The Bulwark Podcast – S2 Ep1014: Adam Kinzinger: Mortal Damage to the American Empire
Release Date: April 4, 2025
Host: Tim Miller | Guest: Adam Kinzinger

Introduction and Guest Background

Timestamp: 00:38 – 01:46

Tim Miller kicks off the episode by welcoming former Republican Congressman Adam Kinzinger from Illinois. Highlighting Kinzinger's background, Tim mentions his military service in the Air Force during Iraq and Afghanistan, his founding of the "Country First" movement, and his work as a Substack newsletter author.

Notable Quote:

• Tim Miller (00:38): "Could not have a better day to bring back our friend... it's Adam Kinzinger. What's happening, buddy?"
• Adam Kinzinger (00:58): "On the day when the stock market collapses, that's a good day to have me."

Economic Impact of Trump's Tariffs

Timestamp: 01:46 – 07:26

The discussion delves into the detrimental effects of former President Donald Trump's tariff policies, drawing parallels to the historical Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act, which exacerbated the Great Depression.

Notable Quotes:

• Adam Kinzinger (03:31): "I think the dude is just insane and like really loves tariffs. And now he's going to be in a fucking stubborn off with every world leader around the globe."
• Adam Kinzinger (06:50): "This is a self imposed wound for absolutely no reason. And this China loves it, man. They're going to be so powerful from this because they're picking up the slop that we were leaving behind."

Trump's Leadership Style and Its Consequences

Timestamp: 07:26 – 17:00

Adam critiques Trump's leadership, describing him as a megalomaniac driven by a desire to feel powerful. He argues that Trump's impulsive actions, such as implementing tariffs without strategic foresight, have led to significant economic instability.

Notable Quotes:

• Adam Kinzinger (04:46): "If you're a true narcissist... There's no better way to, to be powerful than frankly, than to tank the world economy."
• Adam Kinzinger (05:30): "Supply lines in the last five years have been rapidly onshoring or nearshoring, including, by the way, Mexico and Canada from China... we've instead put these massive tariffs."

MAGA Movement and Its Defense of Trump

Timestamp: 17:00 – 26:01

The conversation shifts to the staunch defense of Trump by the MAGA movement, despite the economic downturn. Adam expresses frustration over Republicans blaming economic issues on Democrats, highlighting a shift in accountability.

Notable Quotes:

• Tim Miller (07:26): "I think he's just a fucking moron. But if he were a Russian asset in the White House, it's hard to think about something that he would have done differently the first seven years."
• Adam Kinzinger (17:00): "The GOP is not conservative. The conservative movement, it's dead, basically."

Critique of Influential Figures Supporting Trump

Timestamp: 26:01 – 38:44

Adam and Tim critique various public figures who continue to support Trump despite evident economic setbacks. They specifically mention Richard Hanania and Dave Portnoy, questioning the rationale behind their unwavering support.

Notable Quotes:

• Adam Kinzinger (15:36): "Dave Portnoy... he's starving the economy because of Trump's tariffs."
• Adam Kinzinger (10:36): "Specifically... This is somebody that is a 911 truther. ... She's nuts. Not just performance art here. So she gets into the White House, and in front of, from what I understand, in front of Mike Waltz is going after these..."

The Decline of the American Empire

Timestamp: 38:44 – 48:17

Adam discusses the broader implications of Trump's policies on America's global standing. He suggests that the U.S. has inflicted mortal damage on its own empire, jeopardizing long-standing alliances and diminishing its role as a world leader.

Notable Quotes:

• Adam Kinzinger (20:34): "We may have just taken everything that you and I learned about post World War II... And we have just bombed that whole order."
• Tim Miller (28:49): "Canada must be looking elsewhere to expand our trade to build our economy and to protect our sovereignty."

National Security Concerns and Personnel Changes

Timestamp: 48:17 – 55:23

The hosts address recent firings within the National Security Council, attributing them to the influence of Laura Loomer, a controversial figure with extremist views. Adam underscores the alarming shift where MAGA bloggers seem to wield undue influence over national security decisions.

Notable Quotes:

• Adam Kinzinger (37:49): "The fact that she could go into the Oval Office is frightening."
• Adam Kinzinger (42:19): "The GOP is not conservative. The conservative movement, it's dead, basically."

Military and Foreign Policy Issues

Timestamp: 48:17 – 55:23

Discussions touch upon ongoing military operations in Yemen and the implications of America's retreat from global leadership roles. Adam expresses concern over inadequate support and strategic failures in foreign policy, particularly regarding Russia and China.

Notable Quotes:

• Adam Kinzinger (35:41): "We're doing the right thing in terms of... blowing them up at the end point."
• Adam Kinzinger (43:35): "The GOP is not conservative. The conservative movement, it's dead, basically."

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Timestamp: 55:23 – End

As the episode wraps up, Adam emphasizes the need for the Democratic Party to reclaim its messaging and appeal to the middle American. He warns that without addressing economic grievances effectively, Democrats risk losing the war of narratives to the entrenched MAGA messaging machine.

Notable Quotes:

• Adam Kinzinger (26:01): "You need to start formulating your arguments, pinning this on Donald Trump and on Republicans."
• Adam Kinzinger (51:17): "Thank you, Tim. Thank you. I so appreciate you. You're so amazing. You're my favorite."

Key Takeaways

• Economic Policies: Trump's tariff strategies have significantly harmed the U.S. economy, reminiscent of the Smoot-Hawley Tariff's impact during the Great Depression.

• Leadership Critique: Trump's impulsive and power-driven decisions are portrayed as detrimental to both domestic prosperity and international standing.

• MAGA Movement's Resilience: Despite clear economic downturns, the MAGA movement continues to defend Trump's legacy, often deflecting blame onto opponents.

• Erosion of Alliances: U.S. alliances, particularly with Canada and European nations, are fraying under Trump's policies, threatening the traditional American-led global order.

• National Security Concerns: The influence of extremist figures like Laura Loomer in national security positions poses serious risks to effective governance and international relations.

• Democratic Strategy: For Democrats to regain traction, there is an urgent need to address economic issues convincingly and reconnect with the middle American voter base.

This summary encapsulates the critical discussions between Tim Miller and Adam Kinzinger, highlighting their concerns over Trump's policies, the MAGA movement's influence, and the broader implications for America's economic and geopolitical standing.