Bulwark Takes: Trump Fires Adviser Mike Waltz in Wake of Signalgate
Release Date: May 1, 2025
Host/Author: The Bulwark

Introduction

In this episode of Bulwark Takes, the Bulwark team delves into the recent turmoil within President Trump's administration, focusing on the ousting of National Security Advisor Mike Waltz amidst the controversial Signalgate scandal. Hosts Sam Stein, Sarah Longwell, and Will Sommer dissect the events leading to Waltz's departure, the implications for the administration, and the emerging influence of Laura Loomer in reshaping the National Security Council (NSC).

Breaking Down Signalgate and Mike Waltz's Exit

Sam Stein opens the discussion by announcing the departure of Mike Waltz, President Trump's National Security Advisor, along with his deputy Alex Wong. Multiple outlets, including CBS's Jennifer Jacobs, Fox, and Politico, have confirmed the news. The catalyst for Waltz's exit appears to be a significant breach of protocol involving the accidental inclusion of the Atlantic's editor in a sensitive Signal chain, inadvertently sharing classified information.

Sam Stein [00:00]: "Mike Waltz, national security advisor for President Trump, is on the outs. ... He accidentally included the editor of the Atlantic on a single chain and then discussed incredibly sensitive classified information on the Signal chain. Kind of a big fuck up."

Sarah Longwell emphasizes that Waltz is the primary party facing the fallout, rather than Hegseth, who initially shared the classified information. She highlights the gravity of Waltz having Jeffrey Goldberg's contact information, which was mishandled, leading to the breach.

Sarah Longwell [00:45]: "The biggest thing is that Waltz is the one taking the fall... The sin here is not that you shared classified information, it's that you had Jeffrey Goldberg's number because you can."

Will Sommer provides technical details, explaining that the mishap occurred due to an auto-save error in the Signal app, resulting in incorrect contact information.

Will Sommer [01:52]: "...Mike Waltz's deputy had sent him Jeffrey Goldberg's info at one point long ago. And then Apple did that auto-save thing where it was saved under the wrong numbers."

Sam Stein critiques the administration's handling of classified information and points out Waltz's negligence as a significant embarrassment for the Trump administration.

Sam Stein [02:11]: "Trump will spin the classified information stuff... Jeff having Jeffrey Goldberg in your phone is the... issue for Waltz."

Patterns of Instability in Trump's Cabinet

The conversation shifts to a broader analysis of the Trump administration's pattern of high turnover and the precarious positions of his staffers.

Sam Stein [03:23]: "We remember the first term, Mike Flynn, gone within like, what, weeks? People who staff Trump inevitably will get burned."

Sarah Longwell agrees, noting that while Waltz was initially seen as one of the more competent picks for the administration, his irresponsibility made him the first target amidst the numerous internal issues.

Sarah Longwell [03:58]: "He is clearly wildly irresponsible... It looks like there's going to be one fall guy and it's going to be Waltz."

Laura Loomer's Rising Influence and Impact

A significant portion of the episode examines the role of Laura Loomer, a right-wing activist who has been instrumental in orchestrating the removals of several top NSC staffers, including Alex Wong.

Sam Stein introduces Loomer's involvement, questioning her potential nomination as Waltz's replacement.

Sam Stein [04:55]: "Loomer... is she going to be nominated as Mike Waltz's replacement? I mean, we have to ask."

Will Sommer elaborates on Loomer's aggressive tactics, including her public tweets targeting Alex Wong, and suggests that she may be acting on behalf of other factions within the Trump administration seeking to purge more traditional foreign policy figures.

Will Sommer [05:30]: "...she tweeted about Alex Wong. She tweeted 'scalp.' ... Alex Wong was her big target... Loomer was acting on behalf of some other factions within the Trump administration."

Sam Stein questions the seriousness of Loomer's influence, to which Will Sommer responds affirmatively, highlighting her role in multiple NSC staff firings.

Will Sommer [06:45]: "Quite seriously. ... She's got a bunch of people fired from the National Security Council."

Sarah Longwell criticizes Loomer's pursuit of recognition and her desire to gain influence within the White House, portraying her as an opportunist seeking prominence.

Sarah Longwell [07:22]: "She is just eager to show people that her influence matters... the eye of Sauron on you."

Implications for U.S. Foreign Policy and Administration Stability

The hosts discuss the broader consequences of Waltz's departure and Loomer's potential rise on U.S. foreign policy and the administration's stability.

Sam Stein raises concerns about the future of the NSC and the likely replacement for Waltz, expressing worry over the diminishing presence of experienced foreign policy officials like Marco Rubio and Mike Flynn.

Sam Stein [07:39]: "People who cared about foreign policy and a robust American presence on the global stage, like you said, they thought Waltz was actually a semi-respectable, decent pick... Serious concern."

Sarah Longwell echoes these concerns, suggesting that Trump's administration lacks trustworthy and competent individuals to manage sensitive areas like national security effectively.

Sarah Longwell [08:25]: "Trump feels like he'll get anybody he wants through. ... these are all such losers."

Concluding Insights and Reflections

In their final remarks, the hosts reflect on the combination of incompetence and deceit within the administration, underscoring the dangers posed by the current leadership dynamics.

Sarah Longwell [09:16]: "The mendacity coupled with the stupid is a dangerous combination."

Sam Stein adds a critical note on the hubris of the current cabinet officials, suggesting that their overconfidence exacerbates the severity of their failures.

Sam Stein [09:02]: "These people have a lot of hubris and then they always... it always hits harder when they fall."

Key Takeaways

• Mike Waltz's Departure: Waltz, the National Security Advisor, is ousted due to a significant breach involving the accidental sharing of classified information on Signal, primarily stemming from mishandling contact information.

• Laura Loomer's Influence: Loomer has played a pivotal role in the recent NSC staff purges, signaling a shift towards more radical elements within the administration exerting control.

• Administration Instability: The Trump administration continues to exhibit high turnover and instability among its staff, raising concerns about effective governance and foreign policy execution.

• Future Implications: The removal of experienced and moderately competent officials like Waltz and the rise of figures like Loomer may lead to a more erratic and less effective national security strategy.

Notable Quotes

• Sam Stein [00:00]: "Mike Waltz... a big fuck up."
• Sarah Longwell [00:45]: "The sin here is not that you shared classified information, it's that you had Jeffrey Goldberg's number because you can."
• Will Sommer [05:30]: "This is a bizarre world we live in where this kind of right-wing activist... is able to roll up and purge the NSC."
• Sarah Longwell [09:16]: "The mendacity coupled with the stupid is a dangerous combination."

This episode of Bulwark Takes provides a comprehensive analysis of the internal conflicts within the Trump administration, highlighting the precarious nature of its current leadership and the potential ramifications for U.S. national security and foreign policy.