The Bulwark Podcast Episode: Tom Nichols: A Farce and a Sham
Release Date: January 21, 2025
Hosts: Tim Miller and Tom Nichols

Introduction

In this episode of The Bulwark Podcast, host Tim Miller engages in a profound and critical discussion with guest Tom Nichols of The Atlantic. The conversation centers around the controversial second inauguration of former President Donald Trump, dissecting the day's events, the implications of Trump’s actions post-inauguration, and the broader impact on American democracy and societal norms.

Inauguration Day as a Farce

Tim Miller opens the discussion by condemning Trump’s second inauguration, highlighting its lack of solemnity and violation of traditional norms. He describes the event as a "shameful and epic sham," particularly criticizing Trump's omission of placing his hand on the Bible during the oath of office.

Tim Miller [01:14]: "There are 1,460 days left in the second presidency of Donald Trump. We have survived day one, which was a shameful and epic sham that was best summed up by the snapshot of Trump forgetting to put his hand on the Bible while he repeated an oath to the Constitution he had no intention of upholding."

Tom Nichols responds by characterizing the inauguration as "low energy" compared to Trump's first term, noting a shift from sweeping rhetoric to a more rally-like tone centered on "the Gulf of America." He criticizes the selection of cabinet nominees, suggesting a decline in quality and qualification.

Tom Nichols [02:18]: "I thought the inauguration, dare I say it was low energy... the Z List finally has made it through all the gates."

Controversial Pardons and Their Impact

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around Trump’s extensive use of presidential pardons immediately following the inauguration. Both hosts express deep frustration over the breadth and severity of the pardons.

Tim Miller details specific cases, highlighting the pardoning of individuals convicted of violent offenses against police officers and seditious conspiracy, such as the pardoning of Brian Sicknick's attacker.

Tim Miller [04:00]: "He pardoned their family put out a statement... These pardons are intended to end a grave national injustice..."

Tom Nichols emphasizes that these actions represent an assault on the rule of law, indicating that such pardons undermine legal and constitutional principles.

Tom Nichols [03:42]: "It really said to you that the rule of law, if not dead, is now under every bit of the assault that we've all been warning about."

Reactions from Families of Victims

The hosts discuss the emotional and societal repercussions of pardoning individuals who committed violent acts, noting the impact on victims' families.

Tim Miller [04:01]: "Their family put out a statement they sent to me this morning... suffering we have endured every day since never to end."

Rule of Law Under Assault

Tom Nichols warns that these pardons signify a deeper erosion of the rule of law in the United States, suggesting that such actions by the President embolden others to challenge legal norms.

Tom Nichols [05:18]: "I have been betrayed by my country and I've been betrayed by those that supported Donald Trump."

Pardons of Seditious Conspirators

The conversation delves into the pardoning of individuals involved in the January 6th insurrection, particularly Enrique Tarrio, leader of the Proud Boys. Tim Miller underscores the irony of pardoning someone convicted of seditious conspiracy amid Trump’s own claims of divine selection.

Tim Miller [06:11]: "Enrique Tarrio... was being processed out last night... a medium security prison in Louisiana."

Police Unions' Support for Trump

The hosts critique the apparent support of police unions for Trump, expressing skepticism about the loyalty and integrity of law enforcement officials who back his policies.

Tom Nichols [08:57]: "I'm kind of curious about the police unions... how they'll react to the mass pardons."

Integrity Amidst Pardons

Tim Miller lauds individuals like Pam Hempville, who refused a pardon despite her guilt, highlighting a semblance of integrity in the midst of widespread pardonings.

Tim Miller [10:03]: "Pam Hempville was one of the defendants... she would not be accepting the pardon."

Empowerment of Rogue Actors

Both hosts express concern that Trump's pardons send a message that violent and seditious actions may be excused if aligned with his agenda, potentially empowering rogue actors.

Tom Nichols [10:54]: "This is the message Trump is sending... as long as you have a MAGA hat on."

