Bulwark Takes: Trump’s Delusional Plan To Take Greenland Makes Us The Bad Guys Release Date: March 28, 2025

In this incisive episode of Bulwark Takes, hosts Tim Miller and J.V. Lopez delve into the escalating tensions surrounding the United States' controversial efforts to annex Greenland. With sharp analysis and a critical eye, the episode unpacks the geopolitical maneuvers, international reactions, and the broader implications for NATO and global alliances.

1. Introduction: Escalating Tensions Over Greenland

Tim Miller opens the episode by highlighting the extraordinary developments in U.S. foreign policy aimed at Greenland. He emphasizes the gravity of the situation, stating, “Today, our country, the United States, is sending three top officials to Greenland as part of our neocolonial effort to seize the country, I guess” (00:00). This sets the stage for a deep dive into what the hosts describe as an "insane" move by the Trump administration.

2. U.S. Mission to Greenland: An Aggressive Push for Control

The discussion begins with a play-by-play of a recent ABC World News Tonight segment, where a high-level American delegation led by Vice President J.D. Vance is dispatched to Greenland. Tim Miller references President Trump's assertive stance: “President Trump insisting the U.S. will quote, 'Go as far as we have to go to gain control of the island'” (00:58). The hosts dissect the administration’s argument that previous U.S. policies have neglected Greenland, positioning U.S. ownership as beneficial due to the island's rich rare earth materials and strategic location amidst climate-induced emerging sea lanes.

3. Local Resistance: Greenlanders and Danish Pushback

The episode underscores the robust resistance from Greenlanders and Denmark, which, according to Miller, is more vigorous than any domestic opposition within the United States. J.V. Lopez mocks the U.S. approach, comparing it to “Lehman's Lebensraum” (01:43) and critiques the Vice President’s rhetoric: “If we need it for national security and international security, Tim, then that's a line in the sand, isn't it?” (02:21). The hosts highlight the Greenlanders' rejection of Trump’s plans, with the Foreign Minister asserting that Vice President Vance would face hostile chants, “Yankee, go home” (00:58).

4. International Implications: Putin's Surprising Support

A pivotal moment in the episode is the analysis of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s remarks supporting U.S. claims on Greenland. Lopez points out the alarming parallel to Russia’s stance on Ukraine: “Vladimir Putin is advancing American foreign policy interests according to his own lights” (05:47). Tim Miller interprets this as Putin viewing the U.S. actions as akin to Russian aggression, thereby threatening NATO's integrity and posing a direct challenge to allied nations.

5. Criticism from Allies: Rufus Gifford’s Protest

Adding depth to the critique, the episode features a segment from Rufus Gifford, a former U.S. ambassador to Denmark. Gifford passionately condemns Vice President Vance’s statements, stressing the longstanding cooperation between the U.S. and Denmark: “For them to hear today that now the vice president of the United States is saying that they are not a good ally... It is just shameful” (07:51). He implores Americans to “show outrage” towards the administration’s stance, underscoring the moral and strategic failures of the current policies.

6. The Second Lady’s Cultural Visit: A Ill-Fitting Gesture

The hosts humorously critique Second Lady Usha Vance’s planned cultural visit to Greenland. Tim Miller mocks the incongruity of her diplomatic gestures amidst aggressive policy moves, noting the irony of her educational background being subtly highlighted: “It's not Al Gore. Life in Balance. It's an Al Gore climate change book” (13:40). This segment underscores the dissonance between the administration’s public relations efforts and their underlying motives.

7. Analysis of U.S. Officials’ Behavior: A Threatening Presence

Tim and J.V. Lopez express deep concern over the presence of top U.S. officials, including the National Security Advisor, at Greenland’s military installations. They liken the actions to “gunboat diplomacy” and question the implications for NATO: “NATO's a member state threatening another member state with annexation” (17:33). The discussion highlights the fragility of international alliances and the potential for internal discord within NATO as a result of U.S. actions.

8. Domestic Concerns: ICE's Operation and Broader Implications

The episode briefly touches upon a domestic issue involving ICE’s seizure of a Russian national, suggesting possible ulterior motives tied to broader geopolitical strategies: “Is the position in the United States now that we're going to do favors for Putin and ship people that he wants to kill back to Russia for him?” (22:05). This segment reflects broader anxieties about U.S. governmental actions and their alignment with authoritarian practices.

9. Conclusion: The United States as Global Adversary

In wrapping up, Tim Miller and J.V. Lopez lament the transformation of the United States' global image: “We're at the point where we're the bad guys” (16:58). They draw parallels to historical atrocities, such as actions reminiscent of the Viet Cong and interrogation-like tactics, emphasizing the rapid shift in how the U.S. is perceived internationally. The hosts express uncertainty about the future of U.S. foreign policy and NATO, urging listeners to remain vigilant as these high-stakes maneuvers continue to unfold.

Notable Quotes:

• Tim Miller (00:00): “Today, our country, the United States, is sending three top officials to Greenland as part of our neocolonial effort to seize the country, I guess.”

• J.V. Lopez (01:43): “It's not a Christopher Guest movie. It's real and it's spectacular.”

• President Trump (02:17): “We need Greenland for national security and international security. So we'll, I think, we'll go as far as we have to go.”

• Rufus Gifford (07:51): “For them and their families to now hear the vice president talk like this is just heartbreaking.”

• J.V. Lopez (17:33): “NATO's a member state threatening another member state with annexation.”

• Tim Miller (16:58): “We're at the point where we're the bad guys.”

Final Thoughts

This episode of Bulwark Takes presents a compelling critique of the Trump administration’s aggressive stance on Greenland, highlighting significant geopolitical tensions and questioning the future of international alliances. Tim Miller and J.V. Lopez provide a thorough examination of the situation, blending factual reporting with sharp commentary to underscore the complexities and potential ramifications of the United States' pursuit of Greenland.

For listeners seeking a critical perspective on U.S. foreign policy and its global consequences, this episode offers a detailed and thought-provoking analysis.