The Bulwark Podcast – Season 2, Episode 1043: Michael Weiss: All Bribes Accepted
Release Date: May 15, 2025
Host: Tim Miller
Guest: Michael Weiss, Editor of Insider and Contributing Editor at New Lines Magazine
Introduction and Announcements
Tim Miller opens the episode with several announcements, highlighting an upcoming live show, fundraiser, and protest in Washington, D.C., on June 6th during World Pride. This event aims to support the release of Andre, a makeup artist who was reportedly taken to El Salvador by the government. Tim emphasizes the importance of raising awareness and mobilizing support for Andre’s case.
Notable Quote:
"The idea that we're going to send this young woman who's done nothing wrong... is fucking outrageous and it is enraging."
(00:04:30)
Additionally, Tim mentions his appearance on Hasan Minhaj's show and encourages listeners to check out his discussions on foreign policy and political hot takes alongside his colleagues Sarah Longwell and John Lovett.
Main Discussion: Foreign Policy and Trump's Influence
Trump's Foreign Policy and Bribery Allegations
The core of the episode features an in-depth conversation between Tim Miller and Michael Weiss, focusing on former President Donald Trump's foreign policy maneuvers, particularly his interactions with Middle Eastern leaders and the implications of accepting bribes from foreign powers.
Notable Quote:
"Donald Trump takes a bribe by a foreign power which will cost the US taxpayers $600 million. It's pretty incredible, like a masterstroke of statecraft."
(00:07:08)
Weiss critiques Trump's approach, highlighting the transactional nature of his relationships with authoritarian leaders. He discusses the recent incident where Qatar offered Trump a 13-year-old jet worth $400 million, which, after necessary refurbishments, would cost an additional billion dollars. Weiss sarcastically refers to this as a "masterstroke of statecraft," underscoring the absurdity and corruption involved.
Notable Quote:
"Donald Trump is like a potentate himself... He can bend anyone by force of his own personality."
(00:22:10)
Impact on International Relations: Syria and Iran
The discussion delves into the ramifications of Trump's policies on Syria and Iran. Weiss explains that Trump's dealings with Syrian President Ahmed Al Shara and Iran’s nuclear program reflect a disregard for longstanding international agreements and strategic stability.
Notable Quote:
"Jeffrey Goldberry with two fists and a big kaboom and an American flag."
(00:42:02)
Weiss argues that Trump's actions undermine the neoconservative world order, which traditionally prioritized values like democracy and human rights. Instead, Trump's approach is purely interest-based, focusing on personal gains and weakening adversarial nations without regard for global stability.
Ukraine-Russia Conflict and U.S. Involvement
A significant portion of the conversation addresses the ongoing Ukraine-Russia war and the United States' role. Weiss critiques the stalled negotiations between Ukraine and Russia, attributing the lack of progress to Trump's unpredictable foreign policy stance.
Notable Quote:
"Putin wants to reactivate this Istanbul peace process... they want regime change in Ukraine, which means Zelensky out."
(00:28:00)
Weiss emphasizes that Trump's inconsistencies and personal interests hinder effective U.S. support for Ukraine, potentially prolonging the conflict and destabilizing the region further.
The Houthi Conflict and U.S. Military Strategy
Tim brings up recent statements from the U.S. Secretary of Defense regarding the Houthi movement in Yemen. The discussion critiques the effectiveness of the U.S. military strategy in combating the Houthis, highlighting failed campaigns and the lack of substantial progress.
Notable Quote:
"Under Hegseth, we spent about a billion dollars for nothing in the campaign against the Houthis."
(00:40:24)
Weiss argues that Trump's decision to reduce U.S. involvement in the Houthi conflict reflects a broader pattern of disengagement and ineffective foreign policy, leaving allies to manage conflicts without adequate support.
Kurdish Peace Efforts and Regional Stability
The conversation shifts to the recent developments involving the Kurds in Syria and Turkey. Weiss explains that lasting peace with Kurdish groups has been elusive, but recent negotiations indicate a potential end to decades-long conflicts. He attributes this progress to a combination of Turkish diplomacy and a strategic withdrawal of U.S. support, allowing regional actors to negotiate directly.
Notable Quote:
"If it sticks, it is a kind of momentous event... it's one of the longest, most kind of broiling conflicts in the region."
(00:45:10)
Weiss cautiously views these developments as positive but remains skeptical about their long-term stability, given the authoritarian nature of regional leaders like Turkey’s Erdogan.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Tim and Weiss conclude the episode by reflecting on the broader implications of Trump's foreign policy and its impact on global stability. Weiss underscores the dangers of transactional diplomacy and the erosion of traditional alliances and values in international relations.
Notable Quote:
"Nothing to do really with us, the United States."
(00:50:25)
Tim echoes the sentiment, expressing frustration with the incoherence and self-serving nature of current U.S. foreign policy, advocating for a return to more principled and strategic approaches.
Key Takeaways
-
Transactional Diplomacy: Trump’s foreign policy is characterized by personal gain and transactional relationships with authoritarian leaders, undermining traditional diplomatic values.
-
Impact on Global Stability: These actions have significant repercussions for international relations, particularly in volatile regions like the Middle East and Eastern Europe.
-
U.S. Involvement in Conflicts: The inconsistent and self-serving U.S. involvement in conflicts such as Ukraine and Yemen hampers effective conflict resolution and prolongs instability.
-
Potential Positive Developments: Despite the flaws, recent negotiations involving the Kurds may signal a move towards regional stability, albeit with cautious optimism.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
- (00:04:30): "The idea that we're going to send this young woman who's done nothing wrong... is fucking outrageous and it is enraging." – Tim Miller
- (00:07:08): "Donald Trump takes a bribe by a foreign power which will cost the US taxpayers $600 million. It's pretty incredible, like a masterstroke of statecraft." – Michael Weiss
- (00:22:10): "Donald Trump is like a potentate himself... He can bend anyone by force of his own personality." – Michael Weiss
- (00:28:00): "Putin wants to reactivate this Istanbul peace process... they want regime change in Ukraine, which means Zelensky out." – Michael Weiss
- (00:40:24): "Under Hegseth, we spent about a billion dollars for nothing in the campaign against the Houthis." – Michael Weiss
- (00:45:10): "If it sticks, it is a kind of momentous event... it's one of the longest, most kind of broiling conflicts in the region." – Michael Weiss
- (00:50:25): "Nothing to do really with us, the United States." – Michael Weiss
Note: This summary omits commercial segments and non-content sections such as advertisements and musical interludes to focus solely on the substantive discussions within the episode.