Bulwark Takes: Episode Summary – "Trump & Elon’s Most Unhinged Press Conference Yet"
Release Date: May 30, 2025
Host: Sam Stein, Managing Editor at The Bulwark
Guest: Will Summer

1. Introduction to the Unprecedented Press Conference

In this episode of Bulwark Takes, Sam Stein and Will Summer dive into what they describe as “the most unhinged press conference yet” involving former President Donald Trump and entrepreneur Elon Musk. Released just days after Elon’s departure from a Trump administration role, the press conference has left commentators bewildered.

Sam Stein opens the discussion by characterizing the event as “weird” and hints at its significance as possibly Elon Musk’s farewell press conference. The duo sets the stage for a deep dive into the bizarre interactions and unexpected moments that unfolded during the event.

2. Elon's Quirky Demeanor and Attire

Will Summer notes, “Elon is being weird. He's wearing a weird shirt, you know, like a T-shirt in the White House. He's kind of looming over Trump at the Resolute Desk.” This unconventional choice of attire and behavior sets a peculiar tone, signaling that the press conference would deviate from traditional political discourse.

3. The New York Times Article and Ketamine Controversy

A significant portion of the press conference centered around a recent New York Times article alleging Elon Musk's “nonstop ketamine use” and its adverse effects on his health, specifically bladder issues.

• Peter Doocy, a reporter, confronts Musk with the allegation:
  “New York Times report today that accuses you of blurring.”
  (03:14)

• Elon Musk responds defensively, dismissing the credibility of the report:
  “Isn't this the fake news New York Times from Russiagate? They might have to give back their Pulitzer.”
  (03:18 - 03:32)

Sam Stein criticizes Musk's handling of the question, highlighting a rehearsed and weak response that failed to address the substance of the allegations.

4. Discussions on Pardoning P. Diddy

The press conference took an unexpected turn when Musk addressed questions about whether he would consider pardoning rapper P. Diddy, who was facing legal troubles.

• Peter Doocy asks:
  “Would you ever consider pardoning him?”
  (04:55)

• Donald Trump chimes in, maintaining ambiguity:
  “Nobody's asked. You had to be the one to ask, Peter.”
  (05:07 - 05:10)

Sam Stein critiques Trump's evasive answer as “classic Trump”, noting his tendency to “never rule anything out” without providing concrete information.

5. The Mysterious Key to the White House

One of the most perplexing moments was when Trump bestowed a key to the White House upon Elon Musk.

• Will Summer explains,
  “He claims this key gives you perpetual access to the White House, even when he's no longer president.”
  (06:09)

Sam Stein and Will Summer discuss the absurdity of the gesture, noting that Trump has previously handed out such keys to notable figures like Netanyahu. The key’s purported ability to grant “eternal access” is met with skepticism and bemusement by both hosts.

6. The Doge Project and Budget Cuts

The press conference also delved into the controversial Doge Project, where significant budget allocations were scrutinized.

• Donald Trump lists questionable expenditures:
  “$8 million for making mice transgender.”
  (09:17)
  “$45 million for diversity, equity and inclusion scholarships in Burma.”
  (09:24)

Sam Stein criticizes the lack of transparency and rationale behind these allocations, suggesting that they were more about “culture war” issues rather than substantial policy initiatives.

Elon Musk attempted to defend the project's concept by likening it to Buddhism:

• “I liken it to sort of person of Buddhism. It's like a way of life.”
  (07:53)

However, Stein remains unconvinced, asserting that “it's very evident to me that it's a failure” despite Musk's assurances of building on its “successes.”

7. Elon Musk's Black Eye Incident

A particularly awkward moment arose when Elon Musk appeared with a black eye, leading to uncomfortable explanations.

• When asked about his injury, Musk admits:
  “I was just watching around with Lex and I said, go ahead, punch me in the face. And he did.”
  (10:34)

Sam Stein expresses disbelief:
“I'm never gonna tell my kid to punch me in the face.”
(11:00)

Will Summer likens Musk's explanation to dubious excuses often seen in politics, drawing parallels to Harry Reid’s faux injury stories.

8. Reflections on the Trump-Elon Dynamic and Broader Implications

In their concluding remarks, Stein and Summer ponder the implications of Elon Musk's exit and what it signifies about the intersection of technology, politics, and authoritarian tendencies.

Will Summer speculates,
“The Elon age may not be over, but... it's hard to say.”
(13:25)

Sam Stein adds,
“He represented this sort of ideal that they had in mind that like, you know, the tech giants who... could transform Twitter could do the same for government.”
(13:34)

They conclude that Elon's tenure highlighted the challenges tech leaders face in political arenas, emphasizing that government work involves complexities and responsibilities that may not align with the ethos of Silicon Valley magnates.

Conclusion

The “Trump & Elon’s Most Unhinged Press Conference Yet” serves as a microcosm of the tumultuous intersection between tech leadership and political power. Sam Stein and Will Summer effectively dissect the chaotic nature of the event, highlighting key moments that underscore the challenges and absurdities that arise when unconventional figures navigate the rigid structures of political discourse.

Notable Quotes:

• Peter Doocy:
  “New York Times report today that accuses you of blurring.”
  (03:14)

• Elon Musk:
  “Isn't this the fake news New York Times from Russiagate? They might have to give back their Pulitzer.”
  (03:18 - 03:32)

• Donald Trump:
  “$8 million for making mice transgender.”
  (09:17)

• Elon Musk:
  “I was just watching around with Lex and I said, go ahead, punch me in the face. And he did.”
  (10:34)

• Sam Stein:
  “He represented this sort of ideal that they had in mind that like, you know, the tech giants who... could transform Twitter could do the same for government.”
  (13:34)

This detailed analysis provides listeners and readers with a comprehensive understanding of the eccentricities and underlying tensions that characterized the press conference, offering insights into the broader narrative of tech influence in politics.