The Illegal News with Sarah Longwell

S2 Ep166: MAGA is Furious at Amy Coney Barrett (w/ Steve Vladeck)

Amy Coney Barrett is drawing heat from the MAGA base as the Supreme Court shows deep internal fractures.

S2 Ep165: The Reflecting Pool is a Symbol of Trump’s Failure (w/ Andrew Weissmann)

Trump’s Iran policy is a failed, incompetent disaster that leaves the U.S. in a weaker position than ever before.

S2 Ep164: Stephen Miller and JD Vance Wanted to Suspend Habeas Corpus (w/ Leah Litman)

Stephen Miller and JD Vance pushed to invoke the Insurrection Act and suspend habeas corpus for mass deportations.

S2 Ep153: Reporters Now Need ESCORTS to Do Their Jobs at the Pentagon (w/ Elliot Williams)

In this episode of The Illegal News, host Sarah Longwell and guest Elliot Williams explore critical legal battles that challenge the foundations of American governance. The conversation tackles high-stakes topics, including the potential legal threats to birthright citizenship and the implications of an aggressive new immigration detention policy that could result in indefinite confinement. The discussion then shifts to the troubling relationship between the Pentagon and the press, specifically addressing the growing trend of media members requiring escorts to perform their jobs and what this obstruction signals for First Amendment protections. Finally, the two analyze the ongoing efforts to rewrite the narrative surrounding the January 6th attack on the Capitol. Listeners can expect a deep dive into these shifting legal and democratic norms, providing essential context for the most pressing issues currently unfolding in the United States.

S2 Ep152: Todd Blanche’s Jaw-Dropping Ethics Violation (w/ Andrew Weissmann)

In this episode of The Illegal News, guest host JVL joins legal expert Andrew Weissmann for an urgent examination of the American justice system under significant pressure. The discussion centers on the controversial Department of Justice payout of 1.25 million dollars to Michael Flynn, raising critical questions about accountability and legal precedent. The hosts also delve into a high-stakes leak tied to ongoing Trump-related investigations and the resulting firestorm of public and political backlash, including the intense rhetoric labeling prosecutor Jack Smith a proven liar. Listeners can expect a deep dive into the complex ethical dilemmas facing government institutions and the potential long-term consequences of these developments. By bridging legal analysis with political context, this episode provides a sharp, analytical look at the fragility of the rule of law in an era of heightened institutional tension.

S2 Ep151: Trump’s Half-Baked Border Plan Collides With Legal Reality (w/ Andrew Weissmann)

In this episode of The Illegal News, host Sarah Longwell is joined by legal expert Andrew Weissmann to break down the latest developments in the Trump administration's legal battles. The discussion opens with an analysis of Trump’s unsuccessful attempt to target Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, which a judge dismissed as a clear case of harassment. The conversation shifts to the administration's faltering border strategy, highlighting the internal friction as Department of Justice lawyers face challenges in court while being pushed to pursue cases lacking sufficient evidence. Additionally, the episode covers a significant Supreme Court case regarding immigrant protections and examines emerging warning signs concerning Trump’s overarching legal strategy as the 2026 cycle approaches. Listeners can expect a deep dive into the intersection of executive policy and judicial reality, offering critical insight into the administration's ongoing courtroom struggles.

S2 Ep150: Trump's DOJ Just Proposed a Stunning Ethics Loophole (w/ Andrew Weissmann)

In this episode of The Illegal News, host Sarah Longwell sits down with legal expert Andrew Weissmann to break down a series of alarming developments surrounding the rule of law. The conversation centers on a chaotic week of legal maneuvers, specifically examining the Department of Justice’s confusing reversal regarding the defense of executive orders that target private law firms. The pair also analyzes a significant ruling by a Trump-appointed judge in Minnesota, who uncovered evidence of racial profiling within ICE operations. Finally, they unpack a controversial new DOJ proposal that threatens to establish a dangerous ethics loophole, potentially shielding government lawyers from oversight and accountability. Listeners can expect a deep dive into these shifting legal standards and a rigorous analysis of how these actions impact the integrity of the American justice system.

S2 Ep149: Andrew Weissmann: This is Why America’s Institutions Are Failing

In this episode of The Illegal News, host Sarah Longwell sits down with former federal prosecutor Andrew Weissmann to examine the erosion of American institutional integrity. Drawing from his latest book, Liar’s Kingdom, Weissmann analyzes how Donald Trump successfully exploited existing vulnerabilities within the government, fundamentally shifting the landscape of modern political discourse. The conversation centers on the dangerous rise of misinformation and its corrosive effect on the future of democracy. Moving beyond partisan politics, Weissmann argues that electoral victories alone cannot resolve these systemic fractures. He offers a critical perspective on how other nations confront threats to the rule of law and proposes concrete, pragmatic reforms aimed at reinforcing essential democratic guardrails. Listeners can expect a deep dive into the legal and structural challenges facing the country, along with a thoughtful discussion on how to preserve democratic stability without requiring a complete constitutional overhaul.

