Bulwark Takes Summary: "Trump Prosecutor Wants to Lock Up New Jersey’s Governor"
Release Date: April 11, 2025

Introduction to the Episode's Main Topic

In the April 11, 2025 episode of Bulwark Takes, hosted by The Bulwark team members JVL and Will Sommer, the discussion centers around a significant legal and political development in New Jersey. The focal point is Alina Haba, the interim U.S. Attorney for New Jersey, who has publicly announced criminal investigations against Governor Chris Murphy and Attorney General Matt Platkin. This move has sparked debates about the politicization of law enforcement and reflects broader trends within the Republican sphere.

Announcement of the Investigation

The episode kicks off with JVL delivering breaking news about Alina Haba's unexpected public declaration on FOX News. Haba revealed her intent to launch criminal investigations into Governor Murphy and Attorney General Platkin, citing their alleged obstruction of federal immigration enforcement efforts.

JVL [00:29]: "Hello everybody. This is JVL here with my Bulwark colleague Will Sommer. And we have breaking news from across the river from me in New York City in New Jersey last night, Alina Haba... announcing criminal investigations against the New Jersey Governor, Chris Murphy, and the New Jersey Attorney General, Matt Plotkin."

Haba criticized the Governor's website for instructing state law enforcement to disregard federal immigration warrants, positioning her actions as a strict enforcement of federal law. She emphasized that any obstruction or concealment related to federal efforts would be met with severe charges.

Alina Haba [01:35]: "Anybody who does get in that way, in the way of what we are doing, which is not political, it is simply against crime, will be charged in the state of New Jersey for obstruction, for concealment. And I will come after them hard."

Analysis of Alina Haba's Actions

Will Sommer provides a critical analysis of Haba's approach, drawing parallels to tactics employed by former President Trump. He suggests that launching public investigations serves as a strategic maneuver to undermine political opponents rather than purely enforcing the law.

Will Sommer [03:06]: "Well, this is kind of a new Trumpian thing, isn't it? Sort of saying like we're launching an investigation as a way to sort of mess with someone."

Sommer highlights the unconventional nature of announcing such investigations on a cable news network instead of through official press releases, indicating a move towards highly politicized law enforcement.

The Trend of Cosplay and Public-Facing Law Enforcement

JVL and Sommer delve into the cultural phenomenon of public-facing law enforcement officials adopting performative personas, often involving cosplay elements. They reference Alina Haba's recent appearance in tactical gear as an example of this trend.

JVL [05:06]: "She seems to be like the right wing version of the Borg from Star Trek... she was in our US Marshalls flak jacket and her ball cap pulled down over her eyes and combat boots and, you know, yoga pants."

They discuss how this performative approach is not entirely new but has gained momentum within the Trump administration, with figures like Kristi Noem leading the charge by engaging in highly publicized, action-oriented photo ops.

Will Sommer [07:32]: "Kristi Noem is sort of the leading avatar of it. I think she's out wearing cowboy hats at the border... taking dysportolation raids."

The hosts express concern that such theatrics may overshadow the substantive responsibilities of law enforcement, turning serious public service roles into platforms for political performance and media presence.

Implications for the Political Landscape

The conversation shifts to the potential political ambitions of Alina Haba, speculating that her high-profile actions and media presence indicate aspirations beyond her current role. Sommer suggests that her behavior and visibility are positioning her for future political campaigns, possibly for higher office within New Jersey or even at the national level.

Will Sommer [11:08]: "It feels like she's running for something in New Jersey... it's like they're really lauding various credentials onto her to let her run for Senate or governor."

JVL echoes this sentiment, expressing skepticism about Haba's chances as a Republican in a traditionally Democratic-leaning state but acknowledges the unpredictable nature of current American politics.

JVL [11:28]: "Good luck to her winning as a Republican in New Jersey, but I don't know, man... it's not the craziest thing I've ever heard."

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In wrapping up the episode, JVL and Sommer reflect on the broader implications of Alina Haba's actions and the trend of politicizing law enforcement. They express concern over the potential erosion of nonpartisan roles and the increasing intertwining of legal actions with political agendas. The hosts emphasize the importance of maintaining the integrity of law enforcement to ensure that legal processes remain unbiased and focused on justice rather than political vendettas.

JVL [11:45]: "It's not like this is new. It's a little weird for it to morph from the fringes into the job of a U.S. attorney... turning serious jobs for like sincere, genuine public servants into, you know, look, your job is just to make TikToks and get on Fox."

Finally, the episode underscores the ongoing challenges within the American legal and political systems, highlighting the need for vigilance in preserving the separation between law enforcement and political influence.

Notable Quotes with Attribution and Timestamps

• JVL [00:29]: "Alina Haba... announcing criminal investigations against the New Jersey Governor, Chris Murphy, and the New Jersey Attorney General, Matt Plotkin."

• Alina Haba [01:35]: "Anybody who does get in that way... will be charged in the state of New Jersey for obstruction, for concealment. And I will come after them hard."

• Will Sommer [03:06]: "This is kind of a new Trumpian thing... we're launching an investigation as a way to sort of mess with someone."

• JVL [05:06]: "She was in our US Marshalls flak jacket and her ball cap pulled down over her eyes and combat boots..."

• Will Sommer [07:32]: "Kristi Noem is sort of the leading avatar of it... taking deportation raids."

• Will Sommer [11:08]: "It feels like she's running for something in New Jersey... let her run for Senate or governor."

• JVL [11:45]: "Turning serious jobs for sincere, genuine public servants into... just to make TikToks and get on Fox."

This episode of Bulwark Takes provides a comprehensive analysis of the intersection between law enforcement and politics in New Jersey, using Alina Haba's actions as a case study to explore broader national trends and their implications for democratic institutions.