Bulwark Takes – Episode Summary
Podcast: Bulwark Takes
Episode: Trump’s War on Republican “Traitors”
Date: February 24, 2026
Host: Will Saletan (The Bulwark)
Overview
In this episode, Will Saletan delves into Donald Trump’s relentless campaign against Republicans, government officials, and appointees whom he deems "traitors" for failing to show unwavering loyalty. Saletan dissects recent events—including a Supreme Court ruling against Trump, attacks on various Republican senators, and ongoing feuds with former allies—to highlight how Trump demands personal allegiance above Constitutional duty, independent judgment, or party principle.
Key Discussion Points and Insights
1. Supreme Court Rebuke and Trump's Outrage
- Context: The Supreme Court ruled against Trump regarding tariffs, asserting that only Congress has the authority over them ([02:00]).
- Trump's Reaction: Trump was particularly incensed that two justices he appointed (Justices Fortunate and Barrett) voted against him.
- Quote:
“I'm ashamed of certain members of the court, absolutely ashamed for not having the courage to do what's right for our country. They're just being fools and lapdogs for the RINOs and the radical left Democrats...very unpatriotic and disloyal to our Constitution.”
– Donald Trump (03:23)
- Quote:
- Analysis: Saletan notes Trump equates loyalty to himself with patriotism, viewing disagreement as betrayal of America.
-
“That's how Trump thinks about America. If you vote against what he wants, you're voting against America because he is America.”
– Will Saletan (03:45)
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2. Attacks on Appointees Who Assert Independence
- Case of Justice Barrett: Trump, who once celebrated her family, now says her family should be “embarrassed” because of her vote ([04:27]).
- Memorable Moment: Saletan recalls Trump’s nomination ceremony for Barrett in contrast with his current condemnation.
- Jerome Powell, Fed Chairman: Once honored by Trump’s appointment, now attacked for refusing to lower interest rates on Trump’s command.
- Quote:
“We have a very incompetent Fed chairman who likes high interest rates for political reasons.”
– Donald Trump (05:33) - Trump’s Complaint: Staffers pretend to be compliant, “then once they actually get the job where they're supposed to be independent...they get all standoffish and uppity.”
– Will Saletan paraphrasing Trump (06:25) - Quote:
“It's amazing how people change once they have the job. But it's too bad.”
– Donald Trump (06:45)
- Quote:
3. Purge of ‘Disloyal’ Republican Senators and Representatives
- Thom Tillis (NC): Criticized Trump’s targeting of the Fed. Trump’s response: “That's why Tom's not gonna be a senator any longer, I guess.” ([07:34])
- Mitt Romney (UT) & Rand Paul (KY): Trump complains they vote against him, despite his previous support for their campaigns.
-
“I got him elected twice...Then he votes against all the time. It's just crazy. I don't get it.”
– Donald Trump on Rand Paul (08:35)
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- Lisa Murkowski, Susan Collins, Todd Young: Labeled disasters for voting against Trump on Venezuela authority ([09:37]).
- Liz Cheney & Adam Kinzinger: Insulted as “losers” and “traitors” for their roles in the January 6th investigation ([10:00]).
4. Turning on Once-Loyal House Members and Governors
- Marjorie Taylor Greene: Fell from grace for demanding release of Epstein files; now derided as “Marjorie Trader Green.”
- Quote:
"We have a lot of people that want to take Marjorie Trader Green's place.”
– Donald Trump (10:40)
- Quote:
- Thomas Massie: Criticized for consistently voting no and pushing for Epstein file release.
-
“He's a very bad person. He's a very bad Republican. Bad American.”
– Donald Trump (11:06) - Saletan notes: To Trump, a Republican who opposes him is automatically a traitor.
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- Governor Kevin Stitt (OK): Attacked for insisting Democratic governors be included in meetings; Trump boasts Stitt would have lost without his endorsement—despite overwhelming Republican numbers in Oklahoma ([12:30–13:40]).
5. Extending the 'Traitor' Label to State Legislatures and Pollsters
- Rod Bray (Indiana Senate President): Denounced after refusing to gerrymander as Trump demanded; Trump vows to “take him out” politically and endorses loyalist challengers ([14:00–14:25]).
- Republican Pollsters: Trump accuses GOP pollsters of rigging polls against him, even when they're part of his own party.
- Quote:
“I think I'm very popular.”
– Donald Trump (15:33) - Saletan: “He says the Republican polls. The Republican polls are rigged against him. In fact... he says it should be a criminal offense. And he specifically includes polls from Fox News.” ([15:35])
- Quote:
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
On loyalty:
“If you vote against what he wants, you're voting against America because he is America.”
– Will Saletan (03:45) -
On justice’s independence:
“An embarrassment to their families. Wow.”
– Will Saletan (04:27) -
On appointment and disappointment:
“It's amazing how people change once they have the job. But it's too bad.”
– Donald Trump (06:45) -
On purging Republicans:
“That's why Tom's not gonna be a senator any longer, I guess.”
– Donald Trump on Thom Tillis (07:34) -
On defining Republicans by Trump loyalty:
“You can't be a real Republican if you vote against Trump. You're just a traitor.”
– Will Saletan (10:00) -
On perpetual betrayal:
“So many of them have let him down. And all he asked, all he asked was that they set aside their hang ups about fairness and justice and independence and respecting the Constitution. All he asked was that they... just do as he says.”
– Will Saletan, Closing Thoughts (16:30)
Important Timestamps
- 02:00 – Introduction to the Supreme Court’s ruling against Trump on tariffs.
- 03:23 – Trump’s condemnation of his own justices.
- 04:27 – Trump: Barrett and Fortunate are “an embarrassment to their families.”
- 05:33 – Trump on Powell: “Incompetent Fed chairman.”
- 06:45 – Trump laments appointees changing once in power.
- 07:34 – Trump on Tillis: No longer a senator.
- 08:35 – Complaints about Rand Paul’s “disloyalty.”
- 09:37 – Lists “disloyal” GOP senators.
- 10:40 – "Marjorie Trader Green" comment.
- 11:06 – Trump denounces Thomas Massie.
- 12:30–13:40 – Attack on Governor Stitt and state-level conflicts.
- 14:00–14:25 – Rod Bray and Indiana state legislature saga.
- 15:35 – Trump accuses Republican pollsters of rigging.
Summary & Tone
Saletan’s delivery is wry, incredulous, and sharply critical. He uses Trump’s own words—often caustic, personal, and hyperbolic—to make the case that the former president is systematically branding anyone who upholds independence or the rule of law as a “traitor.” The episode paints a picture of a party leader demanding personal fealty above any party, constitutional, or democratic commitment, turning against allies at the slightest perceived betrayal.
Throughout, Saletan’s tone matches The Bulwark’s signature style: sharply analytic, darkly humorous, and deeply concerned about the erosion of independent judgment among America’s governing class.