Nation Jan 27 Minnesota confrontations mirror simulation of how civil war begins, law professor says By Geoff Bennett, Sam Lane, Sarah Clune Hartman
Politics Jan 22 Watch 6:40 How Trump is challenging America's judicial system during his second term America’s judicial system is undergoing one of its most consequential stress tests as President Trump pushes the limits of executive power and strains the system of checks and balances. A year into his second term, we're returning to guests from… By Geoff Bennett, Ali Schmitz
World Jan 21 Watch 7:47 Anne Applebaum on what's next for U.S. and allies after Trump's Greenland demands For a deeper look at President Trump’s speech in Davos and what it signals to the rest of the world, we return to our On Democracy series. It explores the laws, institutions and norms that have shaped America, and the… By Amna Nawaz, Mike Fritz
Politics Jan 20 Watch 8:58 Conservative legal scholar on constitutionality of Trump's first year Tuesday marks one year since President Trump took the oath of office for the second time. Over the past 12 months, he has pushed the boundaries of executive power, challenged the Constitution and reshaped the federal government. To help make… By William Brangham, Sam Lane
Nation Sep 19 Watch 7:18 Historian Jill Lepore explores the Constitution and its interpretations in 'We the People' Originalism is often countered by the idea that the Constitution is a living, breathing document meant to be interpreted and changed along with the times. Jill Lepore is a historian at Harvard University and author of the new book, “We… By Geoff Bennett, Sam Lane
Sep 18 Watch 8:28 Heritage Foundation's John Malcolm on its new originalist analysis of the Constitution By Amna Nawaz, Sam Lane This week marks 238 years since the signing of the U.S. Constitution at Independence Hall in Philadelphia. The language of the document has been debated ever since. In our first of two conversations about that debate, Amna Nawaz sat down… Continue watching
May 01 Watch 9:12 Conservative activist Christopher Rufo on his push to scrutinize higher education By Amna Nawaz President Trump is pushing for more control at dozens of colleges and universities, he says to promote free speech, end “wokeism” and clamp down on antisemitism. But many schools are opposing the efforts. Conservative activist Christopher Rufo has been instrumental… Continue watching
Apr 30 Watch 6:32 Former AG Alberto Gonzales on the rule of law and Trump's willingness to test its limits By Amna Nawaz, Kyle Midura Alberto Gonzales served stints as attorney general and White House counsel under the George W. Bush administration and is now the dean of Belmont University’s law school. He joined Amna Nawaz to discuss the rule of law and President Trump’s… Continue watching
Apr 03 Watch 8:25 Conservative constitutional lawyer weighs in on Trump's aggressive use of executive power By Amna Nawaz, Maea Lenei Buhre, Mary Fecteau President Trump has an expansive view of presidential authority and is claiming sweeping powers over the executive branch, including independent federal agencies. Amna Nawaz spoke with Joel Alicea, a professor of law and director of the Center for The Constitution… Continue watching
Mar 27 Watch 8:24 Angelo Carusone on tracking Project 2025 and right-wing media By Geoff Bennett, Sam Weber Project 2025, the conservative policy project, became a flashpoint during the presidential campaign. Angelo Carusone of Media Matters studied the 900-page document and spoke with Geoff Bennett for our series, On Democracy, where we hear a range of perspectives on… Continue watching