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We've Watched a LOT of Trump Speeches—This Was One of His Worst (w/ Andrew Weissmann) | Illegal News

2026-07-18 News & Politics
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The Bulwark
The Bulwark
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Description

Sarah Longwell and Andrew Weissmann discuss on a week that tested both of them: Todd Blanche's confirmation hearing, and Trump's prime-time speech on election interference. Andrew walks through the cross-examination Senate Democrats didn't run—the statements that went unchallenged, the follow-ups nobody asked, and the one question about the withheld Epstein files that Blanche has still never answered. Then: why he thinks dismantling the government's election-security apparatus isn't neglect, but the point. Also discussed: the $1.776 billion payout, the document absolving Trump of tax liability, what Blanche told the Epstein victims that simply isn't true, and why Andrew keeps calling BS. Sleep cooler this summer with Boll & Branch. Their sheets are 100% organic cotton, woven for airflow, and 94% of customers say they get softer with every wash. Get 15% off your first order plus free shipping at https://bollandbranch.com/illegalnews with code ILLEGALNEWS. Exclusions apply. OneSkin's OS-1 peptide targets the cells behind visible aging, and their limited-edition summer bundles pair it with SPF. Get 15% off at https://oneskin.co/illegalnews with code ILLEGALNEWS. After you purchase they'll ask where you heard about them—please tell them we sent you. Andrew Weissmann's new book is out now: https://www.amazon.com/Liars-Kingdom-Trumps-Deceit-America/dp/0316601306 Become a Bulwark Youtube Plus Member here - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCG4Hp1KbGw4e02N7FpPXDgQ/join

Top Comments (10)

@melissawilliamson8871 2026-07-18

I agree with Andrew. Congresspeople need to do a lot better with their questioning.

347 18 replies
@bold810 2026-07-18

The worst part of him having dementia is that he doesn't remember his last week and we all have to.

238 9 replies
@LisaAnnGabriel 2026-07-18

I completely agree with Andrew. There were so many missed opportunities in the hearing with Blanche. They wasted the chance while the guy was under oath to pose targeted questions that would force answers. I found it incredibly frustrating.

177 6 replies
@AlexaRaymer-p9t 2026-07-18

I think Andrew Weismann’s idea of having a “ questioning class” for Congressional Committee members is wonderful. He should do it for real! Todd Blanche should NEVER be confirmed & I’m very much afraid he will be, simply because he wasn’t questioned expertly & aggressively enough & because the GOP are chickens who are terrified of Trump. Thank you Sarah & Andrew for your insight & expertise.❤

350 30 replies
@badbrain7163 2026-07-18

Hey Andrew, YES PLEASE, do a workshop for Dems on how to do effective cross examinations. They need it. FFS.

159 4 replies
@lindaorndoff5129 2026-07-18

I did not watch all of Todd Blanche's confirmation hearing. If I did, I probably would have stroked out. I did watch Trump's speech, which was 2 days ago, and I still have a headache. Thank you, Sarah and Andrew, for your sacrifices. 💙

52
@KimberlyInouye 2026-07-18

I kept saying how Kamala Harris would have been the perfect choice for this questioning...ugh!

115 6 replies
@margaruiteallen5920 2026-07-18

Andrew's assessments are so right on!!!!

153 1 replies
@A.Briggs628 2026-07-18

NEVER BEFORE HAS AN AMERICAN ADMINISTRATION, WORKED SO VERY HARD TO CONVINCE US THAT FANTASY IS REALITY 💙

106 4 replies
@KerryBartlett-x1p 2026-07-18

I WAS at home chewing ground glass!!!

59 1 replies

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