Sam Stein
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Articles by Sam Stein
Trump’s Interview Sends MAGA Into a Full-Blown Meltdown
The Bulwark exists to expose the fascists’ corruption and fight for liberalism. We’ll remain committed to reporting on all of the investigations, doing all of the accountability. We’re also committed to having some fun. We’re celebrating sanity’s win on Tuesday with a 20% FLASH SALE on Bulwark+. This offer may end tonightbut the our commitment to honest news, smart analysis and good faith will remain. Join us for what comes next. Upgrade today.
Picking the Biggest 2026 GOP Loser Is Harder Than You Think
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Dems Aren’t Backing Off Their Own Redistricting Push
(Photo illustration by Bill Kuchman/The Bulwark | Photos: Shutterstock) TUESDAY’S MASSIVE MIDTERM VICTORIES catapulted Democrats to control of the House, the Senate, governors’ mansions, and state legislatures across the country. But the party isn’t content with the once-in-a-generation shift in its favor. In fact, officials are already pondering ways to win more.
The Trio: Meet the Most Revolting Man in MAGA’s Universe
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JB Pritzker Has NEVER Seen an Election Like This in His Life
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MAGA is Losing Their Effing Minds
Sam Stein and Will Sommer break down Donald Trump’s bizarre response to Republicans’ crushing midterm defeat. While Republicans are scrambling to explain what went wrong, Trump headed to the White House ballroom construction site to celebrate chandeliers, kitchen layouts and the final steel beam, seemingly more interested in his vanity project than the political disaster unfolding around him.
It Happened!
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The voters have delivered a historic rejection of Trump and MAGA, and the political fallout is only beginning. Tim Miller, Sarah Longwell, and JVL break down the stunning Democratic victories, what Sarah heard from Trump voters who abandoned Republicans, and JD Vance’s extraordinary attempt to distance himself from Trump’s disastrous Iran war. Plus, the reckoning ahead for Elon Musk, Pete Hegseth, and the rest of MAGA.
By Tim Miller Verified, Jonathan V. Last Verified, Sarah Longwell, Sam Stein Verified, William Kristol
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The Bulwark
Verified
Brendan Boyle Has a Warning for Trump’s Project 2025 Mastermind (Plus: Sam Stein)
Rep. Brendan Boyle joins Catherine Rampell to discuss what Democrats plan to do if they take back the House, from reversing Trump’s healthcare cuts and tariffs to confronting the economic fallout from his Iran war. Plus Sam Stein and Catherine look ahead to Election Day, Trump's closing economic message, and how rising costs and voters' frustrations over the economy could shape decisions at the polls.
We React to Trump’s Baffling Final Speech
Sam Stein and Andrew Egger give their takes on Trump’s bizarre closing pitch ahead of the midterms: a trip to the Reflecting Pool to brag about algae removal, vandalism that never happened, and his plans to renovate a DC golf course. Instead of making a final appeal to voters, Trump spent his time talking about monuments, promenades, statues and a proposed triumphal arch.
Haley Stevens Just Torched Her Political Career
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Trump Explodes at Reporter Over One Simple Question
Sam Stein joins Nicolle Wallace on MS NOW to give his take on Trump’s bizarre distractions, from defending his decorating skills and feuding with Bill Maher to obsessing over a D.C. golf course, while his party faces mounting political problems. Sam also explains why corruption is emerging as a major issue for voters, the growing signs of waning enthusiasm at Trump rallies, and the Trump administration’s efforts to undermine the midterm elections before votes are even counted.
Trump DOJ Official Accused of Threatening to CHOKE His Intern
Sam Stein and Will Sommer unpack a jaw-dropping Harvard Crimson investigation into Leo Terrell, Trump’s antisemitism czar, and the spectacular dysfunction inside his Justice Department task force.
The Trio: We Can’t Believe Dave Rubin Actually Posted This Sick Video
It’s the Trio. You know them, you love them, and you never quite know where they’re going next. What better reason to become a Bulwark member and support the madness? Sam Stein, Will Sommer, and Tim Miller unpack another week of MAGA absurdity, from James O’Keefe facing felony charges over an alleged voter fraud stunt to right-wing influencers churning out bizarre AI videos about Democrats and the Cheesecake Factory.
