David French and Suhas Subramanyam: The Superpower Folded in Front of the Whole World

In this high-stakes episode of The Bulwark Podcast, hosts Tim Miller and David French dissect the chaotic aftermath of Donald Trump's unilateral war against Iran, which escalated to the brink of a potential crime against humanity. French delivers a searing critique of Trump's reckless leadership, emphasizing how the president's threats—particularly to destroy critical infrastructure—crossed into legally and morally indefensible territory, comparable to Russia's actions in Ukraine. He argues that Trump's war, launched without congressional approval and driven by personal ego and economic incentives (like maintaining the Dow), was strategically flawed from the start, resulting in a humiliating ceasefire that benefits Iran economically while weakening U.S. credibility. French draws a powerful analogy: the U.S. military, a force of 'lions,' is being led by a commander-in-chief who is a 'donkey'—lacking strategic imagination and moral clarity. The episode also explores the absurdity of the ceasefire deal, which simultaneously grants Iran control of the Strait of Hormuz while claiming American victory, and highlights the deep dysfunction within the administration, including the appointment of unqualified figures like Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense. The conversation shifts to Virginia's upcoming redistricting referendum on April 21st, where Democrats are fighting back against Republican gerrymandering by proposing a temporary redistricting fix. Congressman Suhas Subramanyam joins to stress the urgency of passing the referendum to level the playing field in the midterms, while also calling for aggressive Democratic oversight of Trump’s administration, including investigations into Epstein files, corruption, and the politicization of the DOJ. Both guests agree that accountability—through War Powers Resolutions, subpoenas, and even impeachment—must be pursued, even if the path is difficult. The episode culminates in a sobering assessment of the current political moment: the U.S. is in a constitutional and moral crisis, with the military, democratic norms, and global alliances under unprecedented strain. French and Subramanyam warn that Trump’s pattern of reckless escalation, combined with his weaponization of institutions and disdain for allies, has created a dangerous precedent. The war in the Middle East is not over—it’s paused, not resolved. The real battle now is for democratic accountability, institutional integrity, and the soul of American governance. The hosts stress that the fight is not just about foreign policy but about preserving the very foundations of American democracy, and that the upcoming Virginia vote is a critical frontline in that struggle.