Bulwark Takes: Trump’s Disgraceful FBI Purge Continues

Release Date: August 7, 2025
Host: Tim Miller & Evan
Podcast: The Bulwark

Overview

In this intense episode of Bulwark Takes, hosts Tim Miller and Evan delve deep into the ongoing turmoil within the FBI, highlighting what they describe as a disgraceful purge orchestrated under the Trump administration. The discussion centers around the forced removal of career FBI agents involved in the January 6th investigations, the personal toll on those affected, and the broader implications for the integrity of the bureau.

Leadership Changes and Forced Removals

The episode opens with Evan expressing his frustration over the recent developments within the FBI, particularly focusing on the abrupt ousting of Brian Driscoll as acting FBI director.

• Brian Driscoll’s Appointment and Forced Departure:
  • Evan (01:02): "Brian Driscoll, who's known as Drizz internally, was just thrust into this role as acting FBI director after Chris Ray resigned like a coward after Trump won the election."
  • Tim Miller (02:10): "These are people that put themselves on the line to protect the country. These are patriots."

Driscoll, respected within the bureau for his non-political stance and dedication to national security, faced immense pressure to eliminate FBI agents associated with the January 6th investigations. His refusal to comply led to his forced removal by FBI Director Kash Patel.

• Unconstitutional Demands:
  • Evan (01:28): "People at DOJ and elsewhere demanded he fire everybody at the FBI involved in any of the January 6th investigations."
  • Tim Miller (02:42): "The idea that you would arbitrarily push people out just based on their political views is insane."

Personal and Professional Fallout

The hosts shed light on the personal hardships faced by those being purged, emphasizing the lack of eligibility for retirement benefits and the emotional strain on agents like Walter Jardina.

• Impact on Walter Jardina:
  • Evan (03:23): "Mr. Jardina's wife died last month of cancer... you were firing him because he did his job."
  • Tim Miller (03:42): "On top of it, Mr. Jardina's wife died last month of cancer."

Jardina, who played a pivotal role in investigating officials from the first Trump administration, including Peter Navarro, was removed from his position despite his commendable service.

• Consequences on Retirement:
  • Tim Miller (03:28): "Neither Mr. Driscoll nor Mr. Giardina is eligible to retire."
  • Evan (03:42): "Firing is going to have negative consequences on their retirement benefits."

Targeting of FBI Agents for Personal Associations

A significant portion of the episode discusses the case of Mike Feinberg, an FBI agent targeted for his personal friendship with Pete Strzok, illustrating the administration's overreach into the personal lives of agents.

• Mike Feinberg’s Experience:
  • Evan (05:28): "Let’s just play a little clip from Mike Feinberg explaining what happened to him."
  • Mike Feinberg (06:27): "I have remained friends and remained in contact with Pete Strzok since he left the Bureau... our friendship kicked off when we discovered we were both huge Smiths fans."

Feinberg recounts being pressured into a polygraph test and facing career setbacks solely based on his harmless personal friendships.

• Pressure and Retaliation:
  • Evan (09:16): "He wasn't even working on any of this. He was a fucking China expert."
  • Tim Miller (09:39): "Do you feel safer now, America, that a fucking podcaster is the deputy director of the FBI..."

Broader Implications for the FBI and National Security

Tim and Evan argue that these purges are not only unjust but also detrimental to national security. By removing experienced agents and replacing them with individuals lacking the necessary expertise, the FBI's ability to function effectively is severely compromised.

• Erosion of Trust and Morale:
  • Evan (10:36): "I don't feel safer... this is not how you run an organization."
  • Tim Miller (11:04): "Good FBI agents are looking at all this... I'm out of here when I can get."

The hosts emphasize that such actions instill fear and uncertainty among remaining agents, potentially leading to further attrition and a weakened investigative body.

• Introduction of Politically Motivated Appointees:
  • Tim Miller (10:09): "We're getting rid of experienced people to put in podcasters. Do you feel safer now?"
  • Evan (11:12): "They're willing to act in corrupt manners... it is sick what's happening at the FBI."

Conclusion and Call to Action

Wrapping up the episode, Tim and Evan reiterate their concerns about the Trump administration's interference in the FBI, calling for listeners to stay informed and engaged.

• Evan (11:38): "Subscribe to the feed... I'll be talking to you soon."
• Tim Miller (11:39): "Subscribe to the feed."

They hint at upcoming discussions, including interviews with individuals directly affected by these purges, ensuring that the conversation around these critical issues continues to gain traction.

Notable Quotes

• Evan (01:37): "They think that you're backing the blue, but you end up having the back of FBI agents whose job it is to investigate crime and public corruption."
• Tim Miller (02:47): "The idea that you would arbitrarily push people out just based on their political views is insane."
• Mike Feinberg (07:25): "Patel and Bongino really do believe that there is some sort of deep state conspiracy... which is just, quite frankly, not true."
• Tim Miller (09:39): "Do you feel safer now, America, that a fucking podcaster is the deputy director of the FBI?"

Final Thoughts

This episode of Bulwark Takes serves as a stark warning about the erosion of institutional integrity within the FBI under political pressure. Through detailed accounts and passionate discussions, Tim Miller and Evan present a compelling case against the current administration's actions, urging listeners to recognize and respond to these unprecedented challenges facing one of the nation's key security agencies.