Pre-Election Day Livestream This Sunday Night
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Join us this Sunday for a pre-election night livestream for members featuring Joe Perticone, Andrew Egger, Tim Miller, Sam Stein, Lauren Egan and Jonathan Cohn. The gang will cover the latest news in the hottest races and take your questions. Leave a comment Can’t join us live? No problem. We’ll post the show afterwards on the Bulwark Takes feed and on the site. Watch your inbox for the link to the livestream.
By Joe Perticone Verified, Andrew Egger Verified, Tim Miller Verified, Sam Stein Verified, Lauren Egan Verified, Jonathan Cohn Verified
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The Bulwark
Verified
MAGA Mondays: MAGA Influencer Says GOP Early Vote Numbers Are Too Depressing to Share
Unlock this story—and everything from The Bulwark🔓 Become a paying member of The Bulwark to get access to this story and other subscriber-only content. A subscription gets you: Never hit a Bulwark paywall again — get every article and newsletter, including JVL's Triad, The Focus Group, and Receipts. Get more from the voices you follow — ad-free podcasts plus member-only shows like The Secret Podcast with Sarah Longwell and JVL.
GOP Senate Candidate Mike Collins Has Some Explaining to Do | The Trio
Tim Miller, Sam Stein and Will Sommer give their takes on the latest chaos from the MAGA universe. Top Trump allies Chris LaCivita and James Blair had to hand over their six-figure consulting fees from a pro-Russian Balkan politician to Trump’s presidential library are right-wing influencers embarrassed themselves while campaigning for Serbia’s strongman. Plus, Republican Senate candidate Mike Collins’ was caught fantasizing about public executions and throwing Nancy Pelosi out of a plane.
Trump’s Threat to Hurricane Victims Could Cost Republicans BIG (Anderson Clayton & Nikema Williams)
Unlock this story—and everything from The Bulwark🔓 Become a paying member of The Bulwark to get access to this story and other subscriber-only content. A subscription gets you: Never hit a Bulwark paywall again — get every article and newsletter, including JVL's Triad, The Focus Group, and Receipts. Get more from the voices you follow — ad-free podcasts plus member-only shows like The Secret Podcast with Sarah Longwell and JVL.
Fake Polls and Hateful Ads Are Poisoning American Politics (w/ Mallory McMorrow)
Michigan State Senator Mallory McMorrow joins Sam Stein for her take on how a fabricated poll had real consequences for her Senate campaign, drying up donations, rattling volunteers, and prompting reporters to ask when she would drop out. They examine how fake polling can distort media coverage, influence donors, and shape the narratives surrounding elections, even when the numbers are completely made up.
Elon Musk Could Face a MOUNTAIN of Subpoenas in 2027
This week’s Next Level starts out as a Secret Podcast episode, before Tim and Sam crash the stage. They discuss Sarah’s interview with Pete Buttigieg, why Jon Ossoff might be history’s choice for 2028 whether he likes it or not. Plus: some hopium on some key races across the South. Then the crew turns to Vivek Ramaswamy’s despicable ad featuring Amy Acton’s estranged mother, and whether JD Vance might be (shudder) underrated in 2028.
Sam Stein and Will Sommer React to the Most Disgusting Ad of 2026
Sam Stein and Will Sommer break down the disgusting attack ad targeting Ohio Democratic gubernatorial nominee Amy Acton, featuring her estranged mother accusing her of lying. When Acton was 12, her stepfather was accused of sexually abusing her and was indicted by a grand jury before he fled with Amy’s mother. The ad appears to be connected to Vivek Ramaswamy’s campaign, which has refused to disavow it.
Trump Is Running His Administration Like a Male Beauty Pageant
Donald Trump can’t seem to stop talking about other men’s bodies, from Republican candidates’ jawlines to their backsides, even as his presidency faces mounting crises. Sam Stein joins Nicolle Wallace on MS NOW to discuss Trump’s bizarre fixation and misplaced priorities, plus why James Talarico’s unconventional campaign against Ken Paxton could rewrite the political playbook in Texas. Watch Deadline: White House on MS NOW: https://www.ms.now/deadline-white-house Leave a comment
MAGA Mondays with Will Sommer and Sam Stein
Sam Stein and Will Sommer break down the foreign money scandal involving Alina Habba’s new husband, Ric Grenell, and the Kennedy Center. They also examine the protests roiling Albania over Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump’s controversial resort project, and Bari Weiss’s pursuit of right-wing internet conspiracy theories at CBS News.
