Bulwark Takes: Trump Teams Up With Saudis On Golf Scam. PGA Surrendering.

Release Date: February 20, 2025
Host/Authors: Tim Miller, Pablo Torre
Podcast: The Bulwark

Introduction

In this episode of Bulwark Takes, hosts Tim Miller and Pablo Torre delve into a significant upheaval in the world of golf, exploring the controversial merger between the LIV Golf Tour and the PGA Tour. This union not only reshapes the sports landscape but also intertwines deeply with political maneuvers involving former President Donald Trump and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The discussion sheds light on the broader implications of this alliance, touching upon themes of corruption, sportswashing, and the erosion of traditional values in sports.

The Origin of LIV Golf and PGA Tour Disruption

Tim Miller initiates the conversation by highlighting the potential irrelevance of golf to some listeners but underscores its importance as a representation of larger societal trends. He prompts Pablo Torre to provide a concise overview of LIV Golf's origins.

Pablo Torre explains:

"The PGA Tour had a monopoly on golf... The Saudi Royal Wealth Fund came along and said, 'We're interested in stealing golf from America to make ourselves look better to Americans.'"
(00:16)

Torre elaborates on how Saudi Arabia's investment aimed to enhance its global image through sports, a strategy often referred to as "sportswashing." This move created a rift within the golfing community, leading to the formation of LIV Golf Tour as a rival entity. The influx of Saudi money attracted prominent golfers, causing a significant fracturing between the traditional PGA Tour and its newcomer counterpart.

Donald Trump's Involvement and Influence

The discussion pivots to Donald Trump's role in the unfolding saga. Torre articulates Trump's strategic positioning amidst the merger, suggesting that Trump's endorsement and mediation serve his interests, potentially leading to corrupt gains.

Torre states:

"Donald Trump this week to basically moderate a détente, a business merger in which... it's going to be a financially beneficial one for him."
(08:41)

Tim Miller adds to this narrative by speculating on the financial benefits Trump might reap, including increased influence over golf courses and potential corruption-linked deals.

Miller remarks:

"PJ's coming back to Doral... Possibly exchanging Trump coin for event tickets."
(09:08)

This alliance portrays Trump as a central figure capitalizing on the situation, blending nationalism with direct business partnerships with Saudi Arabia, thereby blurring ethical boundaries.

Saudi Arabia’s Motives: Beyond Sportswashing

Pablo Torre provides a historical context of Saudi Arabia's human rights abuses, emphasizing that the sports investments are part of a broader strategy to launder their international reputation.

Torre explains:

"Saudi Arabia... known for the bone sawings of journalists, persecuting gay individuals, and abysmal human rights records."
(02:30)

He further connects these actions to their investments in sports, illustrating a pattern of using high-profile platforms to obscure their darker undertakings.

Impact on Sports and Society

The hosts discuss the detrimental effects of this merger on the integrity of sports. Torre argues that the infusion of corrupt funds degrades the quality of the sport and alienates traditional fans.

Torre asserts:

"The corruption is not good for the normal person, it's not good for the fan, it's not good for sports."
(15:18)

Miller echoes these sentiments, lamenting the loss of traditional values and the rise of what he terms the "shitification" of golf, where the sport's essence is compromised for financial gains.

Miller comments:

"The product's worse now than it used to be. It's in shitification."
(16:40)

This degradation parallels political decay, where principles are abandoned in favor of monetary interests, reflecting a broader societal decline in valuing ethics over profit.

The Broader Political Implications

The conversation extends to the political sphere, drawing parallels between the corruption in sports and the current political climate. Torre highlights Trump's ability to manipulate nationalist sentiments while engaging in morally questionable alliances.

Torre remarks:

"It's an amazing trick that Trump is pulling where he gets to bathe in nationalism while being the direct business partner to Saudi Arabia."
(09:41)

Miller adds a layer of cynicism, pointing out how nationalism is being co-opted to legitimize corrupt practices.

Miller states:

"We never forgot that we love cash, cash is green."
(07:43)

This manipulation of patriotism serves to obscure the ethical breaches underlying these alliances, making it challenging for the public to discern right from wrong.

Generational Disconnect and Cultural Shift

A significant portion of the discussion addresses the disconnect between older and younger generations regarding values and ethics in sports and politics. Torre expresses concern over the erosion of shared principles, particularly among young men who are drifting away from traditional values.

Torre states:

"We're dealing with corruption that reminds us that not all corruption is created equal."
(10:39)

Miller reflects on the challenges of engaging younger audiences who may not resonate with the traditional narratives of patriotism and ethical integrity, further complicating efforts to uphold values in the face of lucrative corruption.

Conclusion: The Path Forward

In wrapping up, Tim Miller and Pablo Torre emphasize the need for vigilance and resistance against the commodification of sports and the intertwining of corrupt politics with revered institutions. They call for a return to authentic values and a rejection of financial corruption's allure.

Torre concludes:

"This is our shit. We should be kicking these guys ass. We don't need their Saudi money or ruining our sports."
(18:32)

Miller reinforces this stance, advocating for a reclaiming of sports integrity and a stand against the dilution of cherished institutions.

Miller adds:

"Subscribe to Bulwark Takes... It's a welcome reprieve from the dystopia that is my life."
(20:10)

Notable Quotes

• Pablo Torre:
  "Saudi Arabia... we have executed them previously... yang treatment of gay people."
  (02:30)

• Tim Miller:
  "We never forgot that we love cash, cash is green."
  (07:43)

• Pablo Torre:
  "Donald Trump... it's going to be a financially beneficial one for him."
  (08:41)

• Tim Miller:
  "The product's worse now than it used to be. It's in shitification."
  (16:40)

• Pablo Torre:
  "We're dealing with corruption that reminds us that not all corruption is created equal."
  (10:39)

Final Thoughts

This episode of Bulwark Takes serves as a critical examination of the intersection between sports, politics, and international relations. Through incisive dialogue, Tim Miller and Pablo Torre uncover the layers of corruption and manipulation undermining the integrity of golf and, by extension, other beloved institutions. Their analysis urges listeners to remain informed and proactive in safeguarding the values that sports and society hold dear.

Listen to this episode of Bulwark Takes for an in-depth exploration of how financial greed and political maneuvering are reshaping the sports landscape, threatening the very principles that define competitive integrity and national pride.