Elite Presence at the Inauguration

The discussion shifts to the inauguration's guest list, highlighting the attendance of tech moguls like Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, and Jeff Bezos. Tim Miller points out the troubling implications of such elites aligning closely with Trump, suggesting potential corruption and undue influence.

Tim Miller [25:48]: "The combined net worth of the four wealthiest people who are in the front row of Trump's inauguration is $1.06 trillion."

Tom Nichols reflects on the historical context of tech elites gaining immense wealth and influence, questioning their understanding and commitment to governance.

Tom Nichols [26:16]: "...Musk was basically made by zero interest rate policies... zillionaires think of themselves as comprehensively knowledgeable."

Media's Portrayal of the Inauguration

Tim Miller criticizes mainstream media outlets for downplaying the severity of Trump's inauguration, suggesting that reporters are normalizing unprecedented presidential behavior.

Tim Miller [46:06]: "Politico this morning. Time to admit it. Trump is a great president... CNN talked about how Trump's inauguration was within the realm of normalcy."

Tom Nichols concurs, arguing that the media’s coherent reporting often masks the chaotic and alarming nature of Trump’s actions, leading to public desensitization.

Tom Nichols [47:33]: "We have to impose coherence because you can't report something that's just word salad."

Populism and Democratic Strategies

The hosts explore the rise of populism within Democratic strategies, debating whether adopting an "eat the rich" rhetoric is a viable path forward. Tom Nichols dismisses traditional notions of populism as ineffective and warns against simplistic economic solutions.

Tom Nichols [34:02]: "American populism... is completely a sham at this point."

Tim Miller expresses concern that such populist approaches could lead Democrats to adopt extreme measures, including vigilante actions against wealthy elites, which he finds deeply unsettling.

Immigration Policy Rollback

Tim Miller highlights the immediate reversal of immigration policies post-inauguration, specifically the termination of a Border Patrol app designed to streamline asylum applications. This decision results in chaos and emotional distress for asylum seekers who relied on the app.

Tim Miller [40:10]: "Unauthorized border crossings have been down. As soon as Trump was inaugurated... there was a woman just bawling."

Tom Nichols adds that this action exacerbates the already dire immigration crisis, reflecting a broader disregard for humane and orderly immigration processes.

Tom Nichols [41:21]: "Immigration's a disaster... We've just kind of lost control of the immigration picture in this country."

Final Thoughts and Conclusions

As the episode draws to a close, both hosts grapple with feelings of frustration, betrayal, and pessimism regarding the state of American democracy. Tim Miller voices his despair over the day's events, while Tom Nichols attempts to find a glimmer of hope amidst the turmoil, albeit unsuccessfully.

Tom Nichols [56:46]: "Yesterday was bad... Sleep well, America. I'll probably kill you in the morning."

The conversation underscores a shared sense of urgency and disillusionment, emphasizing the critical need for accountability and the preservation of democratic norms in the face of unprecedented challenges.

Notable Quotes

• Tim Miller [01:14]: "There are 1,460 days left in the second presidency of Donald Trump. We have survived day one, which was a shameful and epic sham..."

• Tom Nichols [03:42]: "It really said to you that the rule of law, if not dead, is now under every bit of the assault..."

• Tom Nichols [10:54]: "This is the message Trump is sending... as long as you have a MAGA hat on."

• Tim Miller [25:48]: "The combined net worth of the four wealthiest people who are in the front row of Trump's inauguration is $1.06 trillion."

• Tom Nichols [34:02]: "American populism... is completely a sham at this point."

• Tom Nichols [56:46]: "Yesterday was bad... Sleep well, America. I'll probably kill you in the morning."

Conclusion

This episode of The Bulwark Podcast offers a stark and unfiltered critique of Donald Trump's second inauguration and its immediate aftermath. Through incisive dialogue, Tim Miller and Tom Nichols dissect the implications of Trump's actions on the rule of law, societal norms, and the fabric of American democracy. The conversation serves as a sobering reflection on the current political climate, urging listeners to recognize and respond to the profound challenges facing the nation.