Bulwark LIVE: Charlotte
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Unlock this story—and everything from The Bulwark🔓 October Surprise: Save 30% on your first year of Bulwark+ Never hit a Bulwark paywall again — get every article and newsletter, including JVL's Triad, The Focus Group, and Receipts. Get more from the voices you follow — ad-free podcasts plus member-only shows like The Secret Podcast with Sarah Longwell and JVL. Get closer to The Bulwark — member-only chats, comments, and early access to Bulwark LIVE tickets. Cancel anytime.
By Sarah Longwell, Tim Miller Verified, Jonathan V. Last Verified, Catherine Rampell Verified, Lauren Egan Verified, Pete Buttigieg, Sam Stein Verified
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The Bulwark
Verified
Trump’s Own Energy Secretary Just Contradicted His Russia Story
Will is one of the great chroniclers of Lindsey Graham’s career, and his perspective on how we got here is exactly the kind of informed, unsparing analysis we believe is worth supporting. Help us keep bringing you conversations like this by becoming a Bulwark member. Trump is lifting sanctions on Russian energy, his own energy secretary is contradicting his explanation, and Republicans are scrambling to defend the indefensible.
Tucker Carlson’s Most Uncomfortable Moment Yet? | The Trio Live
Unlock this story—and everything from The Bulwark🔓 October Surprise: Save 30% on your first year of Bulwark+ Never hit a Bulwark paywall again — get every article and newsletter, including JVL's Triad, The Focus Group, and Receipts. Get more from the voices you follow — ad-free podcasts plus member-only shows like The Secret Podcast with Sarah Longwell and JVL. Get closer to The Bulwark — member-only chats, comments, and early access to Bulwark LIVE tickets. Cancel anytime.
The Trio: MAGA Influencers Are Running for Cover After Talarico Smear Collapses
Look, we’ll keep this simple: It’s the Trio. Uncut, ad-free, and uncensored. There could not possibly be a better reason to become a paid member of The Bulwark. Sam Stein, Tim Miller, and Will Sommer give an update on the MAGA influencers caught pushing a false story about Texas Democrat James Talarico, and why those behind the smear may face few consequences.
The Man Who Exposed Kimberly Guilfoyle Reacts To Her Resignation (w/ Eric Deters)
Sam Stein sits down with Eric Deters, the man whose text messages helped expose Kimberly Guilfoyle’s alleged $100,000 ask and preceded her resignation as U.S. ambassador to Greece. Deters discusses why he believes Guilfoyle was forced out, his plans to sue her for defamation, and why he says her resignation won’t end the congressional and State Department investigations.
Trump Jokes as Woman Is Beaten at His Rally
A quick note: The Bulwark doesn’t believe in phony balance that gives liars the benefit of the doubt or treats bad-faith arguments as legitimate debate. We call out the lies and explain what’s actually happening. If you value that kind of independent media, join Bulwark+ and help us keep doing it.
MAGA Mondays: The Spectacularly Stupid Collapse of MAGA’s Talarico Conspiracy
Unlock this story—and everything from The Bulwark🔓 October Surprise: Save 30% on your first year of Bulwark+ Never hit a Bulwark paywall again — get every article and newsletter, including JVL's Triad, The Focus Group, and Receipts. Get more from the voices you follow — ad-free podcasts plus member-only shows like The Secret Podcast with Sarah Longwell and JVL. Get closer to The Bulwark — member-only chats, comments, and early access to Bulwark LIVE tickets. Cancel anytime.
Top Senate Dem to Trump Underlings: Lawyer Up
Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) in October 2025. (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images) IF YOU WANT A REAL GUT-CHECK of how Democratic party leadership is feeling headed into the final stretch before Election Day, few people are better to turn to than Hawaii Sen. Brian Schatz. The 53-year-old is set to be the next party whip after Sen. Dick Durbin retires in the next Congress, making him the youngest person to be chosen for the number-two Democratic leadership position in fifty years.
