The Bulwark
StoreFAQ
Sign InJoin
HomeWatchNewslettersShowsChatSpecial ProjectsEventsFoundersArchiveAbout
The Triad

Trump Was Right About the Corporate Media

The White House Correspondents’ Association surrenders.

Jonathan V. Last's avatar
Jonathan V. Last
27 July∙ Paid
Upgrade to listen13 minutes
538
(Photo Illustration by Sarah Rogers/The Bulwark | Photos Getty)

1. Dinner Time

On Friday night the White House Correspondents’ Association hosted the re-do of its annual dinner. It was a stunning display of weakness. A sham in which serious journalists chose to pretend that Donald Trump is a normal political figure.

It was also a reminder that Trump understood America and our institutions more clearly than . . . well, certainly more clearly than I did prior to 2015.

Finally, it was an object lesson on why Trump was defeated by the Islamic Republic of Iran.

What I’m working toward here is a sort of Grand Unified Theory of Trumpism, which explains why Trump was able to flout American political norms and destroy many of our institutions—but has presided over the end of the American age, globally.

The short version?

The essence of Trumpism is that the other side will always choose surrender over discomfort.

But you should read the long version. It’s worth it. Let’s take that ride.

Upgrade today to unlock this edition of The Triad and support independent media, built by readers who refuse to be anyone’s plaything. Join to best community on the internet. We keep you sane!

Get 14 day free trial

Join Bulwark+ to unlock the rest🔓

Become a paying member of The Bulwark to get access to this post and other subscriber-only content. A subscription gets you:

  • Unlimited access to articles and newsletters including The Triad by JVL and Receipts by Catherine Rampell.
  • Ad-free editions of our shows (with transcripts) and member-only shows like The Secret Podcast.
  • Plus community chats and commenting features. Your support helps keep our work sustainable and available to those who cannot afford a membership. Cancel anytime.
Join
Already a paid subscriber? Sign in

Sign up to get a FREE daily dose of sanity in your inbox.

The Bulwark
HomeWatchShowsChatSpecial ProjectsEventsFoundersArchiveAbout
Get the Bulwark appInstagramFacebookYouTube
© 2026 Center Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.Powered by Substack.
Privacy∙Terms∙Collection notice