Podcast Summary: The Next Level – "All the Ways Trump Is a B*tch"
Released on March 19, 2025, "The Next Level" podcast by The Bulwark features hosts Sarah Longwell, Tim Miller, and Jonathan V. Last (JVL) delving into the tumultuous political landscape shaped by Donald Trump's actions and rhetoric. This episode centers on Trump's controversial statements, his relationship with Vladimir Putin, and the broader implications for American politics and international relations.
1. Trump’s Interview with Laura Ingraham
The episode kicks off with JVL referencing a bizarre interview between Donald Trump and Fox News’s Laura Ingraham. Trump spent a significant portion of the interview discussing the annexation of Canada—a topic previously absent from Republican discourse.
Notable Quote:
- JVL [00:02]: “Last night Donald Trump sat down with Fox News and Laura Ingraham thought who is this insane old person in front of me?”
Sarah and Tim express skepticism about the public’s interest in Trump's annexation of Canada, highlighting the lack of attention outside political circles.
Notable Quote:
- Sarah Longwell [01:16]: “Mark Leibovich is on the pod, the focus group pod this week.”
2. Trump’s Obsession with Annexing Canada
Sarah brings up Trump's intense focus on making Canada the 51st state, an idea that has perplexed both Americans and Canadians. The discussion highlights the absurdity of considering the annexation of a sovereign, friendly nation.
Notable Quote:
- Sarah Longwell [03:19]: “It is not funny to Canadians, and it is not funny to just joke about America's superpower invading a sovereign country.”
Tim sarcastically suggests practical ways to implement Trump's plans, such as starting with Detroit or Windsor, drawing parallels to the Crimea annexation.
Notable Quote:
- Tim Miller [09:14]: “So why are we still just talking about it on Fox News Primetime for four minutes?”
3. Comparing Trump to Vladimir Putin
The hosts delve into Trump's phone call with Vladimir Putin, analyzing the Kremlin's response and Trump's diplomatic maneuvering. They argue that Putin possesses a strategic understanding that Trump lacks, leading to ineffective negotiations.
Notable Quotes:
- JVL [20:27]: “Putin is like watching another version of Trump because with Putin, like with the Magas, every accusation is a confession.”
- Sarah Longwell [28:05]: “He doesn’t understand relationships. He thinks about the art of the deal, right, and how you bully people.”
Sarah criticizes Trump’s inability to form meaningful international relationships, contrasting him with Putin's calculated approach.
Notable Quote:
- Sarah Longwell [14:34]: “America has interests which extend beyond his lifetime. You know, and so, but that doesn't mean anything to him.”
4. Implications for U.S. Foreign Policy and Canada
The discussion emphasizes the negative impact of Trump's rhetoric on U.S.-Canada relations, fearing long-term damage even if actual annexation remains unlikely. Sarah raises concerns about Canada's potential pivot towards China in response to strained relations.
Notable Quote:
- Sarah Longwell [12:36]: “Imagine, imagine. So Trump is, let's just hypothetically, Trump's a four year phenomenon. And what happens after Trump? Do the Canadians trust us again for at least a decade?”
5. Trump’s Actions on Federal Institutions
JVL shifts the conversation to Trump firing two Democratic commissioners from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), highlighting the potential erosion of nonpartisan institutions. This move signifies a broader trend of undermining governmental norms and checks.
Notable Quote:
- JVL [34:57]: “Rebecca Kelly Slaughter is going to fight this. The president illegally fired me from my position as a Federal Trade Commissioner...”
Tim discusses the dangers of dismantling commissions like the FTC, FEC, and FCC, which are meant to provide stability and oversight.
Notable Quote:
- Tim Miller [35:14]: “This is another example of... turning the government into just a more soft, authoritarian type government.”
6. Chuck Schumer’s Comments on the Republican Party
The hosts explore new revelations from Chuck Schumer, who expressed hopes that the Republican Party would revert to its traditional values once Trump is expelled. Sarah vehemently disagrees, arguing that the party is irreparably changed.
Notable Quotes:
- JVL [44:52]: “In Ann Carney and Luke Broadwater's new book... Chuck Schumer... the Republican Party expels the turd of Donald Trump...”
- Sarah Longwell [47:53]: “The Republican triangle of doom... toxic and symbiotic relationship between voters, the elected officials, and the right wing media infotainment ecosystem.”
Sarah introduces the concept of the "Republican Triangle of Doom," describing the intertwined relationship between voters, elected officials, and media as a barrier to returning to traditional Republican values.
7. Arrest of Minnesota State Senator Justin Eichorn
In a brief but significant segment, the hosts discuss the arrest of Minnesota State Senator Justin Eichorn for soliciting sex from a minor. They criticize the hypocrisy of conservative politicians who vocally oppose such behaviors while engaging in misconduct.
Notable Quote:
- JVL [52:16]: “A few days ago, a state senator in Minnesota, Justin Eichorn, proposed making Trump Derangement Syndrome an actual mental illness... Yesterday, Minnesota State Senator Justin Eichorn was arrested...”
Sarah and Tim highlight the irony and undermine the credibility of conservative figures who preach strong moral stances yet fail to uphold them.
Notable Quote:
- Sarah Longwell [54:15]: “What Democrats can't mount a good affirmative campaign about all the pedophiles on the right. Feels like we should. Feels like there's a problem.”
8. Conclusion
The episode concludes with the hosts reflecting on the pervasive impact of Trump's actions on both domestic politics and international relations. They emphasize the long-term consequences of undermining institutional norms and the challenges of restoring trust in American leadership post-Trump.
Notable Quote:
- Sarah Longwell [15:37]: “America’s gonna have to figure out how we're gonna rebuild our entire reputation with the world.”
JVL [51:18]: “It's how you wind up in making a dangerous situation more risky.”
Overall, this episode of "The Next Level" provides a critical examination of Donald Trump's influence on American politics, his strained relationship with key international allies, and the internal challenges facing both the Republican and Democratic parties. The hosts blend sharp analysis with engaging banter, offering listeners a comprehensive overview of the current political climate shaped by Trump's enduring legacy.