Senator Who Served With JD Vance Explains Why He’ll Never Be President (w/ Sen. Schatz)
Sen. Brian Schatz joins Sam Stein to explain why Democrats suddenly have a shot at winning Senate races in deep-red states, how they plan to hold Trump’s corrupt officials accountable, and why he doubts JD Vance has what it takes to succeed Trump. From the possibility of impeaching Trump administration officials to Vance’s struggle to connect with MAGA voters, Schatz offers an unusually candid look at what comes next. Leave a comment
Trump’s Putin Deal Is a Disgraceful Act of Betrayal Original
Sam Stein and Catherine Rampell give their takes on Trump’s decision to buy oil from Putin, just weeks after Trump signed Lindsey Graham’s Russia sanctions bill into law. Instead of increasing pressure on Russia, Trump is opening the door to Russian fuel exports that could help bankroll Putin’s war on Ukraine. Plus, they examine the bill’s loopholes, whether the deal will actually lower fuel prices, and why Trump is pressuring Ukraine to stop attacking Russian oil refineries.
Hegseth’s Livestreamed Execution Exposes His Pathetic Tough-Guy Act
Sam Stein and Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling (Ret.) give their takes on Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s plan to livestream the execution of the Fort Hood shooter, Nidal Hasan, and why turning an execution into a public spectacle raises serious moral questions. Hertling explains the potential toll on soldiers ordered to carry out the firing squad and warns that the spectacle could inflame tensions rather than deter future attacks.
We Spoke to the Guy Who Snitched on Kimberly Guilfoyle (w/ Eric Deters)
This is what makes The Bulwark different: going straight to the people involved, asking the uncomfortable questions, and getting answers you won’t hear anywhere else. If you value that work, please consider supporting us by becoming a Bulwark+ member. Sam Stein speaks with Eric Deters, the man at the center of the Wall Street Journal’s explosive report on Kimberly Guilfoyle.
BOMBSHELL: Leaked Kimberly Guilfoyle Texts Reveal Brazen Corruption
Unlock this story—and everything from The Bulwark🔓 October Surprise: Save 30% on your first year of Bulwark+ Never hit a Bulwark paywall again — get every article and newsletter, including JVL's Triad, The Focus Group, and Receipts. Get more from the voices you follow — ad-free podcasts plus member-only shows like The Secret Podcast with Sarah Longwell and JVL. Get closer to The Bulwark — member-only chats, comments, and early access to Bulwark LIVE tickets. Cancel anytime.
Scott Bessent’s Interview Got Weirder by the Minute
Catherine Rampell and Sam Stein discuss Scott Bessent’s strange interview, from his “I am the house” bravado and boasts about Melania’s friends to his temper and possible political ambitions. They also react to Trump’s latest pitch for $5,000 checks and his remarkable claim that he knows more about basically everything than anyone.
LEAKED AUDIO: Ken Paxton Says D.C. Is Running His Campaign | MAGA Mondays
Sam Stein and Will Sommer give their takes on Kash Patel’s engagement, Benny Johnson facing a lawsuit from two anti-ICE protesters, and The Daily Wire’s new pro-ICE movie being filmed in Livingston, Montana. The film reportedly recreates the shooting of Renee Good before turning it into a fictionalized action story involving ICE agents, Antifa, MS-13 and a heroic Korean grocer. And you’ll never believe who just joined the film as a producer—especially given the production’s security problems.
The Daily Wire is Making the Most MAGA Movie Imaginable
Sam Stein and Will Sommer break down the leaked script for the Daily Wire’s upcoming fictional movie Pawn Shop, a pro-ICE thriller set amid an imagined Antifa siege of a Minneapolis pawn shop. They discuss the film’s fictionalized version of the Renee Good shooting, its portrayal of ICE agents, Antifa and MS-13, the “rooftop Korean” storyline, and the movie’s many conservative-media tropes.
Trump Crashes Out: You Haven't Asked "One F**king Positive Question"
Catherine Rampell and Andrew Egger break down Donald Trump’s bizarre new interview with Time Magazine, from his claims about having the “highest” IQ to his ever-changing story about how long the war in Iran was supposed to last. They also discuss Trump’s claim that annihilating Iran would create peace, his latest attempt to rewrite his four-to-six-week timeline, his complaints about “negative” questions, and his fixation on the White House renovations and other personal projects. Share
Pete Hegseth's Speech Was a Hyper-Macho Freak Show
If sitting through 16 minutes of Hegseth talking about “fatties,” testosterone, and the wisdom of Newt Gingrich sounds like a lot, become a Bulwark member. We watch this stuff so you don’t have to! Sam Stein and Ben Parker give their takes on Pete Hegseth’s bizarre State of the Force address, from his “no fatties, no weirdos” vision for the military to his fixation on testosterone, wokeness and American universities.
