DiscoverThe Bulwark PodcastMark Hertling: Contrary to American Values
Mark Hertling: Contrary to American Values

Mark Hertling: Contrary to American Values

Update: 2025-06-112
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This podcast discusses several key issues at the intersection of US military actions, domestic politics, and international relations. It begins by analyzing President Trump's speech at Fort Bragg, highlighting concerns about the blurring of lines between military and political allegiances and the potential erosion of the military's apolitical stance. The discussion then shifts to the deployment of the National Guard to Los Angeles, raising questions about the lack of coordination with state authorities, the mission's apparent focus on supporting ICE raids, and the impact on the lives of the guardsmen and their families. The podcast further examines the upcoming military parade and the President's threat of force against protesters, expressing concerns about the suppression of free speech. The situation in Ukraine is also analyzed, focusing on the ongoing conflict, the impact of potential reduced US support, and the implications for Ukraine's defense. Finally, the podcast discusses Tulsi Gabbard's actions, including her use of AI to analyze classified documents and her alarming video about nuclear annihilation, questioning the appropriateness of the DNI's public pronouncements. Overall, the podcast raises serious concerns about civil-military relations, the potential misuse of military forces for political purposes, and the erosion of constitutional rights.

Outlines

00:01:06
Military Actions and Political Polarization

The podcast opens with a discussion of President Trump's Fort Bragg speech, focusing on audience reactions and concerns about the blurring of lines between military and political allegiances. This is followed by an analysis of the National Guard deployment to Los Angeles, highlighting concerns about coordination, mission clarity, and the impact on guardsmen's lives.

00:33:53
Threats to Free Speech and International Conflicts

The podcast discusses the upcoming military parade and threats against protesters, raising concerns about free speech suppression. It then delves into the Ukraine conflict, focusing on Russian attacks and the potential impact of reduced US support.

00:43:38
Controversial Actions and the Role of Intelligence

This segment analyzes Tulsi Gabbard's actions, including her use of AI on classified documents and her video on nuclear annihilation, and discusses the DNI's public pronouncements.

Keywords

Civil-Military Relations


The relationship between civilian government and the military; ensuring civilian control while maintaining effectiveness. Current events highlight concerns about this balance.

Posse Comitatus Act


A US law restricting military use for domestic law enforcement, except in specific circumstances. Its relevance is discussed in the context of National Guard deployment.

Information Warfare


The use of information and communication technologies to influence, manipulate, or deceive. Relevant to Russian propaganda and misinformation campaigns.

Constitutional Rights


Fundamental rights guaranteed by the US Constitution, including freedom of speech and assembly. Potential violations are discussed.

Ukraine Conflict


The ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, its impact on global security, and the role of the US.

Political Polarization


The increasing division and hostility between opposing political factions in the US.

Misinformation


The spread of false or misleading information, often with the intent to deceive.

National Guard Deployment


The use of National Guard troops for various purposes, raising concerns about their role and oversight.

Q&A

  • What are the main concerns regarding President Trump's speech at Fort Bragg and the military's response?

    Concerns center on the apparent political alignment of some soldiers with Trump, disregard for constitutional norms, and the potential erosion of the military's apolitical stance.

  • How does the deployment of the National Guard to Los Angeles raise concerns about civil-military relations?

    The deployment raises concerns due to the lack of coordination with the California governor, the unclear mission (seemingly focused on supporting ICE raids), and the disruption to the lives and families of the guardsmen.

  • What are the implications of the potential reduction of US support for Ukraine?

    The potential reduction of US support is seen as a dangerous precedent, potentially emboldening authoritarian regimes and undermining global security.

  • How does the situation in Ukraine impact the discussion of civil-military relations in the US?

    The situation in Ukraine underscores the importance of strong alliances and consistent support for democratic values. It highlights the need for clear and consistent foreign policy.

Show Notes

Trump keeps wrapping himself in the American flag while while behaving in a very anti-American way—like threatening to shut down protests at his $45 million birthday parade or giving a highly partisan speech in front of soldiers in violation of military policy. And as the haphazardly deployed Marines join federalized Guard troops in LA, Trump seems hellbent on escalating his feud with Gavin Newsom—and the giant blue state that rejects him. Plus, Putin looks to gain an advantage in Ukraine while America is distracted, and Tulsi may have disclosed state secrets to the entire world.



Gen. Mark Hertling joins Tim Miller.

show notes





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Mark Hertling: Contrary to American Values

Mark Hertling: Contrary to American Values

The Bulwark