Bill Kristol: POTUS, the Macho Madman

In this incisive episode of The Bulwark, host Tim Miller and editor-at-large Bill Kristol dissect the escalating crisis under President Donald Trump's second term, focusing on his inflammatory rhetoric and reckless foreign policy toward Iran. Kristol condemns Trump's public threats to bomb Iran's power plants and bridges—calling them war crimes—especially given the lack of congressional authorization and the strategic disconnect between these threats and legitimate national security objectives like preventing nuclear proliferation. He highlights the absurdity of equating the destruction of civilian infrastructure with military necessity, drawing parallels to Russia’s actions in Ukraine, which the Pentagon once labeled war crimes. The episode also examines the moral and political fallout from Trump’s behavior, including his apparent religious hypocrisy on Easter Sunday, the growing dissent within conservative ranks (notably from Marjorie Taylor Greene and Candace Owens), and the alarming normalization of extremism in the MAGA movement. Kristol argues that Trump’s actions—both in war and domestic policy—warrant impeachment, not for political gain but as a moral imperative, especially given his unhinged conduct, the erosion of democratic norms, and the dangerous precedent of a president threatening mass civilian casualties. The episode concludes with a somber look at the human cost of Trump’s policies, including the deportation of a military spouse, underscoring the deep contradictions between national defense and xenophobia. The episode delivers a powerful call to action: while the political feasibility of impeachment remains uncertain, the moral clarity is undeniable. Kristol urges Democrats to consider impeachment not as a partisan weapon but as a necessary check on presidential power, especially when a leader’s actions threaten both national security and democratic integrity. He also warns of the long-term damage from Trump’s purging of career officials, the erosion of press access at the Pentagon, and the appointment of loyalists over qualified professionals. The episode ends on a note of urgency, framing the coming days—especially the potential for war on Tuesday—as a defining inflection point for American democracy. The takeaway is clear: leadership must be held accountable not just for policy outcomes, but for the character and stability of the nation itself.