Maria Comella and The Trio: Holy Schmitt, That Was Bad
The Trio comes together on the daily pod for the first time to give a little taste of the MAGA-land news Sam, Will, and Tim are covering for The Bulwark. The latest developments include speculation that Candace Owens may be a lesbian and that Florida gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds pretended he was Jamaican. He may also have very poor judgment on financial matters. But first, Maria talks with Tim about Eric Schmitt and what may be the biggest self-own in the history of the Senate.
Amy Klobuchar Exposes Eric Schmitt’s Jack Smith Blunder
Sam Stein and Andrew Egger give their takes on Republican Sen. Eric Schmitt’s disastrous attempt to catch former special counsel Jack Smith in a perjury trap during a Senate Judiciary hearing. Schmitt thought he had a smoking gun showing Smith was in Atlanta for a Hawks game on the same day as a controversy involving Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis. But there was one problem: Smith wasn’t at the Hawks game.
GOP Senator’s Jack Smith Ambush Ends in Spectacular Humiliation
6 hours ago It’s buckling under the weight of strategic errors, staff turnover, and, most of all, the facts. When President Trump returned to office last year, the administration had revenge on the agenda. First, the FBI purged agents who’d been involved in investigations into Trump while he was out of office. …
MAGA Mondays Live: Trump Admin Party Video Sparks MAGA Backlash
Join Bulwark+ to unlock the rest🔓 Become a paying member of The Bulwark to get access to this post and other subscriber-only content. A subscription gets you: Unlimited access to articles and newsletters including The Triad by JVL and Receipts by Catherine Rampell. Ad-free editions of our shows (with transcripts) and member-only shows like The Secret Podcast. Plus community chats and commenting features.
The Bulwark’s Cruelest Assignment Yet: 6 Hours of Trump TV
Sam Stein, Brendan Hartnett and Will Sommer discuss the chaos surrounding the White House press corps after CNN, Politico and MS NOW were banned from the White House, then allowed back on the premises but haven't gotten reassurances that CNN would be allowed back into the TV pool.
Sam Stein and Mary Peltola: Cozying Up to Commies and Corporate Elites
First, Sam Stein sits down with Tim to discuss the latest humiliation of our troops: Trump’s red carpet welcome for President Xi. Plus: the White House’s insane propaganda machine, a new Maine poll throws some cold water on the midterms hopium, Sen. Tommy Tuberville’s obsession with furries, and is RFK Jr. running for president? Then, Tim pulls back the curtain on his interview with Mary Peltola, which wrapped just hours before a new critical New York Times piece dropped.
Trump’s New Defense Of The Arch Is INCREDIBLY Stupid
Sam Stein and Will Saletan take a look at Donald Trump’s latest architectural fever dream: a 250-foot triumphal arch near Arlington Cemetery that Trump says will double as a “top grade Military Complex,” complete with drones and snipers. They dig into the bizarre location, the questionable military rationale and Trump’s claim that the project came at the “strong request” of the military.
Russia’s Shadow War Is Spreading Across Europe
Sam Stein and former CIA officer Marc Polymeropoulos give their takes on the flurry of international headlines over the weekend. The Houthis have escalated attacks on Saudi Arabia, including strikes on Riyadh, while Ukraine has launched a major wave of drone and missile strikes on Moscow and Russian energy infrastructure.
Ben Shapiro’s Grotesque Anti-Muslim Movie
Sam Stein and Will Sommer give their takes to The Daily Wire’s bizarre new movie, Run Hide Fight: Infidels. They dig into the film’s deeply anti-Muslim premise, its portrayal of liberals, LGBTQ students and campus progressives, and the strange political fantasy at the center of the story. Will explains the chaotic plot and bizarre characters to Jonathan Majors’ surprisingly limited role, despite the over-sized marketing.
Kash Patel’s Eyebrow Has Gone Rogue | The Trio
Tim Miller, Sam Stein and Will Sommer take on a bizarre collection of stories from MAGA and the Republican Party, including Milo Yiannopoulos’ messy divorce, a GOP nominee’s ties to the Unite the Right rally, Victor Marx’s latest campaign controversies and a Republican candidate who fell for a fake Kai Trump account. Plus, the trio breaks down Kash Patel’s contentious hearing and his eyebrow-raising FBI spending, before meeting a Republican congressional candidate with a 20-song Trump rap album.
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