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Donald Trump posts an overtly racist video, Republicans briefly squirm, and the usual defenses start to crack. JVL and Sarah Longwell explain why this moment exposed GOP cowardice, how Trump’s vanity and distractions are starting to cost him politically, and what billionaire media self-destruction says about power, accountability, and the institutions being hollowed out. Paid members of The Bulwark get access to FULL episodes of Secret Podcast on Apple Podcasts, YouTube and Substack.

JVL, Sarah Longwell, and Tim Miller talk about the new Epstein file releases and what they reveal about elite weakness, Peter Attia’s emails, the effort to rehabilitate Epstein after prison, and why this isn’t “cancel culture.” They also discuss what the FBI's raid of an election center in Georgia and Donald Trump's talk about nationalizing elections means for the midterms and beyond. Right now, Soul is offering 30% off your entire order! Go to https://GetSoul.com and use the code THENEXTLEVEL. Get 30% off OneSkin with the code THENEXTLEVEL at https://www.oneskin.co/ #oneskinpod Get 50% off your first order with Green Chef and a FREE Graza Olive Oil set at https://GreenChef.com/NEXTLEVELGRAZA.

JVL and Sarah came in hottt today, angry about . . . all of it? Journalists are now being arrested. Masked DHS agents are still terrorizing Minneapolis. The worst “free speech” people you know are building a state media ecosystem. And the Melania movie is here. Paid members of The Bulwark get access to the FULL episode of The Secret Podcast. Join today on Apple Podcasts, Substack or YouTube.

Sarah, Tim and JVL join to talk about the fallout in Minnesota after Trump pulls Greg Bovino and installs Tom Homan, how voters are reacting, global blowback on Greenland, and what's next. For a limited time, save up to $300 on the Tovala smart oven when you order meals 6+ times, by visiting https://Tovala.com/NEXTLEVEL and using code NEXTLEVEL.

JVL and Sarah Longwell discuss the latest—from Trump's sinking poll numbers and the Greenland spectacle to escalating ICE actions and local resistance. They also talk about new focus-group findings showing Gen Z Trump voters cooling on JD Vance (and warming to Marco Rubio), react to the White House’s use of AI imagery in political messaging, and critique Jared Kushner’s glossy “Dubai for Gaza” redevelopment pitch, with a look at how Michigan protest politics is landing now. Full episodes of the The Secret Podcast are available to paid supporters of the Bulwark on Substack, YouTube and Apple Podcasts.

Sarah, JVL and Tim discuss the low-energy, never-ending Trump event and the end of their will to live. They also go deep on how Trump’s obsession with Greenland is threatening to torch America’s relationships with its allies and completely realign the world order. To get 6 bottles of wine for $39.99, head to https://NakedWines.com/THENEXTLEVEL and use code THENEXTLEVEL for both the code AND PASSWORD. Get 15% off your first order PLUS free shipping at https://BollandBranch.com/NEXTLEVEL and use code NEXTLEVEL. Get 50% off your first order with Green Chef and a FREE Graza Olive Oil set at https://GreenChef.com/NEXTLEVELGRAZA.

Sarah and JVL discuss the Minneapolis shooting and the growing backlash to ICE tactics, the collapse of public support for Trump across key polls, MAGA’s “comply or die” hypocrisy, a potential split between “MAGA” and “non-MAGA” Republicans, the political damage of masked federal force, and farce surrounding the Trump’s “gift” of a Nobel Peace Prize.

Sarah, Tim and JVL discuss the ICE killing in Minneapolis and the escalation that followed, including DOJ prosecutors resigning rather than smearing the victim’s family. They also talk about JD Vance’s eagerness to defend state violence, Trump’s pressure campaign against Jerome Powell, the broader pattern of unchecked power, and why Democratic candidates like Mary Peltola fit their states while others don’t. Get free shipping and 365 day returns with Quince at https://Quince.com/THENEXTLEVEL Get $30 off your first box and free Croissants for life when you visit https://Wildgrain.com/THENEXTLEVEL, or you can use promo code THENEXTLEVEL at checkout. During Tovala's New Year Sale, you can get a FREE Tovala smart oven when you order meals 6+ times by heading to https://Tovala.com/NEXTLEVEL using the code NEXTLEVEL!

