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From Trump’s Lawyer to His Loudest Critic (w/ Ty Cobb) | Bulwark Podcast

2025-10-13 News & Politics
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The Bulwark
The Bulwark
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Former White House Counsel Ty Cobb on Trump's Revenge Politics and the DOJ’s Collapse

Gain critical insight from former White House Special Counsel Ty Cobb regarding why the Justice Department is being weaponized for revenge and what internal resistance looks like when guardrails fail.

Short Summary

  • The indictment against Tish James is rooted in former President Trump's narcissism and desire for vengeance, not genuine legal malpractice.
  • Former Trump administration officials like John Kelly and General Mattis actively restrained the President where current appointees lack expertise and loyalty to the Constitution.
  • Cobb strongly advises career DOJ and FBI staffers to stay and resist internal pressure rather than resigning en masse, as replacements will be loyalists.
  • The core danger is the erosion of the Rule of Law, which Cobb sees as deteriorating at an unprecedented speed, threatening the distinction between the US and tyrannical states.

This discussion explores Ty Cobb’s perspective on the weaponization of the Justice Department (DOJ) following criminal proceedings against political figures. Cobb details the psychological motivations behind these actions, contrasts the guarded administration era with the current one, and offers guidance to principled government employees facing unethical directives.

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Description

Tim Miller welcomes former Trump White House lawyer Ty Cobb to the Bulwark Podcast. Cobb explains why he took the job, what he saw inside, Trump’s “narcissism,” the collapse of guardrails in the administration, and how the Justice Department has been turned into a weapon of revenge. Go to https://quince.com/thebulwark for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Become a Bulwark Youtube Plus Member here - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCG4Hp1KbGw4e02N7FpPXDgQ/join

Top Comments (10)

@carolineansell3497 2025-10-13

Tish James had no choice but to pursue Trump. His crimes were exposed during the trial of Michael Cohen as I remember. Once exposed, it was her job to prosecute & take the money back for the people.

341 43 replies
@mattbaker9182 2025-10-13

I like Ty Cobb, but he is just wrong about the Trump campaign not colluding with the Russians.......PAUL MANAFORT anyone!!!!!

275 17 replies
@MattyV001 2025-10-13

Nope. That’s bullshit. That bar letter on the Mueller report was a lie. That was more than just spin. He falsely represented the conclusions of the Mueller report.

154 7 replies
@m.c.master4622 2025-10-13

This is the most relaxed I have ever seen Ty Cobb. I think it was a great interview. Thanks, Tim.

143
@rationallion9438 2025-10-14

"Well, we don't rely on American banks. We have all the funding we need out of Russia" Eric Trump

114 5 replies
@Melrose51653 2025-10-13

Maybe MAGA folks remember that Trump publicly admitted to and refused to return classified documents. He admitted all the elements of the offenses. In the Jan. 6 case,Trump was recorded trying to extort votes in Georgia just prior to the certification process. His staff actively tried to rig electors. MAGA should look at the evidence developed by Jack Smith. The DOJ would have been derelict to not look into all that. Garland didn't take instructions from Biden to prosecute Republicans

82 7 replies
@SusanGoodman-bz2pw 2025-10-13

Thank you both so much for speaking up. Conservatives calling out the dangers of Trump’s pathology and actions are crucial to the survival of our country. Mr. Cobb in particular has a credibility that is invaluable to the cause.

82 2 replies
@garyj2690 2025-10-14

As an outsider - Cobbs choice of words – “reviled around the world” is very apt.

76 1 replies
@ninajoshi2740 2025-10-14

I don't understand why the former republicans think this is a democrat problem. Former Republicans need to stand up and say no! We will then unite.

73 8 replies
@jonko1906 2025-10-14

Great interview. Many days I feel bad for you, Tim. This must be difficult dealing with this nonsense every day. Thank you.

51 1 replies

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