S2 Ep148: Is This War Legal? (w/ Tess Bridgeman)

In this episode of The Illegal News, host Sarah Longwell welcomes Tess Bridgeman of Just Security for a critical examination of the legality surrounding potential military conflicts with Iran. The conversation delves into the constitutional complexities of executive war-making powers, evaluating how these authorities interact with the War Powers Resolution and established international law. Longwell and Bridgeman explore the historical trend of presidents expanding their influence over foreign policy and military engagement, often without direct congressional oversight. They highlight the recurring failure of Congress to fulfill its constitutional role in declaring war and discuss the alarming implications of centralizing such momentous power in the hands of a single individual. Listeners can expect a thought-provoking analysis on the erosion of checks and balances and the dangerous precedent set when the United States engages in military action without clear legal authorization.

S2 Ep147: Trump’s Face on DOJ Is a Big Deal—Here’s Why (w/ Elliot Williams)

In this episode of The Illegal News, host Sarah Longwell welcomes CNN legal analyst Elliot Williams for a deep dive into the most pressing legal and political developments currently unfolding. The discussion centers on the growing concerns surrounding Department of Justice independence, specifically addressing the symbolic and systemic implications of Donald Trump’s provocative messaging toward the agency. Beyond the DOJ, the pair explores a range of critical headlines, including the Supreme Court’s recent limitations on presidential tariff authority and a judge’s decision to hold ICE in contempt for defying court mandates. The episode also navigates the FCC’s scrutiny of late-night television and examines the latest reporting emerging from the Epstein files. Listeners can expect a thorough analysis of how these disparate legal battles fit into the broader landscape of American governance and the rule of law.

S2 Ep146: Supreme Court Slams Door on Trump’s Tariff Power Grab (w/ Andrew Weissmann) | Illegal News

In this episode of The Illegal News, host Sarah Longwell sits down with legal expert Andrew Weissmann to break down a significant Supreme Court ruling that curbed presidential authority regarding trade policy. The discussion centers on the Court’s 6-3 decision to strike down Donald Trump’s sweeping tariff initiatives, reaffirming that the constitutional power to tax resides with Congress rather than the executive branch. Longwell and Weissmann analyze the legal intricacies behind the Court’s interpretation of the major questions doctrine and evaluate the ideological split within the bench. Listeners will gain insight into the tensions between the justices, specifically focusing on why Chief Justice Roberts appeared to challenge Justice Kavanaugh’s dissent. This episode provides a clear, deep dive into the separation of powers and the long-term implications this ruling has for future presidential overreach and legislative control.

They Don’t Want Borders. They Want Your Ballot (w/ Andrew Weissmann)

In this episode of The Illegal News, host Sarah Longwell is joined by legal expert Andrew Weissmann to break down the latest developments in high-stakes legal and political battles. The discussion centers on a recent filing from officials in Georgia’s Fulton County election office, which mounts a legal challenge against the FBI’s search of county records conducted last month. Weissmann provides professional insight into the implications of this standoff and its potential impact on broader election integrity investigations. Beyond the situation in Georgia, the conversation shifts to examine the latest updates regarding ICE cases emerging in Minnesota. To round out the episode, Longwell poses a series of rapid-fire questions to Weissmann, covering a variety of pressing topics. Listeners can expect a sharp, analysis-driven conversation that navigates complex legal maneuvers and current events.

S2 Ep145: In the Epstein Releases, Victims Came LAST (w/ Andrew Weissmann)

In this episode of The Illegal News, host Sarah Longwell is joined by legal expert Andrew Weissmann to examine troubling trends within the current Justice Department. The conversation centers on a critical analysis of recent events, including Pam Bondi’s unconventional hearing, which Weissmann argues serves as a revealing indicator of deeper systemic issues. The discussion expands to address the DOJ’s handling of the high-profile Epstein files and the FBI’s raid on Georgia’s Fulton County election office. Together, Longwell and Weissmann pull back the curtain on these events to investigate what is occurring behind the scenes. Listeners can expect a rigorous exploration of whether foundational legal standards are being compromised or ignored. This episode provides a sharp, insightful look at the intersection of law and politics, questioning the institutional integrity of federal agencies and the implications for victim advocacy.

S2 Ep144: Trump Is Treating Elections Like Crimes (w/ Elliot Williams)

In this episode, host Sarah Longwell is joined by CNN legal analyst Elliott Williams to unpack a series of alarming events that challenge fundamental democratic norms. The conversation centers on the increasing friction between political rhetoric and the rule of law, ranging from the arrest of journalists at a Minnesota protest to the FBI raid on a Georgia election office. Longwell and Williams analyze the implications of proposals to nationalize U.S. elections and explore the growing trend of treating legitimate electoral processes as criminal activities. The discussion also covers Donald Trump's aggressive legal maneuvers, including his $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS and his threats to target the Kennedy Center. Listeners can expect a deep dive into the legal and political consequences of these actions as the pair evaluates the shifting boundaries of executive power and institutional integrity in the current climate.

