Bulwark Takes: "Trump Just Made Us The Baddies" – Detailed Summary

Release Date: February 19, 2025
Host: The Bulwark Team (including Tim Miller and JVL)

In the February 19, 2025 episode of Bulwark Takes titled "Trump Just Made Us The Baddies," hosts Tim Miller and JVL engage in a deep dive into the United States' current standing on the global stage, arguing that recent foreign policy shifts under Donald Trump's influence have repositioned America as a global antagonist. This comprehensive discussion spans diplomatic negotiations, alliances, and the broader implications of America's strategic realignment.

1. Introduction: Shifting Perceptions of America

The episode opens with Tim Miller introducing a conversation sparked by internal discussions with Bill Kristol. The key assertion is that the United States has transitioned into the role of the "baddies" internationally—a sentiment both hosts find unsettling.

Tim Miller [00:56]: "We've all come to accept something that we've known for a while, which is, I think we're the baddies on the world stage now. Are we the baddies?"

JVL concurs, referencing the ominous symbolism of the U.S. adopting skulls and crossbones in certain diplomatic contexts, which historically denote danger or antagonism.

2. Diplomatic Shifts: The Saudi Arabia-Russia-Ukrainia Scenario

A significant portion of the discussion centers around the recent diplomatic activities involving Saudi Arabia, Russia, and Ukraine. The hosts dissect a scenario where the U.S. Secretary of State is seen negotiating with Russian counterparts in Saudi Arabia concerning Ukraine's future.

JVL highlights the contradictions in U.S. foreign policy:

JVL [01:05]: "I was not prepared for Donald Trump to tell America that we're switching sides. What happened?"

Tim Miller outlines the troubling outcomes from these negotiations:

Tim Miller [03:42]: "The three major outcomes that Rubio is indicating are coming from this meeting in Saudi Arabia. Also a sign that we're the baddies that were meeting in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia... we're just going to open back up the markets for them and help their economy. So this deal so far is just like a big gift to Russia economically."

This deal entails normalizing and rebuilding staffing at embassies, fostering closer diplomatic ties, and encouraging economic investments, which the hosts argue predominantly benefit Russia without reciprocating advantages for the U.S.

3. Implications for NATO and Global Alliances

The conversation delves into the potential disintegration of NATO under Trump's administration. JVL speculates on the dire consequences of such a move, including the possibility of a nuclear-armed Germany and the weakening of European defense cohesion.

JVL [08:59]: "If NATO breaks apart... do we really want a nuclear Germany? Is that really what... in the world's best interest?"

Tim Miller ponders whether Trump’s strategies will lead to the erosion of longstanding alliances, leaving Europe to fend solely against Russian aggression without American support.

4. Motivations Behind Trump's Foreign Policy

A critical analysis is presented regarding Trump's potential motivations for these controversial foreign policy decisions. Tim Miller hypothesizes that Trump's actions may prioritize personal legacy over national interests.

Tim Miller [05:46]: "Maybe what we're getting is not for America but for Trump himself... maybe it's just like Trump, in order to feel like he should get on Mount Rushmore, just wants a peace deal."

JVL echoes this skepticism, suggesting that Trump's maneuvers could be driven by a desire for personal renown rather than strategic benefit for the nation.

JVL [07:34]: "I think that his view of how he gets to Mount Rushmore... That's happening. That's happening."

5. Broader Consequences: Economic and Security Ramifications

The hosts discuss the broader implications of aligning more closely with Russia, including economic repercussions and security vulnerabilities. JVL raises concerns about the U.S. abandoning key allies and the potential economic fallout from deepening ties with an autocratic Russia.

JVL [04:05]: "We have the US Secretary of State in Saudi Arabia having a conference with the Russians about the future of Ukraine... We are now on the side of the autocrats."

Tim Miller questions the tangible benefits for America, pointing out that the supposed deals favor Russian economic interests without clear advantages for the U.S.

6. Internal Threats vs. External Adversaries

A pivotal moment in the discussion addresses the nature of threats facing the U.S., contrasting external adversaries with internal divisions. JVL references J.D. Vance's assertion that the greatest threats come from within rather than from countries like China or Russia.

JVL [15:02]: "The only way to interpret it really... it's like... the real enemy is his fellow Americans, the Democrats."

Tim Miller reflects on the impact of internal strife, suggesting that focusing inward may inadvertently empower external foes.

7. Analogies Illustrating the Crisis

To illustrate the severity of the current situation, JVL employs a powerful analogy comparing the U.S.'s predicament to tolerating the destruction of one's home to eradicate an unwanted piece of furniture.

JVL [14:20]: "Imagine what sort of weird person you'd have to be to sit back from that and say, 'At least he's getting rid of that sofa,' because that's basically what this is."

This metaphor underscores the notion that sacrificing national stability for perceived minor benefits is both irrational and destructive.

8. Concluding Thoughts: Uncertain Future and Call for Awareness

As the episode draws to a close, Tim Miller and JVL express deep concern over the trajectory of U.S. foreign policy and its global standing. They caution listeners about the potential long-term consequences of current decisions, emphasizing the need for vigilance and informed discourse.

Tim Miller [16:23]: "We'll find out."

The hosts encourage listeners to subscribe and stay engaged with the Bulwark’s ongoing analysis to navigate these complex geopolitical shifts.

Notable Quotes:

• Tim Miller [00:56]: "Are we the baddies?"

• JVL [01:05]: "I was not prepared for Donald Trump to tell America that we're switching sides."

• Tim Miller [03:42]: "So this deal so far is just like a big gift to Russia economically."

• JVL [04:05]: "We are now on the side of the autocrats."

• Tim Miller [05:46]: "What we're getting is not for America but for Trump himself."

• JVL [07:34]: "That's happening. That's happening."

• JVL [14:20]: "At least he's getting rid of that sofa... that's basically what this is."

This episode of Bulwark Takes serves as a critical examination of the United States' evolving role in global politics under Trump's influence, positing that the nation may be undermining its own interests and moral standing on the world stage. Through incisive analysis and poignant analogies, Tim Miller and JVL invite listeners to reconsider prevailing narratives and recognize the potential ramifications of current foreign policy directions.