The full episode is available exclusively to paid members of The Bulwark. You can join on Apple Podcasts, Substack or YouTube.

Sarah and JVL had a big show planned for you. Lots of different subjects. Important news. Funny stories. The whole nine.

And then everything derailed as they went SUPER deep on Graham Platner and the meta-debate about him. If you think Platner has electoral upside, you love Nazis. If you have concerns about Platner’s populism, you’re a closet Republican. The internet has spoken!

It’s a whole thing.

Also: This marks the first time in the history of the show that Sarah read JVL’s piece and JVL . . . didn’t even realize Sarah had written something? The shoe is on the other foot, my pretties!

Read JVL’s Triad newsletter: https://www.thebulwark.com/s/thetriad

Read Sarah’s 'The Man Behind the Tatoo': https://www.thebulwark.com/p/the-man-behind-the-tattoo-graham-platner-maine-democrat-focus-group

ON SALE NOW: Bulwark Live is coming to San Diego on May 20 and Los Angeles on May 21. Just announced! We’re adding some chatty friends to the lineups for both shows. Grab your seats now to join Sarah, Tim and Sam for an evening of politics among friends and keep an eye on https://TheBulwark.com/Events for more announcements.

Sarah Longwell, Tim Miller and Sam Stein (filling in for JVL) discuss the Trump administration’s assertion that the effort to protect ships in the Strait of Hormuz is "separate and distinct" from the larger war effort in Iran. Plus, they get into the drama over Ken Martin’s time as DNC chair, the effect the Supreme Court’s recent voting rights ruling might have on the midterms, the wisdom of Senate Republicans allocating $1 billion for the ballroom Trump promised would be completed without public money and how the Senate battleground his shaping up for Democrats this fall. Bonus: Tim coins a new term for presidents hitting historically bad polling numbers.

Visit https://Upwork.com/THENEXTLEVEL right now and post your job for free.

Head to https://Greenchef.com/50nextlevel and use code 50nextlevel to get 50% off your first month, then 20% off for two months.

Read "The YOLO Presidency" by Ashley Parker and Michael Scherer: https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/2026/04/donald-trump-legacy-history/686817/

Tickets for our Bulwark Live shows in San Diego on 5/20 and in LA on 5/21:
https://www.thebulwark.com/p/bulwark-events

Full episodes of the Secret Podcast are available to paid members of the Bulwark on Substack, YouTube, and Apple Podcasts.

JVL and Sarah Longwell discuss the signs that voters are starting to regret their Trump vote—and why that doesn’t mean politics is getting any simpler. Gas prices are rising, a gerrymandering arms race is raging and the Supreme Court reshaped the rules. Plus: the Maine race, the rise of populist candidates like Platner, and what The Bulwark actually stands for.

Sarah Longwell, Tim Miller and JVL are going LIVE to cover yet another indictment of Jim Comey by the Trump administration.

NOTE: If you're getting this late—we apologize! Something went wrong and some of you may not have received this episode on the day that it was originally released (Tuesday, April 29). We will try to track down and punish the gremlins responsible.

Make today a good day, and get yourself some Soul gummies. Right now, Soul is offering 30% off your entire order. Go to https://GetSoul.com and use the code THENEXTLEVEL

Head to https://Brodo.com/THENEXTLEVEL for 20% off your first subscription order and use code THENEXTLEVEL for an additional $10 off.

Read Ben Parker’s exclusive reporting on Trump’s plan to put his own face on US passports: https://www.thebulwark.com/p/exclusive-state-dept-finalizing-plan

Read JVL’s Triad newsletter: https://www.thebulwark.com/s/thetriad

JVL and Sarah Longwell talk about the firing of the Navy secretary mid-conflict and the bizarre “Trump-class battleship” saga, exposing a pattern of impossible promises and chaotic leadership. Plus: the Spirit Airlines bailout and what it says about Trump’s commitment to “capitalism.”

Full episodes of the Secret Podcast are available to paid members of the Bulwark on Substack, YouTube, and Apple Podcasts.

Sarah Longwell, Tim Miller and JVL celebrate JVL’s Webby win (sort of), and cover Tucker Carlson’s sudden “regret” turn and what it means about MAGA, Donald Trump Jr. as a 2028 front-runner, and the continued disaster in Iran. Plus: the ongoing dysfunction inside the administration, including the latest turmoil surrounding Kash Patel.

Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial today at https://SHOPIFY.com/ thenextlevel.

Get 15% off OneSkin with the code THENEXTLEVEL at https://www.oneskin.co/THENEXTLEVEL #oneskinpod

Get 15% off your first order plus free shipping at https://BollAndBranch.com/nextlevel with code nextlevel.

Don't miss the Triad this Friday when JVL will answer all your pressing questions on the news of the day. Leave your questions here: https://www.thebulwark.com/p/triad-mailbag-april-25-2026

JVL and Sarah Longwell discuss a bizarre week where markets surge amid global chaos, Trump feuds with his own allies, and confusion over Iran keeps escalating. They also break down a blowout Democratic win, surging fundraising, and what it all signals for the midterms—plus a growing fight inside the party over Israel and its future direction.

Sarah Longwell, Tim Miller and JVL cover a rough week for Trump, from failed talks with Iran that turned into a naval blockade, to strong signs of real cracks inside his coalition as allies and right-wing media begin to push back against his idiocy. They also talk about what Orbán’s defeat in Hungary means for Trump-style politics, and discuss the lightning-fast downfall of Eric Swalwell.

Go to https://Leesa.com for 20% off select mattresses PLUS get an extra $50 off with promo code THENEXTLEVEL, exclusive for TNL fans.

For a limited time, Wildgrain is offering $30 off your first box—PLUS free Croissants for life—when you go to https://Wildgrain.com/THENEXTLEVEL and start your subscription.

Refresh your spring wardrobe with Quince. Go to https://Quince.com/thenextlevel for free shipping and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too!

JVL and Sarah discuss the failed ceasefire, Melania’s bizarre Epstein pre-denial, and the growing rift between Trump and "America First" heavyweights like Tucker, Megyn, Candace, and Alex Jones. Is this just another performative feud, or the start of something real? And as AI muddies reality itself, what happens when nobody believes anything anymore?

Paid members of the Bulwark get exclusive access to the FULL episode on Apple Podcast, Substack or YouTube.

Sarah, Tim and JVL g to cover Trump's Iran ultimatum and other news.

Make today a good day, and get yourself some Soul gummies. Right now, Soul is offering 30% off your entire order! Go to https://GetSoul.com and use the code THENEXTLEVEL.

Head to https://Greenchef.com/50nextlevel and use code 50nextlevel to get 50% off your first month, then 20% off for two months.

Visit https://Upwork.com right now and post your job for free and to connect with top talent ready to help your business grow.

JVL and Sarah discuss Trump’s rambling, unfocused address that failed to clarify any of the war’s goals, even as evidence mounts that the situation is getting worse. They also talk about the Bondi firing, why it may have been timed to shift attention, and what it says about how this White House handles bad news.

Plus: rising oil prices, market jitters, and new warning signs from voters who are starting to turn against Trump.