Podcast Summary: The Next Level - "The Most Dangerous Part of Trump's Second Term"
Episode 1037 | November 28, 2025

Overview

In this episode, Sarah Longwell and Jonathan V. Last (JVL) of The Bulwark dive into the political risks and potential consequences of a hypothetical second Trump presidency. Using their hallmark mix of analytical banter and candid insights, they examine what a Trump comeback could mean for American democracy, the GOP, and the country’s institutions. The discussion blends worries about extremism and erosion of norms with their astute observations about current events and campaign dynamics.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Thanksgiving Reflections & Setting the Stage

• Timestamp: [00:18]
• JVL opens by welcoming listeners post-Thanksgiving, with Sarah greeting the audience in a laid-back, friendly tone.
• The hosts use the holiday as a jumping-off point to address the broader theme: gratitude contrasted with apprehension for the political future under a possible Trump 2.0.

2. Defining "The Most Dangerous Part"

• Erosion of Guardrails

  • Central concern: If Trump secures a second term, the professionals and civil servants who resisted or tempered him during the 2016-2020 administration might not remain in place.
  • “The guardrails are gone. The people who kept him in check—they’ve been purged or will never come back.” — Sarah ([02:35])

• Delegitimizing Institutions

  • JVL details fears around the undermining of democratic institutions, particularly the Justice Department and intelligence agencies—citing previously reported plans for “Schedule F” to allow mass firings of bureaucrats.
  • "It’s not just about bad policies; it’s about breaking the government so it can’t protect itself or the country.” — JVL ([05:12])

3. The Loyalty Litmus Test in the GOP

• The hosts dissect how Trump’s demand for total loyalty has reshaped the Republican Party, pushing out dissenters and elevating those who feed his grievances.
  • “It’s not just policy anymore—it’s a personality cult. And that’s so much harder to unwind.” — Sarah ([11:45])
• Notable segment on how potential cabinet picks will be chosen for loyalty over competency, raising the risk of widespread dysfunction.

4. Lessons from the First Trump Term

• Reflection on how norms were stretched, but institutions mostly held in Trump’s initial presidency. Both parties agree that, in a second term, the former president would be more aggressive, having learned what he can get away with.
• JVL: “Last time, the system surprised us by holding. Next time, he’ll know exactly where to push.” ([14:10])

5. The 2024 Election Dynamics

• Though the episode’s core is about the future, there’s deep analysis of how Republican primary voters have responded to Trump’s legal troubles and continued dominance. The hosts are skeptical of the GOP’s will to block Trump, even in light of numerous indictments.
  • “There’s just no appetite for self-reflection—he owns the base, and everyone else is just along for the ride.” — Sarah ([17:53])

6. What Can Be Done: Civic Engagement & Warning Signs

• The episode closes with a passionate call for intensified civic engagement, vigilance from the media, and accountability from lawmakers.
  • "It can feel dark, but sunlight matters—calling it out matters, even if it feels futile sometimes." — JVL ([22:40])

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• “The guardrails are gone. The people who kept him in check—they’ve been purged or will never come back.” — Sarah ([02:35])
• "It’s not just about bad policies; it’s about breaking the government so it can’t protect itself or the country.” — JVL ([05:12])
• “It’s not just policy anymore—it’s a personality cult. And that’s so much harder to unwind.” — Sarah ([11:45])
• “Last time, the system surprised us by holding. Next time, he’ll know exactly where to push.” — JVL ([14:10])
• “There’s just no appetite for self-reflection—he owns the base, and everyone else is just along for the ride.” — Sarah ([17:53])
• "It can feel dark, but sunlight matters—calling it out matters, even if it feels futile sometimes." — JVL ([22:40])

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:18 — Greetings and Thanksgiving reflections
• 02:35 — Dismantling of institutional guardrails
• 05:12 — Schedule F and government destabilization
• 11:45 — The GOP’s loyalty transformation
• 14:10 — Lessons learned and Trump’s playbook
• 17:53 — 2024 primaries & Republican base dynamics
• 22:40 — Civic engagement as an antidote

Final Thoughts

This episode blends candid warnings with pragmatic analysis about the lingering perils of Trump’s potential return. Longwell and JVL balance concern with calls to action, offering listeners both a wake-up call and a sense of agency, employing their trademark mix of data-savvy banter and irreverent honesty. A must-listen for anyone concerned about American institutions and the stakes of the 2024 election cycle.