S2 Ep143: Secret ICE Memo Says They Can Enter Homes Without Warrants (w/ Elliot Williams)

In this episode of The Illegal News, host Sarah Longwell welcomes former ICE attorney and CNN legal analyst Elliot Williams for a deep dive into the intensifying confrontation between immigration authorities, the Justice Department, and the federal judiciary. The discussion centers on a significant clash in Minnesota, where a federal judge has threatened contempt proceedings against ICE for ignoring court orders. Williams breaks down why the DOJ’s decision to appeal denied arrest warrants following a church protest has sparked outrage within the legal community. A primary focus of the conversation is a controversial, newly revealed DHS memo asserting that ICE agents have the authority to enter private homes without judicial warrants. Longwell and Williams analyze the implications of this policy for Fourth Amendment protections and examine why these aggressive tactics are triggering widespread legal pushback and public concern regarding government overreach.

S2 Ep142: The Epstein Files Are Being Buried by DOJ (w/ Asha Rangappa)

In this episode of The Illegal News, host Sarah Longwell welcomes former FBI agent and legal expert Asha Rangappa to dissect a series of pressing developments involving the intersection of law and politics. The conversation focuses on the implications of recent ICE raids in Minnesota and analyzes a significant federal court injunction that places new restrictions on how federal agents interact with protesters. Beyond these civil liberties concerns, the two dive into allegations of DOJ retaliation and the ongoing controversy surrounding the delayed release of the Epstein files. Rangappa provides expert context on the complexities of these legal battles and the broader, more troubling trend of law enforcement agencies being increasingly utilized as political weapons. Listeners can expect a sharp, investigative look at how current administrative policies are reshaping the justice system and challenging the traditional boundaries of federal authority.

S2 Ep141: Jack Smith Says He Had Trump Dead to Rights (w/ Asha Rangappa)

In this episode of The Illegal News, host Sarah Longwell is joined by Asha Rangappa, a lecturer at Yale Law School and co-host of the podcast It’s Complicated. Together, they navigate the rapidly evolving legal and political landscape of 2026. The conversation kicks off with a critical look at Jack Smith’s recent congressional testimony and the assertion that the prosecution had a formidable case against Donald Trump. Beyond the courtroom, the pair analyzes international developments in Venezuela and addresses the implications of the recent shooting in Minneapolis. Listeners can expect a deep dive into the most significant investigations and high-profile lawsuits currently shaping the national discourse. By breaking down complex legal maneuvers into accessible analysis, Longwell and Rangappa provide essential context for the major stories dominating the early part of the year.

S2 Ep140: Trump’s Government is Treating Courts Like a Joke (w/ Andrew Weissmann)

In this episode of The Illegal News, host Sarah Longwell is joined by legal expert Andrew Weissmann to examine a deeply troubling trend within the current administration’s relationship with the judiciary. The conversation focuses on the government’s increasing tendency to mislead courts and outright defy judicial orders. They begin by breaking down the details of a fatal ICE shooting in Minnesota and explore the implications of shocking detention conditions recently exposed by a federal judge. Through their analysis, Longwell and Weissmann highlight the broader consequences of treating the legal system as a joke and the erosion of accountability that follows. Listeners can expect a critical, high-level discussion on how these patterns threaten the rule of law and what the systemic disregard for court oversight reveals about the current state of governance.

S2 Ep139: Andrew Weissmann: Epstein Release Looks Like a DOJ Cover-Up

In this episode of The Illegal News, guest host Andrew Weissmann joins Sam Stein to dissect the mounting controversy surrounding the release of the Epstein files. The conversation centers on why the rollout has devolved into both a legal and political catastrophe, highlighting concerns over missed deadlines, questionable redactions, and a deepening crisis of credibility within the Department of Justice. Beyond the Epstein case, Weissmann and Stein examine the Supreme Court’s inconsistent oversight of executive branch actions and the potential dangers posed by Donald Trump’s rhetoric regarding the use of military power. The discussion offers a sobering look at the fragility of current institutional checks and balances, providing listeners with a detailed analysis of the growing risks to democratic norms in an increasingly polarized political landscape. It is a critical deep dive into the intersection of law, governance, and accountability.

S2 Ep138: Yes, George Had to Leave. But We’re Still Here.

In this episode of The Illegal News, host Sarah Longwell addresses the significant transition facing the show as George Conway departs to pursue a run for Congress. Longwell reassures listeners that despite this major change, the podcast will continue its mission. She clarifies exactly what listeners can expect moving forward, detailing which elements of the program will evolve and which will remain consistent. To celebrate the show's ongoing commitment to its audience, Longwell shares a full, uncut episode of The Secret Podcast, offering a deeper look into the commentary and analysis that defines their work. This episode serves as both a farewell to a key contributor and a declaration of the show’s future, providing clarity for loyal followers while maintaining the thoughtful, analytical tone that defines the series.