Authoritarian Tactics in the US
The Trump administration is described as pursuing an authoritarian project aimed at intimidating the media and business sectors, with reports of violence in the streets.
1The Bulwark Podcast
Bill Kristol and Ro Khanna: Two Governments Acting with Impunity
Guests discuss the Trump administration's authoritarian project and the legacy of Israeli settler militias in the West Bank.
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Bill Kristol and Ro Khanna: Two Governments Acting with Impunity
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Settler Violence in the West Bank
Prime Minister Netanyahu is allowing settler militias to operate with impunity in the West Bank, resulting in the killing of Palestinians and the destruction of property.
2Rep. Ro Khanna's Encounter
Rep. Ro Khanna shares a personal encounter with private armed groups near Hebron during his time in the West Bank.
3Lindsey Graham's Legacy
The discussion touches on the mixed legacy of Senator Lindsey Graham.
4Iran and the Strait of Hormuz
The episode addresses claims that the Trump administration is attempting to obscure a deal granting Iran management of the Strait of Hormuz.
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“What are the implications of the Trump administration's authoritarian project for US media freedom?”
“How does the situation in the West Bank affect US-Israel relations?”
“What is the significance of the deal regarding the Strait of Hormuz?”
Questions
Questions to carry into the episode.
What specific authoritarian actions are attributed to the Trump administration?
The administration is described as intimidating the media and business world and using force in the streets.
1How does the episode characterize the situation in the West Bank?
It describes settler militias running amok, killing Palestinians, and destroying villages and property with the allowance of Prime Minister Netanyahu.
2What personal experience did Rep. Ro Khanna share?
He described a personal encounter with private armed groups near Hebron.
3What is the status of the deal regarding the Strait of Hormuz?
The episode notes that Trump is trying to pretend he didn't sign a deal giving Iran management of the Strait of Hormuz.
4Experts
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Sources and disclosure
Where this guide comes from.
This guide is based on the episode 'Bill Kristol and Ro Khanna: Two Governments Acting with Impunity' from The Bulwark Podcast, published on 2026-07-13.
- Publisher show notes
The Trump administration is going full speed ahead on its authoritarian project to intimidate the media and the business world—and to gun people down in the streets.
- Publisher show notes
And in Israel, Netanyahu is allowing settler militias to run amok in the West Bank, killing Palestinians and destroying their villages and property.
- Publisher show notes
Khanna joins Tim to describe his own personal encounter with the private armed groups near Hebron.
- Publisher show notes
Plus, the mixed legacy of Lindsey Graham, Trump is trying to pretend he didn't sign a deal giving Iran management of the Strait of Hormuz, and the Dems have a real chance to weaken Todd Blanche and the whole administration.
- Publisher show notes
Bill Kristol and Rep. Ro Khanna join Tim Miller.
- Publisher show notes
Show notes:
- Publisher show notes
• Monday's "Morning Shots" • Bill's "Bulwark on Sunday" with Sarah • NOBL gives you real travel peace of mind — security, design, and convenience all in one. Head to NOBLTravel.com for 46% off your entire order! #NOBL #ad
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