Bill Kristol: Trump Is All-In on Authoritarianism

Bill Kristol: Trump Is All-In on Authoritarianism

From The Bulwark by The Bulwark

June 1, 2026 · 11 min

About this episode

Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller to discuss the ongoing authoritarian threat posed by Trump and the political landscape surrounding the midterms.

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.thebulwark.com Another weekend passed without a promised Iran deal. Despite reporting to the contrary, Iran’s negotiators don’t live in caves, and they’re not interested in dealing with the U.S. anymore, at least according to state media. Meanwhile, the president continues to release unhinged midnight bleats on his social media platform, including one targeting not just a judge who ruled against him in the Kennedy Center case but also that judge’s spouse. That’s just one reminder that the authoritarian threat remains, and we should prepare for election meddling if the midterms don’t go Trump’s way. Plus, the White House seems to have soured on JD Vance, the Epstein cover-up continues, there’s more Graham Platner drama, Susan Collins has enabled the worst of Trump 2.0, and Bill outflanks Tim on Pride Month? Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller. Show notes * Bill’s Bulwark on Sunday with Nathaniel Zelinsky * Bill’s Morning Shots from Friday on Trump’s plans for America250 As always: Watch, listen, hit the like button or leave a comment . We want to hear from you. Ad-free editions of The Bulwark Podcast are available…

People in this episode

Host: Tim Miller

Guest: Bill Kristol

Topics covered

  • authoritarianism
  • Trump
  • Iran deal
  • election meddling
  • political commentary
  • Pride Month

Keywords

  • Trump
  • authoritarianism
  • Iran
  • election meddling
  • Bill Kristol
  • Tim Miller
  • Pride Month
  • politics
  • Graham Platner
  • Susan Collins

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: The Bulwark, Kennedy Center

Places: Iran, U.S.

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