Podcast Summary: The Next Level – Episode "Beta Trump" (May 8, 2025)
Host/Authors: Sarah Longwell, Tim Miller, Jonathan V. Last
Podcast: The Next Level
Platform: The Bulwark
Introduction
In the "Beta Trump" episode of The Next Level, hosts Sarah Longwell, Tim Miller, and Jonathan V. Last delve into the evolving political landscape shaped by former President Donald Trump's latest initiatives. The discussion weaves through Trump's territorial ambitions, recent judicial rulings on immigration, the ramifications of globalization, and the growing influence of tech billionaires like Elon Musk. The conversation is punctuated with sharp political insights, humor, and candid banter, providing listeners with a comprehensive analysis of current events affecting the United States.
Trump's Territorial Ambitions: Greenland and Canada
The episode opens with JVL highlighting Trump's renewed focus on territorial acquisitions vital to national security. Referencing a Wall Street Journal report at [08:47], JVL discusses Trump's directive for intelligence agencies to monitor Greenland's independence movement and assess American resource extraction interests.
Notable Quote:
[09:50] JVL: "We need to send spies to Greenland to co-opt the land from the inside for when Barron Trump is president."
Sarah Longwell adds context, explaining her participation in a panel titled "Future of the Democratic Party" where discussions veered into how Republicans have encroached upon traditional Democratic territories. She underscores the strategic depth of Trump's plans, suggesting that Trump's administration lacks the checks that previously might have stymied such bold moves.
Tim Miller humorously speculates on the logistics of deploying MAGA youth trained in Greenlandic to establish a long-term presence, emphasizing the administration's serious intent behind these territorial maneuvers.
The conversation shifts to Canada's sovereignty, where JVL recounts a meeting between Trump and Canadian Governor Mark Carney. Carney publicly reinforced Canada's status as a sovereign nation, effectively countering Trump's overtures. Tim Miller criticizes Trump's inconsistent enforcement of America First policies, noting the administration's contradictory stance on tariffs and international relations.
Notable Quote:
[14:19] Sarah Longwell: "Mark Carney had to 'hammer home' that Canada is not for sale."
Judicial Rulings on Immigration Cases
Transitioning to immigration, JVL outlines three significant court rulings that have pushed back against the Trump administration's hardline policies:
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Ramesa Ozturk Case ([27:00]): A graduate student from Tufts was ordered by the Second Circuit Court to be sent back to Vermont from a detention facility in Louisiana, potentially allowing her parole.
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Mahmoud Khalil Case ([29:18]): Another graduate student from Columbia University was redirected to New Jersey for trial instead of Louisiana, with Judge Mikey Farbiarz demanding transparency on the government's use of deportation powers.
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Kilmore Abrego Garcia Case ([29:47]): Judge Zinnis questioned the government's "state secrets" claim, pressing for justification on both legal and factual grounds.
Sarah Longwell praises the judiciary's resilience, stating at [30:27]:
"The courts have really stiffened their spine against Trump. They've been pushing back with written opinions explaining why the administration's actions are wrong and anti-American."
Conversely, Tim Miller expresses concern over the broader immigration crackdown, illustrating his point with a harrowing account of a 19-year-old detained dreamer named Jimena Arias Cristobal. He criticizes the administration's approach, highlighting the inhumanity and lack of rationale behind such policies.
Notable Quote:
[31:48] Tim Miller: "Deporting dreamers is not popular. It's inhumane and un-American."
The Impact of Globalization on American Communities
A significant portion of the discussion revolves around Bari Weiss's commentary on globalization. Tim Miller shares his skepticism towards attributing America's socioeconomic fractures solely to globalization, arguing that while it has had negative impacts on certain communities, it has also facilitated unprecedented prosperity and access to goods.
Sarah Longwell counters by acknowledging the valid concerns of communities hollowed by manufacturing job losses and the subsequent societal issues like the opioid crisis. She emphasizes the need for political solutions that go beyond nostalgic reintroduction of defunct industries, advocating for innovative approaches to rebuild and modernize affected regions.
Notable Quote:
[55:59] Sarah Longwell: "The idea that our life hasn't improved in incredible ways is preposterous. We need to focus on what we can build now, not send people back into obsolete factories."
JVL and Tim Miller further debate the nuances of globalization, with JVL critiquing the oversimplification of blaming it entirely for America's descent, and Tim advocating for balanced perspectives that recognize both its benefits and drawbacks.
The Influence of Tech Billionaires: Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg
The hosts shift focus to the rising influence of tech moguls, particularly Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg. JVL shares insights from Jonathan Swan's interview with Musk, highlighting Musk's downplayed promises to cut $2 trillion and his allegorical comparison of Dogecoin to Buddhism.
Notable Quote:
[42:16] JVL: "Elon Musk is this weirdo, crypto Nazi adjacent guy who's never had a friend."
Sarah Longwell critiques the social disconnect exhibited by such billionaires, pointing out Zuckerberg's endeavor to create AI friends to fulfill human connection needs. She warns of the dangers posed by individuals who wield immense power without genuine human empathy, suggesting that their inability to foster authentic relationships could have far-reaching negative impacts on society.
Tim Miller raises concerns about Musk's control over Starlink and its implications for global internet access, advocating for nationalization or increased regulation to prevent monopolistic control.
Notable Quote:
[48:16] Sarah Longwell: "People who have tremendous power over our world do not know how to be with other humans. That's scary."
Closing Thoughts
In their concluding remarks, the hosts reflect on the challenges facing the American political and social fabric. Sarah Longwell emphasizes the ongoing need to address systemic issues like immigration reform and the human costs of policy failures. JVL voices a cynical outlook on the current state of American society, questioning its ability to sustain liberal democracy amidst growing internal fractures.
Tim Miller remains cautiously optimistic, suggesting that while much of the damage is already done, there remains potential to focus on positive changes and contain further deterioration.
Conclusion
The "Beta Trump" episode of The Next Level offers a multifaceted examination of the current American political climate. Through incisive discussions on Trump's geopolitical strategies, judicial resistance to harsh immigration policies, the complex effects of globalization, and the outsized influence of tech billionaires, the hosts provide listeners with a nuanced perspective on the nation's trajectory. Balancing critical analysis with moments of levity, Sarah Longwell, Tim Miller, and Jonathan V. Last deliver an engaging and thought-provoking episode that underscores the intricate interplay of power, policy, and societal change in contemporary America.
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