Bulwark Takes: Trump Loyalists Learn What ‘America First’ Really Means

Released on August 9, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of Bulwark Takes, hosted by Tim Miller from The Bulwark, the discussion centers around the real-world consequences faced by Trump loyalists under the banner of "America First." The episode delves into two primary stories: the deportation of a Trump Burger restaurant owner and the challenges faced by the Montana Knife Company amidst shifting trade policies. Through these narratives, the hosts explore the complexities and unintended repercussions of political affiliations and governmental policies.

1. The Fall of Trump Burger

[00:00 - 06:00]

Tim Miller opens the episode by introducing two MAGA executives who have recently encountered significant setbacks. The first story features a report from KHOU in Houston about the arrest and potential deportation of Roland Bianney, the 28-year-old owner of Trump Burger restaurants in the Houston area.

Key Highlights:

• Rodney Bianney's Situation: Arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for overstaying his visa, Roland faces deportation as he awaits his immigration proceedings. Despite achieving business success with the Trump-themed restaurant chain, his immigration status has become a liability.

  "He found a niche in the marketplace... if an immigrant wants to come here and live the American dream, get a green card marriage maybe and open a business... that's great." (00:53)

• Tim Miller’s Commentary: Miller expresses a nuanced view, emphasizing support for lawful entrepreneurship while critiquing the notion of deploying immigration enforcement based on political affiliations.

  "I would not have been happy if Joe Biden went around deporting random business owners because they like Donald Trump." (01:24)

• Houston Chronicle Review: Miller shares excerpts from a Houston Chronicle review, highlighting the paradox of a Trump-affiliated business failing despite its popularity. The review criticizes the quality of the Trump Burger, describing it as "serviceable" but lacking in flavor and appeal.

  "It's missing the craggy edges, which tells you the meat hasn't been on a hot grill for enough time to develop the beefy flavor." (03:00)

• Implications: The downfall of Trump Burger serves as a case study in how political allegiance can intersect with personal circumstances, leading to unintended consequences for business owners.

2. Challenges Facing the Montana Knife Company

[06:00 - 09:57]

The second major segment discusses the Montana Knife Company, a MAGA-aligned business facing operational challenges due to tariffs. Ryan Bussey of the Montana Dispatch provides the initial report, which Tim Miller expands upon with additional insights and a dramatic reenactment of owner Josh Smith's grievances.

Key Highlights:

• Josh Smith's Enterprise: Josh Smith, owner of the Montana Knife Company, has successfully scaled his business by capitalizing on his MAGA branding and entrepreneurial spirit.

  "Montana Knife Company, a very, very MAGA knife brand... Pictures on his Instagram with Donald Trump Jr. and his moobs." (07:12)

• Tariff Impact: Smith criticizes the Trump administration's tariff policies, claiming they have adversely affected his manufacturing costs despite his business being "American made."

  "We're trying to build American manufacturing... why is the cost of equipment to manufacture in America going up that drastically in one year?" (07:48)

• Tim Miller’s Analysis: Miller points out the irony in Smith's assertion that tariffs wouldn't affect his business, given that the manufacturing equipment itself is not entirely domestically produced. He underscores the unintended economic strain tariffs are imposing on MAGA-aligned businesses.

  "Think about how much that adds up when you start thinking about the other equipment." (09:02)

• Political Inaction: Despite Smith's challenges, Miller notes a lack of support from Montana's Republican officials, questioning why Senators like Tim Sheehy and Steve Dane haven't intervened on behalf of MAGA small business owners.

  "They could take back the power of the purse. They could say, Mr. President, Guy, I got to look out for my guy in Montana." (09:02)

• Business Resilience: While acknowledging the difficulties, Miller remains optimistic about the adaptability of entrepreneurs like Smith to navigate these hurdles.

3. Reflections and Broader Implications

[09:57 - End]

In wrapping up the discussions, Tim Miller reflects on the broader themes of the episode, emphasizing the complex interplay between political ideology, government policy, and individual business success.

Key Insights:

• Unintended Consequences: Both the deportation of Roland Bianney and the financial strains on Josh Smith illustrate how policies intended to prioritize "America First" can inadvertently harm loyal supporters and small businesses.

• Pluralistic Society: Miller reiterates the importance of pluralism, suggesting that targeting individuals based on political affiliations undermines the diverse fabric of American society.

  "We live in a pluralistic society. We like pluralism here at the Bulwark." (01:24)

• Encouragement for Audiences: The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to stay informed and engaged with ongoing developments affecting MAGA-aligned entrepreneurs and their businesses.

  "Shoot them a call Montana Knife Company Josh Smith might be something for you to think about." (09:57)

Conclusion

This episode of Bulwark Takes provides a critical examination of the real-world impacts of political allegiance and governmental policies on small businesses. Through the stories of Trump Burger and the Montana Knife Company, the hosts highlight the challenges faced by MAGA loyalists in navigating a changing political and economic landscape. The discussions underscore the complexities of maintaining entrepreneurship and personal aspirations within the framework of "America First," prompting listeners to consider the broader implications of such policies on the diverse tapestry of American society.

Note: Timestamps are indicative and correspond to the segments discussed.