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

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

Jul 1, 202658 minSummary

In this episode of The Illegal News, host Sarah Longwell is joined by Georgetown Law professor and Supreme Court expert Steve Vladeck to analyze the Supreme Court’s end-of-term rulings. The conversation centers on a significant case regarding birthright citizenship, which the Court upheld despite an unexpectedly close 5-4 vote. Vladeck explains that while the outcome was a relief, the narrow margin serves as a sobering indictment of how much the current Court has been pushed to the right, with several justices entertaining arguments that were considered fringe just a decade ago. The discussion also highlights the increasing internal divisions within the Court, noting that Chief Justice Roberts struggled to build a unified coalition, resulting in a fractured set of opinions. Beyond birthright citizenship, the pair examines recent rulings on presidential power and the removal of independent agency commissioners, specifically in the cases of Trump v. Slaughter and US v. Cook. They explore the court’s embrace of the unitary executive theory and the curious, pragmatic exception carved out for the Federal Reserve. Finally, they discuss the growing political tension surrounding Justice Amy Coney Barrett, characterizing her as an unpredictable and complex figure who remains the most difficult justice to categorize.

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

Jun 25, 20261h 8mSummary

In this episode of The Illegal News, host Sarah Longwell is joined by legal expert and author Andrew Weissmann to unpack the complexities surrounding the Trump administration's ongoing dealings with Iran. The discussion centers on the recent memorandum of understanding and the broader implications of the current geopolitical strategy. Weissmann provides a critical analysis of the administration's approach, arguing that the U.S. has placed itself in a significantly weaker bargaining position compared to the previous framework established during the Obama era. The conversation highlights that, despite the stated objectives regarding Iran’s nuclear program, these goals remain unresolved and potentially stalled. The participants explore the internal discord within the White House, referencing reports from the book Regime Change by Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan, which detail how various officials—including JD Vance—reportedly expressed deep skepticism regarding the wisdom of the conflict. The hosts also examine the broader consequences of these foreign policy decisions, including the impact on global alliances, the depletion of U.S. resources, and the troubling concerns surrounding the reported use of AI in military operations. Ultimately, they characterize the administration's handling of the situation as a mix of incompetence and political maneuvering, warning of the long-term dangers posed by a lack of cohesive international strategy.

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

Jun 17, 202646 minSummary

In this episode of The Illegal News, host Sarah Longwell is joined by law professor and author Leah Litman to discuss the current landscape of the American legal and political system. The conversation centers on the reported efforts of Stephen Miller and JD Vance to suspend the writ of habeas corpus to facilitate mass deportation plans. Litman, an expert on the Supreme Court, explains that while the suspension of this fundamental right has historically been reserved for extreme wartime scenarios, the administration's willingness to entertain such a radical move signals a dangerous disregard for due process and the rule of law. The hosts also address the broader issue of the weaponization of the Department of Justice, specifically touching upon the investigation into California Governor Gavin Newsom. They explore how the Supreme Court’s recent immunity rulings have empowered the executive branch to use law enforcement for potential political retribution. Furthermore, the episode looks ahead to the end of the Supreme Court term, with Litman highlighting upcoming critical decisions regarding the independence of federal agencies and birthright citizenship. The discussion emphasizes the importance of civic engagement and public scrutiny in challenging these systemic threats to constitutional protections.

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

Apr 1, 20261h 0mSummary

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)

Mar 28, 20261h 16mSummary

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)

Mar 17, 202656 minSummary

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)

Mar 14, 20261h 10mSummary

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

Mar 11, 202630 minSummary

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)

Mar 7, 202646 minSummary

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)

Feb 25, 202652 minSummary

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.