting trajectories of Marjorie Taylor Greene and Megyn Kelly. Tim Miller provides context, personal commentary, and reflects on the implications these fissures could have for Trump’s grip on the Republican Party.

Key Topics and Discussion Points

1. The Trump–Thomas Massie Conflict

[01:11–11:26]

• Background:
  Tim Miller highlights Trump's recent, deeply personal attack on Rep. Thomas Massie, a Kentucky libertarian admired for pushing to release the Epstein files and challenging Trump on government overreach.

• Massie’s Response:
  Massie responds to Trump’s attacks with levity, noting that "Dogs don't bark at parked cars, and we are winning." [02:07]

• The Personal Attack:
  Trump publicly mocks Massie’s recent remarriage following the death of his first wife—a highly sensitive area, given Massie’s tragic loss after three decades of marriage.

  “Did Thomas Massie, sometimes referred to as Rand Paul Jr because of the fact that he always votes against the Republican Party, get married already?... Anyway, have a great life. Thomas and his wife will soon find out that she's stuck with a loser.” – Quoted by Tim Miller from Trump’s social media [04:13]

• Massie’s Background:
  Miller explains Massie’s faithfulness to his late first wife (Rhonda), the tragic circumstances of her passing, and the eccentricities of his new marriage—underscoring the unfairness and cruelty of Trump’s jabs.

  “I hope that's fulfilling. I hope that's meaningful. I hope that brings Thomas Massie some kind of comfort after this tragedy and for Trump to go after that… is truly reprehensible.” – Tim Miller [06:23]

• Reflection on Grief and Politics:
  Miller discusses the inappropriate politicization of personal grief and defends Massie’s right to move forward, noting:

  “We should judge people based on how they act after a tragedy? … None of us want to even imagine this.” – Tim Miller [07:35]

• Trump’s Record:
  Sharp contrast between Trump’s own personal life scandals and his willingness to attack others on moral grounds.

  “This thrice married, cheating, tiny dicked asshole…” – Tim Miller, emphasizing the hypocrisy [06:52]

• Kudos and Criticisms for Massie:
  Miller respects how Massie handled the attacks but wishes he’d speak out more forcefully against such conduct within the movement.

  “Kudos to you, Thomas Massie … my one area of non-kudos: I have invited him on and he doesn’t seem to want to come on The Bulwark.” – Tim Miller [10:52]

2. Fissures in MAGA: Marjorie Taylor Greene (MTG) and Megyn Kelly

[11:30–16:38]

• MTG’s Situation:

  • Nicole Wallace prompts Miller about Marjorie Taylor Greene’s apparent shift away from MAGA radicalism, pondering whether it’s a genuine evolution or political calculation.

  • Miller argues society should incentivize redemption but warns against being naïve about MTG’s motives or erasing her history:

    “I think it's important…that we incentivize people coming back from the brink instead of just…sending people over the edge.” – Tim Miller [11:34]

    “A crack in the MAGA coalition is really only going to come from the Marjorie Taylor Greene’s of the world.” – Tim Miller [13:08]

• Megyn Kelly and MTG: Opposite Calculations

  • Wallace notes that both Megyn Kelly and MTG are re-assessing their positions within MAGA, but in opposite directions—with Kelly doubling down and Greene moving away.

  • Miller speculates about their motivations—joking that “maybe Megyn Kelly’s also thinking she might run for president in 2028.” [14:47]

  • He frames Megyn Kelly’s decision as hedging her bets, noting “nobody’s ever won a bet in the Republican Party betting against Donald Trump… That’s why the Marjorie Taylor Greene case is so interesting.” [15:01]

  • MTG, having more MAGA credibility, can break ranks with less risk, while Kelly is more of an outsider.

• Reflecting Trump’s Waning Strength

  • Both hosts acknowledge the moment is significant, suggesting Trump’s hold on the party has weakened—evident in mounting defections and recalculations post-offyear elections and amid scandals like the Epstein file push.

    “We wouldn’t have been having this discussion a month ago because everybody was scared of Donald Trump and he seemed so strong…now all of a sudden, I do think you’re seeing calculations happening.” – Tim Miller [16:10]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Trump’s attack on Massie:

  “For this thrice married, cheating, tiny dicked asshole to go after him…is truly reprehensible.” – Tim Miller [06:52]

• On Marjorie Taylor Greene’s shifting stance:

  “Even if it’s too little, too late…she’s rowing towards something better for democracy.” – Nicole Wallace [14:14]

• On strategic cracks in MAGA:

  “A crack in the MAGA coalition is really only going to come from the Marjorie Taylor Greene’s of the world.” – Tim Miller [13:08]

• On why these moments matter now:

  “Now all of a sudden, I do think you’re seeing calculations happening…that’s a real change from a month ago.” – Tim Miller [16:10]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [01:11] Tim Miller introduces Trump’s attacks on Thomas Massie
• [02:07] Massie’s remarks on Trump’s bullying and his campaign’s financing
• [04:13] Tim Miller reads Trump’s social media post
• [06:23] Miller’s passionate defense of Massie’s remarriage
• [10:52] Miller invites Massie onto The Bulwark
• [11:30] Nicole Wallace asks about MTG’s trajectory
• [11:34] Miller on incentives for redemption
• [13:08] “Crack in the MAGA coalition” analysis
• [14:47] Speculation on Megyn Kelly’s future ambitions
• [15:01] Republican party dynamics—Kelly vs. MTG
• [16:10] Recognition of shifting MAGA dynamics

Tone and Takeaways

The episode is sharply critical of Trump’s personal attacks, empathetic toward Massie’s experience, and insightful about evolving intra-MAGA fractures. Miller’s commentary combines irreverence (“tiny dicked asshole”) with earnest appeals for political decency. Both hosts identify a significant moment for the Republican Party, suggesting Trump’s invincibility is slipping and that redemption (even from unlikely sources like MTG) should be welcomed if it contributes to weakening authoritarian currents.

For listeners and non-listeners alike, this episode provides a pointed analysis of the latest GOP infighting, the personal nature of Trump’s politics, and why some former loyalists might finally be eyeing the exits.