Sarah and JVL talk about the new video from the ICE agent as he killed Renee Good. It’s tough and they’re not sure quite where we go from here. Is the rule of law real? Or is everything might makes right? Also: Trump probably gets away with Venezuela, too. Good times. Paid members of the Bulwark get access to full episodes of the Secret show.

Sarah, Tim and JVL discuss the legality and consequences of the Venezuela operation, the emerging split between “America First” and “Trump First,” Stephen Miller’s grotesque worldview, and why Greenland suddenly feels less hypothetical. They also debate the legacy of neoconservatism and Iraq, MAGA influencer drama, and GOP dysfunction in Congress. Get up to 30% off OneSkin with the code THENEXTLEVEL at https://www.oneskin.co/THENEXTLEVEL #oneskinpod #ad Go to https://GetSoul.com and use the code THENEXTLEVEL for 30% off. Go to https://greenchef.com/nextlevelgraza and use code NEXTLEVELGRAZA to get started with 50% off Green Chef + FREE Graza Olive Oil Set in your 2nd and 3rd boxes.

JVL, Sarah Longwell, and Tim Miller look ahead to what’s next—and it (mostly) isn't pretty. From Trump’s plans for the Fed and crypto chaos, to billionaire media consolidation, and some truly unhinged foreign policy ideas, they game out what could break, what might finally collapse Trump’s support, and why things probably have to get worse before they get better. Go to https://Quince.com/thenextlevel for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too.

New Epstein files have dropped, and the fallout is growing. Sarah Longwell, Tim Miller, and JVL discuss what’s new in the latest release, why the DOJ’s clumsy redactions and selective disclosures made things worse, and how the accumulating evidence and hypocrisy are starting to break through to voters. They also talk about Trump’s distraction tactics, JD Vance’s political viability, and why the old Trump bargain isn’t holding anymore.NOTE: The Justice Department in a tweet later on Tuesday, after the episode was taped, said that the alleged letter from Jeffrey Epstein to Larry Nassar was determined by the FBI to be fake.

Sarah Longwell, JVL, and Tim Miller discuss the jaw-dropping Vanity Fair interviews Susie Wiles gave to Vanity Fair and what they reveal about how Trumpworld actually operates, the Epstein and Maxwell fallout, the backlash to Trump’s remarks about Rob Reiner, MAGA’s internal fractures, Elon Musk’s role in dismantling USAID, and why this moment feels different from past Trump controversies. Susie Wiles, JD Vance, and the “Junkyard Dogs”: The White House Chief of Staff on Trump’s Second Term (Part 1 of 2) https://www.vanityfair.com/news/story/trump-susie-wiles-interview-exclusive-part-1 Susie Wiles Talks Epstein Files, Pete Hegseth’s War Tactics, Retribution, and More (Part 2 of 2) https://www.vanityfair.com/news/story/trump-susie-wiles-interview-exclusive-part-2Get 50% off your first order with Green Chef and a FREE Graza Olive Oil set at https://GreenChef.com/NEXTLEVELGRAZA.Get 30% off your entire order with Soul at https://GetSoul.com, promo code THENEXTLEVEL.Remember to head to https://ZBiotics.com/NEXTLEVEL and use the code NEXTLEVEL at checkout for 15% off.To get 6 bottles of wine for $39.99, head to NakedWines.com/THENEXTLEVEL and use code THENEXTLEVEL for both the code AND PASSWORD.  

Donald Trump isn’t just attacking the press, he’s trying to own it. JVL and Sarah Longwell discuss how Trump is using merger approvals, billionaire allies, and corporate pressure to bend major media companies to his will, from CNN and CBS to the broader tech and news ecosystem. They explain why media consolidation creates a dangerous opening for political intimidation, how this power play has nothing to do with conservatism and everything to do with control, and why independent outlets like The Bulwark matter more than ever in an era where money, media, and government are colliding.

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