Bulwark Takes: Episode Summary Title: Trump Pardoned J6 Rioters. Now He’s Open to Paying Them Too. Host/Author: The Bulwark Release Date: March 26, 2025
Introduction
In this episode of Bulwark Takes, hosts Sam Stein and Will Sommer delve into two prominent and contentious topics dominating the current political landscape: former President Donald Trump's recent comments regarding compensation for January 6th (J6) participants and the ongoing scandal surrounding a Signal group chat infiltration involving high-ranking national security officials. Released on March 26, 2025, this episode provides a comprehensive analysis of these issues, exploring their implications and the surrounding conspiracy theories.
Trump’s Interview and Comments on J6 Compensation
The episode opens with Sam Stein and Will Sommer discussing Donald Trump’s latest interview on Newsmax. Trump addressed the unexpected topic of creating a government compensation fund for J6 participants whom he pardoned early in his administration.
Notable Quote:
Donald Trump [01:12]: "Well, there's talk about that. We have a lot of people talk about. A lot of the people that are in government now talk about it because they, a lot of the people in government really like that group of people. They were patriots as far as I was concerned. I talked about, I talk about them a lot. They were treated very unfairly."
Sam Stein highlights Trump's somewhat open-minded stance towards the idea, noting his initial assumption that pardoning the rioters was sufficient. He probes Will Sommer on the origins and momentum behind the compensation fund concept.
The Emergence of a Compensation/Reparations Fund for J6 Rioters
Will Sommer provides insight into the burgeoning movement advocating for reparations or compensation for the J6 participants. While not as widely recognized as traditional reparations discussions, this initiative is gaining traction among certain conservative circles.
Notable Points:
- The idea has recently surfaced, with notable figures like attorneys Peter Tickton and Mark McCloskey spearheading efforts to establish the fund.
- Tickton's connection to Trump is minimal, stemming primarily from attending the same military academy.
- McCloskey, remembered for drawing his gun on Black Lives Matter protesters, brings notoriety to the movement through his conservative activism.
Sam Stein and Sommer discuss the challenges of gaining legislative support, questioning whether current members of Congress are advocating for such a bill. They speculate on potential lawmakers who might champion the cause, with Sommer suggesting Marjorie Taylor Greene as a likely candidate, while Stein bets on Brendan Gill due to his history of supporting Trump-aligned legislation.
Signal Group Chat Infiltration and National Security Concerns
The conversation shifts to a significant national security issue: the infiltration of a Signal group chat used by high-ranking national security officials, including the controversial inclusion of journalist Jeffrey Goldberg. This breach has sparked numerous conspiracy theories and intense scrutiny.
Notable Quote:
Mike Waltz [07:38]: "I don't know this guy. I know him by his horrible reputation, and he really is a bottom scum of journalists. [...] We're going to figure out how this happened."
Sam Stein criticizes National Security Advisor Mike Waltz’s handling of the situation, particularly his inability to provide a satisfactory explanation for Goldberg’s presence in the group chat. Sommer analyzes the plausibility of Waltz’s claims, deeming them insufficient and attributing them to typical Trumpian deflection rather than genuine transparency.
Online Conspiracy Theories and Public Reaction
The hosts explore the explosion of conspiracy theories surrounding the Signal group chat incident. Will Sommer remarks on the enticement these narratives hold for conspiracy enthusiasts, likening the situation to “having such a sort of narrative scrambling moment.”
Notable Points:
- Theories range from deliberate infiltration by hostile actors to inadvertent additions of adversarial individuals like Goldberg.
- The lack of a clear and credible explanation from the administration fuels further speculation.
- Sommer criticizes reliance on figures like Elon Musk to "solve" the problem, labeling it as unrealistic and avoiding responsibility.
Discussion on Potential Legislation for Compensation
Returning to the topic of compensating J6 rioters, the hosts speculate on which lawmakers might take up the cause. While Marjorie Taylor Greene is initially suggested by Sommer, Sam Stein counters by favoring Brendan Gill due to his proactive legislative actions in support of Trump-related initiatives.
Notable Quote:
Sam Stein [14:13]: "Any sense to me because J.D. vance literally went to Europe and said that you don't need. [...] So you have that."
Sam Stein emphasizes Gill’s track record, including his role in the impeachment efforts against a judge who opposed Trump’s policies, indicating his readiness to support the compensation fund initiative.
Conclusion
Sam Stein and Will Sommer conclude the episode by reaffirming the significance of both the compensation fund proposal and the Signal group chat scandal. They underscore the ongoing challenges in addressing these issues amidst a polarized political environment and rampant misinformation. The hosts encourage listeners to stay informed and critically evaluate the narratives presented by political figures and media outlets.
Notable Quote:
Sam Stein [14:25]: "We'll leave this with a bet. Who's your money on?"
The episode wraps up with a light-hearted bet on which lawmaker will champion the compensation fund, highlighting the uncertainty and speculative nature surrounding the initiative’s legislative future.
Key Takeaways:
- Trump’s Potential Compensation for J6 Rioters: An emerging idea with limited legislative support, spearheaded by notable conservative figures.
- Signal Group Chat Scandal: A significant national security breach involving unauthorized inclusion of a hostile journalist, fueling conspiracy theories and criticism of the administration’s response.
- Legislative Speculation: Uncertainty remains about which lawmakers will advocate for the proposed compensation fund, reflecting broader political dynamics.
- Conspiracy Theories: The incident exacerbates existing mistrust and misinformation within political discourse, emphasizing the need for transparent and credible explanations from authorities.
This episode of Bulwark Takes offers a thorough examination of these complex and evolving issues, providing listeners with valuable insights into the interplay between political maneuvers, legislative actions, and public perception in the current American landscape.