Episode Overview
Title: Even TRUMP Thinks Netanyahu Went Too Far?
Date: June 2, 2026
Host(s): JVL, Tim Miller, Sam Stein, Sarah Longwell (mentioned), Bill Kristol (mentioned)
Podcast: The Bulwark
This episode delves into the mounting tensions between former President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, examining a rare moment where Trump himself calls out Netanyahu for pushing the boundaries. The conversation explores U.S.-Israel relations, the political fallout from recent Israeli military actions, and the challenges of leadership during crises. The hosts bring their trademark candidness and humor to dissect these complicated dynamics and what they mean for American democracy and global affairs.
Key Discussion Points and Insights
1. Setting the Stage with Leadership Turmoil [00:00–02:10]
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JVL opens by drawing a parallel between hypothetical workplace drama at The Bulwark and the actual leadership chaos unfolding abroad. This playful analogy sets the tone for a conversation about management, accountability, and unexpected power shifts.
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The hosts reference a scenario of internal coups and firings, tying it back to political leadership challenges.
Quote [00:30]:
JVL: "Imagine if Sarah and I decided to fire JVL because he was too negative, and then also fired a top editor..."
2. Trump and Netanyahu: A Fraying Relationship [02:10–10:50]
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The discussion moves swiftly to former President Trump’s recent criticisms of Netanyahu, a moment that surprises the panel given their previously close (and at times transactional) alliance.
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Trump is quoted as saying that Netanyahu "crossed a line," opening the door to analyze why even Trump is willing to speak out.
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Speculation on whether Trump’s stance is an attempt to reposition himself in U.S. politics by breaking with hardline Israeli actions.
Quote [06:15]:
Tim Miller: "When Donald Trump is tapping the brakes and saying a world leader went too far, it really says something about the situation."
3. The Fallout from Israeli Military Actions [10:50–23:40]
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Sam Stein contributes perspective on the humanitarian impact of recent Israeli actions and how international backlash is shifting American political calculations.
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The hosts debate the pressure this puts on presidential candidates, especially those courting pro-Israel voters or donors.
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Insightful commentary on the dilemmas faced by American leaders: "support an ally" vs. "condemn excessive force."
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They explore the Biden administration's delicate responses and what practical levers of influence the U.S. might still possess.
Quote [17:22]:
Sam Stein: “There's always been a line the U.S. wouldn’t let Israel cross, but for the first time, it’s looking like that’s not just private back-channel talk anymore.”
4. Political Messaging and Public Opinion [23:40–34:10]
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The panel assesses how these events will play out with American voters, given the 2026 midterms and looming presidential contest.
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Discussion touches on intra-party divides within both Democrats and Republicans—some on the left demanding more accountability for Israel, while some on the right struggle to reconcile hawkishness with Trump’s new caution.
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Insights into narrative control and media framing, with suggestions that social media outrage adds pressure for politicians to take firmer stances.
Quote [28:07]:
JVL: "You’ve got right-wing Twitter just melting down because Trump of all people is suddenly the voice of reason?"
5. The Broader Geopolitical Stakes [34:10–44:00]
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The hosts reflect on the long view—how American credibility is affected globally by this new wrinkle in the Trump-Netanyahu dynamic.
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Comparison to past crises (Iraq, Afghanistan) and their effect on U.S. soft power.
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The episode closes in on the unpredictable nature of alliances when personal loyalty and ego are involved, not just policy.
Quotes [41:35]:
Tim Miller: “The world’s watching, and the old rules don’t seem to apply anymore. That’s genuinely unsettling.”
Sam Stein: “It’s crazy that we’re at the point where Netanyahu’s biggest critic on the American right is Donald Trump.”
Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments
- JVL [00:30]: "Imagine if Sarah and I did a coup and decided to fire JVL because he was too negative…"
- Tim Miller [06:15]: "When Donald Trump is tapping the brakes and saying a world leader went too far, it really says something about the situation."
- Sam Stein [17:22]: “There's always been a line the U.S. wouldn’t let Israel cross, but for the first time, it’s looking like that’s not just private back-channel talk anymore.”
- JVL [28:07]: "You’ve got right-wing Twitter just melting down because Trump of all people is suddenly the voice of reason?"
- Tim Miller [41:35]: "The world’s watching, and the old rules don’t seem to apply anymore. That’s genuinely unsettling."
- Sam Stein [41:45]: “It’s crazy that we’re at the point where Netanyahu’s biggest critic on the American right is Donald Trump.”
Timestamps for Important Segments
- 00:00–02:10: Humorous analogy on leadership and organizational tumult
- 02:10–10:50: Trump’s criticisms of Netanyahu; implications for U.S.-Israel relations
- 10:50–23:40: Discussion on military actions, U.S. political repercussions, and humanitarian considerations
- 23:40–34:10: Analysis of public opinion, party divides, and media influence
- 34:10–44:00: Big-picture geopolitical consequences and personal dynamics in international affairs
Conclusion / Outro
The episode offers a sharp, candid assessment of an unusual political inflection point, spotlighting how shifting alliances and personal rivalries between world leaders ripple through American politics and foreign policy. The Bulwark’s hosts balance critical insight, wit, and informed analysis, making complex issues both accessible and engaging for their audience.
