Podcast Summary: Bulwark Takes Episode: Trillions Spent on Bunkers? The Elites Are Hiding Underground!
Release Date: May 22, 2025
Host: The Bulwark
Guest: Will Sommer

Introduction

In this episode of Bulwark Takes, hosted by The Bulwark team, including Tim Miller, Sarah Longwell, and Bill Kristol, the discussion centers around emerging conspiracy theories gaining traction within right-wing circles. The primary focus is on the claim that trillions of dollars have been invested in underground bunkers for elites, preparing for an impending geophysical catastrophe. Guest Will Sommer delves into these claims, providing analysis and context.

Geophysical Event and Tucker Carlson's Interview

Host opens the conversation by referencing a segment from Tucker Carlson's show, where a guest alleges massive government expenditures on underground bunkers:

"[02:07] Host: This all comes up because on Tucker Carlson's show he interviewed a nice lady who informed us that the government has siphoned off trillions of dollars... to Build underground bunker cities for the 1% to survive the geophysical event."

Will Sommer explains the term "geophysical event" as a recurring theme among right-wing conspiracy theorists:

"[01:34] Will Sommer: ... the geophysical event. And they were saying, you know, every time Trump might meet with a world leader... Geophysical event refers to a potential mega extinction scenario, such as a magnetic pole reversal, volcanic eruptions, or massive earthquakes."

Underground Bunker Cities Allegations

The discussion progresses to the specifics of the alleged bunker programs. Will Sommer references Katherine Fitz, a former HUD official, who claims substantial funds were misappropriated to build these bunkers:

"[03:21] Will Sommer: ...she claims that $20 trillion has been stolen from HUD and other agencies. And her theory is that this was built to use bunkers underground across the world to prepare for this geophysical event..."

Host emphasizes the global scope of the alleged bunkers:

"[02:32] Host: ...it is a global elite program."

However, Will Sommer points out the lack of concrete details regarding the bunkers' locations and structures:

"[03:43] Will Sommer: She doesn't specify. I mean, I'd assume if you have that many... But her idea is that all of these elites around the world know that something big is coming, and if you're not underground, you're going to be dead."

Analysis of the Conspiracy Theory

Host draws parallels between these conspiracy theories and popular apocalyptic narratives in entertainment:

"[04:17] Host: ...the apocalypse always sells. You can't, you can't go wrong with the apocalypse... The Last of Us... 2012..."

Will Sommer critiques the formation and spread of such theories, noting their structured nature compared to more nebulous conspiracies:

"[08:21] Will Sommer: ...it's actually a concrete conspiracy theory. ... For the past few years we've been dealing with a lot of kind of nebulous conspiracy theories... This is putting it out there, which I appreciate as well."

The Host questions the sincerity of Tucker Carlson's stance, comparing his demeanor to a comedic actor, suggesting skepticism:

"[05:40] Host: ...Do we think Tucker really buys into the trillions of dollars on underground bunkers?"

Will Sommer responds by acknowledging the ambiguity of Carlson's position but suggests he might be leveraging the theory for engagement:

"[05:59] Will Sommer: ...the demeanor he presents is that he believes it or at least finds it a viable theory. ...he's playing into it here, I would say."

Follow-up on Racial Slur Fundraising

Shifting topics, the Host references a segment from Will Sommer's newsletter about fundraising efforts linked to racial slurs:

"[08.52] Host: The second item in your newsletter this week is a follow-up to an earlier story... a woman used the N word against a child and raised money through a racist version of GoFundMe."

Will Sommer elaborates on the incident, highlighting the differing public reactions and fundraising outcomes:

"[09:20] Will Sommer: ...this woman called a five-year-old the N word... she raised $750,000. Then, a week later, a male counterpart tried a similar approach but only raised $7,000... because he was revealed to be Jewish, he was marginalized within white supremacist circles."

The Host reflects on the motivations and consequences of these actions:

"[10:24] Host: So it wasn't... his biggest crime was being stupid."

Will Sommer concurs, emphasizing that the attempt backfired due to the perpetrator's lack of authenticity and support:

"[10:30] Will Sommer: ...he's been banished from the white supremacist movement... he was saying, you know, come on, guys. ... his mistake was doing it."

The discussion includes the fallout for Shiloh Hendricks, the woman involved in the initial incident:

"[12:15] Will Sommer: ...she removed herself from the situation and severed ties with the accomplice, clarifying that they weren't romantically involved."

Conclusion

The episode of Bulwark Takes provides an in-depth exploration of how conspiracy theories, particularly those involving alleged elite preparations for catastrophic events, gain traction and influence public discourse. Will Sommer offers critical insights into the origins, propagation, and societal impact of these narratives. Additionally, the discussion on the misuse of fundraising platforms for racist purposes highlights the complexities and consequences of online activism in extremist contexts.

"[12:55] Will Sommer: Yeah, thanks for having me."

The conversation underscores the importance of vigilance and critical analysis in navigating the rapidly evolving landscape of online conspiracies and extremist movements.

Notable Quotes:

• Will Sommer on Geophysical Events:
  "[01:34] ...mega extinction scenario, such as a magnetic pole reversal, volcanic eruptions, or massive earthquakes."

• Host on Apocalyptic Narratives:
  "[04:17] ...the apocalypse always sells. You can't, you can't go wrong with the apocalypse."

• Host questioning Tucker Carlson:
  "[05:40] Do we think Tucker really buys into the trillions of dollars on underground bunkers?"

• Will Sommer on Conspiracy Theory Structure:
  "[08:21] ...it's actually a concrete conspiracy theory... This is putting it out there, which I appreciate as well."

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and analyses presented in the episode, offering a clear and informative overview for those who haven't listened to it.