In this Command Post edition of Bulwark Takes, Ben Parker and Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling (Ret.) examine the growing gap between political messaging and military reality, focusing on how Trump’s public statements often differ from what the military actually executes. They also break down what a “blockade” of the Strait of Hormuz really involves and why it’s far more complex and risky than it sounds in political rhetoric. Finally, they turn to Ukraine’s evolving war effort, highlighting how drone warfare and battlefield innovation are reshaping modern combat.

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Read more from Mark's piece: https://www.thebulwark.com/p/what-a-blockade-in-the-strait-of-hormuz-really-means

Ben's book recommendation: https://www.amazon.com/Judgment-Tokyo-World-Making-Modern/dp/1101947101/?tag=bulwark08-20

Sonny Bunch and Damon Lindelof—the show runner behind Lost, The Leftovers, and Watchmen—discuss the growing backlash to the proposed Paramount–Warner Bros. merger and what it could mean for Hollywood’s future. Lindelof explains why he joined more than a thousand industry professionals in signing a public letter urging scrutiny of the deal. He describes a “chilling effect” across Hollywood, where even speaking out against consolidation can carry professional risk.

Open Letter: 2,500+ Industry Leaders Oppose the Paramount–WBD Merger
https://blockthemerger.com/openletter

Andrew Egger and Catherine Rampell give their takes on Trump latest fight with Jerome Powell, now floating the idea of firing Powell, while a bogus investigation continues to hang over the Federal Reserve. Meanwhile, Senator Thom Tillis is refusing to move forward on Trump’s preferred replacement, Kevin Warsh, unless that probe is dropped. Plus: Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Energy Secretary Chris Wright struggle to explain rising gas prices, walking back earlier optimism as global tensions push costs higher.

The MAGA energy isn’t what it used to be—and the signs are everywhere. Tim Miller joined Nicolle Wallace, and looked at JD Vance’s empty event, growing fractures inside Trump’s base, and what it says about where things are heading. Plus, why Hungary’s election offers a surprising playbook for pushing back against authoritarian politics.

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Watch Deadline: White House on MS NOW: https://www.ms.now/deadline-white-house

Former U.S. Ambassador to Hungary David Pressman joins Bill Kristol to discuss the stunning defeat of Viktor Orbán and what it reveals about how strongman systems actually fall. They explore how an anti-corruption message, not culture war fights, cut through and built a real movement. The conversation also digs into what American leaders can learn as they confront the rise of Trump-style politics.

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Andrew Egger and Bill Kristol went live to cover the week's biggest stories.

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