Bulwark Takes: "Trump’s BLS Pick Is a Total Clown Show" – Detailed Summary

Release Date: August 14, 2025
Hosts: Tim Miller and Bill Kristol
Podcast: Bulwark Takes by The Bulwark

Introduction

In this compelling episode of Bulwark Takes, hosts Tim Miller and Bill Kristol delve into the contentious nomination of E.J. Antoni as the new Commissioner of the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) under the Trump administration. The discussion is rich with critical analysis, highlighting concerns about Antoni’s qualifications, ideological leanings, and potential impact on economic reporting and policy.

E.J. Antoni’s Nomination: A Questionable Choice

The episode opens with Tim Miller expressing frustration over the Trump administration’s latest appointment:

Tim Miller [00:00]: "He's the person that Trump has put in to replace the old Commissioner of Labor Statistics. He's a total hack. Every credible economist has been trashing him."

Bill Kristol concurs, emphasizing the lack of support Antoni has within the economic community:

Bill Kristol [00:47]: "He's a real kook and Bannon loves him... he's probably not gonna get the job. But it's a very good illustration of the normalization of everything right."

The hosts criticize the rapid and seemingly unqualified selection process, suggesting that Antoni's nomination reflects a broader trend of diminishing standards within the administration.

Nazi Symbolism in the BLS Office

A significant portion of the discussion centers on the disturbing presence of a Nazi battleship mural in Antoni’s office. Tim Miller brings this to light:

Tim Miller [02:42]: "And behind him is this big mural kind of of a German battleship, the Bismarck, named after Otto von Bismarck that was launched by the Nazis in the late 1930s to attack the US and the Allies."

Bill Kristol provides historical context, questioning the appropriateness of such symbolism:

Bill Kristol [03:28]: "Right behind him. And it was sort of famously a Nazi talking point... It's very Americana-ish. I don't think the Biswark is very Americana-ish."

The hosts argue that displaying a symbol associated with Nazi Germany is not only inappropriate but also indicative of Antoni’s extremist inclinations.

Antoni’s Presence on January 6th

Tim Miller presents alarming evidence of Antoni’s involvement during the January 6th Capitol riot:

Tim Miller [04:42]: "Ryan Riley... spotted Antony on January 6th. He was there. The White House says he was a bystander... but he’s deep in there... in the red garb."

Bill Kristol further scrutinizes Antoni’s actions, linking them to his questionable character:

Bill Kristol [05:51]: "He fits in... the extremism is really real... fanaticism, really."

This revelation raises serious concerns about Antoni’s commitment to democratic principles and his potential influence within the BLS.

Challenges in Senate Confirmation

The conversation shifts to the Senate's role in confirming Antoni’s appointment. Tim Miller expresses skepticism about the willingness of senators to oppose the nomination:

Tim Miller [08:04]: "There are all these senators from the pre-Trump times who... there's not really even any hope. I don't think that any of them will set, will draw the line here."

Bill Kristol echoes this sentiment, highlighting the shift in the Senate’s dynamics:

Bill Kristol [07:07]: "Yeah. They did confirm Pete Hegseth and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. from higher level jobs... So I think the degree the rapidity... it's becoming inevitable."

The hosts lament the apparent erosion of traditional checks and balances, suggesting that extremist nominees are increasingly passing through the confirmation process unchallenged.

Impact on Economic Data and the Business Community

A critical concern discussed is the potential manipulation of economic data under Antoni’s leadership. Tim Miller underscores the importance of accurate data for the economy:

Tim Miller [10:01]: "The Bureau of Labor success is what that is. If they want to pretend like inflation isn't happening, then maybe the seniors won't get that uptick."

Bill Kristol warns of future distortions:

Bill Kristol [10:01]: "It's like the normal incentives, the normal... couldn't care less."

The hosts argue that Antoni’s lack of understanding and potential biases could lead to skewed reports on jobs and inflation, adversely affecting policies tied to these metrics, such as Social Security adjustments.

Normalization of Extremism in Government

Both hosts reflect on the broader implications of Antoni’s nomination, viewing it as part of a disturbing trend towards extremism within the government:

Bill Kristol [07:40]: "The administration is both more clownish and much more extremist than I think even... we're way beyond that. The extremism is really real."

Tim Miller adds that this normalization makes previously unthinkable appointments seem inevitable:

Tim Miller [01:56]: "The Overton window moves very fast. What becomes ridiculous becomes inevitable quite quickly."

They express deep concern over the administration’s direction, suggesting that extremist ideologies are gaining a foothold in key governmental positions.

Conclusion

In wrapping up the episode, Tim Miller reiterates the significance of Antoni’s nomination and its broader ramifications:

Tim Miller [13:18]: "Couldn't care less. All right, Bill Kristol, I appreciate the extra time with you this week."

The hosts call for vigilance and continued scrutiny of such appointments to prevent the undermining of crucial institutions like the Bureau of Labor Statistics. They hint at upcoming discussions on related topics, including Russia, signaling ongoing critical analysis in future episodes.

Key Takeaways:

• E.J. Antoni’s appointment as BLS Commissioner is heavily criticized for his lack of qualifications and extremist associations.
• The presence of a Nazi battleship mural in Antoni’s office raises concerns about his ideological leanings.
• Antoni’s involvement in the January 6th events further discredits his suitability for a government role.
• The Senate’s potential failure to challenge such nominees signals a worrying trend towards normalization of extremism.
• There is a significant risk of economic data manipulation, which could have far-reaching consequences for policy and public trust.
• The overall discussion paints a bleak picture of increasing authoritarianism and extremism within the current administration.

This episode of Bulwark Takes provides a thorough and incisive examination of the Trump administration’s nomination of E.J. Antoni to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, highlighting systemic issues and urging listeners to remain informed and vigilant.