Bill Kristol: Trump Is All-In on Authoritarianism

Bill Kristol: Trump Is All-In on Authoritarianism

From The Bulwark Daily by The Bulwark

June 1, 2026 · 55 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.

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 Text BULWARK to 64000 to get 20% off all IQBAR products, plus FREE shipping. Message and data rates may apply.

People in this episode

Host: Tim Miller

Guest: Bill Kristol

Topics covered

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

Keywords

  • Trump
  • authoritarianism
  • Iran
  • midterms
  • Pride Month
  • politics
  • election meddling

Sponsors

IQBAR

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Iran, Kennedy Center

Products: IQBAR

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