Podcast Summary: "Trump Wants Riots to Unleash His Authoritarian Playbook"
Podcast Information:
- Title: Bulwark Takes
- Host/Author: The Bulwark
- Description: The news cycle doesn’t slow down, and neither does The Bulwark. Bulwark Takes brings you bite-sized takes on the news of the day from the entire Bulwark team, including Tim Miller, Sarah Longwell, and Bill Kristol, and more.
- Episode Title: Trump Wants Riots to Unleash His Authoritarian Playbook
- Release Date: June 8, 2025
Hosts:
- Sam Stein: Managing Editor at The Bulwark
- Bill Kristol: Political Analyst and Columnist
Introduction
In this episode of Bulwark Takes, Sam Stein engages in a critical discussion with Bill Kristol about recent developments that suggest President Donald Trump is utilizing civil unrest and targeted intimidation to advance an authoritarian agenda. Released on June 8, 2025, the episode delves into three interconnected stories that highlight this concerning trend.
1. LA Protests and Authoritarian Measures
The conversation opens with Sam Stein outlining the escalating tensions in Los Angeles, where protests against ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) raids have led to confrontations. The situation has prompted the deployment of the National Guard, with looming threats of further military intervention.
Key Points:
- National Guard Deployment: In response to the protests against ICE raids, the National Guard has been mobilized, though their active engagement remains unclear.
- Potential Military Involvement: There are ongoing threats of deploying the military to quell the unrest, a move that has not yet materialized.
Notable Quote:
Bill Kristol [02:23]: “It's a big moment... if he does this today and gets away, let's assume he doesn't go further... There's a little bit of a disturbance, calling out the National Guard, you're laying the predicate for what Trump has dreamed of.”
Kristol emphasizes the significance of these actions as part of Trump’s broader strategy to normalize the use of military force in domestic issues, drawing parallels to the 2020 events at Lafayette Park.
2. ABC Journalist Terry Moran's Suspension
The discussion shifts to the controversy surrounding Terry Moran, a veteran journalist from ABC, who recently faced suspension after labeling Stephen Miller, a prominent figure in Trump's administration, as "hateful and vile."
Key Points:
- Moran’s Criticism: Moran publicly criticized Stephen Miller, leading to a swift backlash from Trump allies, including the Vice President.
- ABC’s Response: Under pressure, ABC placed Moran on leave pending an investigation, highlighting concerns over press freedom and administrative intimidation.
Notable Quotes:
Sam Stein [05:43]: “Tim Miller called it bit beta, but I'm just going to point out that Tim Miller called it."
Bill Kristol [12:28]: “I'm a little, I mean what message does that send?... It sends that the intimidation worked.”
Kristol underscores how the administration's pressure forced ABC to act against Moran, illustrating a troubling pattern of silencing dissenting voices within the media.
3. California vs. Trump Administration: Funding and Tax Evasion Threats
The third major topic addresses the escalating feud between California Governor Gavin Newsom and the Trump administration. Trump has hinted at freezing federal funds to California, prompting Newsom to retaliate by suggesting that his state might refuse to pay federal taxes.
Key Points:
- Federal Funding Freeze: Trump’s administration is considering withholding federal funds from California, a move deemed extraordinary and politically charged.
- Governor's Response: Gavin Newsom threatened that if federal funding is cut, California might engage in tax evasion, defying federal authorities.
Notable Quotes:
Sam Stein [03:06]: “Trump is starting to freeze or it's been hinted that he's going to freeze all federal funding to California... Gavin Newsom... might not pay our taxes.”
Bill Kristol [05:40]: “They see that 30% of kids in school these days are sons of immigrants and daughters of immigrants... That's not the country they want.”
Kristol interprets these threats as part of Trump's broader strategy to undermine state governance and intimidate political opponents, further entrenching authoritarian norms.
4. The Authoritarian Playbook: Picking Fights and Victimhood
Central to the episode is the analysis of Trump and his administration employing classic authoritarian tactics: provoking conflicts with minority groups and portraying themselves as victims to justify oppressive measures.
Key Points:
- Targeting Minorities: The administration is accused of strategically initiating confrontations with undocumented immigrants and minority communities to rationalize authoritarian actions.
- Victimhood Narrative: By presenting themselves as victims of unfair attacks, Trump and his allies seek to garner sympathy and suppress criticism.
Notable Quotes:
Bill Kristol [07:19]: “They want to pick fights with people who can't fight back... It's the classic authoritarian playbook.”
Sam Stein [15:50]: “They want to dramatize it and then they want to play victims when they don't get their way.”
Kristol and Stein highlight how these strategies mirror historical authoritarian regimes, where creating divisive conflicts and victim narratives are used to consolidate power and suppress opposition.
5. Historical Context and Future Implications
Bill Kristol provides historical comparisons, referencing European authoritarian movements of the early 20th century to contextualize the current political climate under Trump’s administration.
Key Points:
- Historical Parallels: Kristol draws similarities between Trump’s tactics and those of European authoritarian leaders who demonized minorities and justified oppressive actions.
- Future Risks: The discussion underscores the potential for escalation, warning of severe consequences if authoritarian measures continue unchecked.
Notable Quotes:
Bill Kristol [10:13]: “They see that 30% of kids in school these days are sons of immigrants and daughters of immigrants...”
Sam Stein [14:53]: “It feels really crickety and off the rails and yet nothing externally bad has happened to this country under this second administration.”
Kristol warns of the dangers posed by the administration's tactics, suggesting that without intervention, the country may face intensified authoritarianism with dire repercussions.
Conclusion
In this episode of Bulwark Takes, Sam Stein and Bill Kristol dissect the alarming trends of civil unrest manipulation, media intimidation, and inter-state conflicts under President Trump’s administration. Through detailed analysis and historical context, they argue that these actions are indicative of a deliberate move towards authoritarianism. The conversation serves as a cautionary tale, urging listeners to recognize and resist the erosion of democratic norms.
Final Notable Quote:
Bill Kristol [16:09]: “They're such buffoons that you tend to minimize the danger of what they're doing.”
Kristol’s closing remarks encapsulate the urgency and gravity of the situation, emphasizing the need for vigilance against the administration’s authoritarian impulses.
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