The Illegal News with Sarah Longwell

Sarah Longwell and Andrew Weissmann explain the legality of Trump’s unhinged Iran threats, the legal reality behind “war crimes” warnings, and the global fallout of a strategy with no clear objective. They also discuss Trump’s push to control elections, why it’s likely unconstitutional—and why losing in court may actually be part of the plan. Plus, the Steve Bannon case and what it says about a system where accountability depends on loyalty to the president.Right now, Betterwild is offering up to 40% off your order at https://betterwild.com/ILLEGALNEWS.Buy Liar’s Kingdom, by Andrew Weissmann: https://linktr.ee/BulwarkLiarsKingdomPre-order Sarah’s book, How to Eat an Elephant, coming in September: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/how-to-eat-an-elephant-sarah-longwell/1149619381?ean=9781250464170

Sarah Longwell and Elliot Williams explain a series of legal fights that go to the core of how the country operates—from whether birthright citizenship could actually be undone, to a new immigration detention policy that could keep people locked up for years.They also discuss the Pentagon’s escalating clash with the press and what it means for the First Amendment and the surreal push to rewrite the January 6th attack on the Capitol.Correction (March 31, 2026, 9:20 p.m. EDT): Elliot Williams mistakenly mentioned San Antonio, Texas as the location of a court conducting legal proceedings involving abortion pills; in fact, the court is in Amarillo, Texas.

JVL (filling in for Sarah Longwell) joins Andrew Weissmann for a wide-ranging breakdown of a system under strain. They discuss the DOJ’s $1.25M payout to Michael Flynn, a surprising leak tied to the Trump investigations, and the backlash that followed—including a top official calling prosecutor Jack Smith a “proven liar.”Buy "Liar's Kingdom”: https://linktr.ee/BulwarkLiarsKingdomMake this the year you stop guessing about your health, with Superpower. Not only did Superpower reduce their price to just $199, but for a limited time, our listeners get an additional $20 off with code ILLEGALNEWS. Head to https://Superpower.com and use code ILLEGALNEWS at checkout for $20 off your membership.

Andrew Weissmann joins Sarah Longwell to explain Trump’s failed attempt to target Fed Chair Jerome Powell—and why a judge shut it down as harassment. They also discuss the Trump admin's bizarre border strategy that’s collapsing in court, as DOJ lawyers admit they’re being forced to bring cases they can’t prove. Plus: a major Supreme Court fight over immigrant protections, and new warning signs around Trump’s broader legal strategy heading into 2026.Review of State Bar Complaints and Allegations Against Department of Justice Attorneys: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/03/05/2026-04390/review-of-state-bar-complaints-and-allegations-against-department-of-justice-attorneysMake laundry day the best day of the week! Get 20% off your entire order @LaundrySauce with code ILLEGALNEWS at https://laundrysauce.com/ILLEGALNEWS #laundrysaucepodPre-order Andrew's new book, "Liar's Kingdom":- Chatham Bookstore signed copies: https://bit.ly/4aXHu4R- Politics & Prose signed copies: https://bit.ly/4aALp8Q- Amazon: https://amzn.to/3MHQ8MR- Barnes & Noble: https://bit.ly/402H2xc- Bookshop.org: Bookshop.org: https://bit.ly/3N5hVa3Pre-order Sarah’s book, How to Eat an Elephant, coming in September: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/how-to-eat-an-elephant-sarah-longwell/1149619381?ean=9781250464170

Sarah Longwell and Andrew Weissmann discuss a chaotic week for the rule of law, from the DOJ bizarrely flip-flopping on defending Trump’s executive orders targeting law firms, to a Trump-appointed judge finding evidence of racial profiling in ICE stops in Minnesota, and a new DOJ proposal that could shield government lawyers from ethics investigations.Get OneSkin with 15% off using code ILLEGALNEWS at https://oneskin.co/ILLEGALNEWS.

Sarah Longwell talks with former federal prosecutor Andrew Weissmann about his new book: "Liar’s Kingdom"They discuss how Donald Trump exposed weaknesses in American institutions, why misinformation has become so central to modern politics, and what that means for the future of democracy.Weissmann explains why simply winning elections won’t fix the problem, explores how other democracies handle threats to the rule of law, and lays out reforms that could strengthen guardrails without rewriting the Constitution.Buy "Liar's Kingdom":- Chatham Bookstore signed copies: https://bit.ly/4aXHu4R- Politics & Prose signed copies: https://bit.ly/4aALp8Q- Amazon: https://amzn.to/3MHQ8MR- Barnes & Noble: https://bit.ly/402H2xc- Bookshop.org: Bookshop.org: https://bit.ly/3N5hVa3Get 15% off OneSkin with the code ILLEGALNEWS at https://www.oneskin.co/ILLEGALNEWS #oneskinpod

Sarah Longwell talks with Just Security’s Tess Bridgeman about whether the Iran war is legal under the Constitution, the War Powers Resolution, and international law. They discuss how presidents have stretched their authority for decades, why Congress keeps failing to act, and what it means when one man can take the country to war on his own.Read more from Tess: https://www.justsecurity.org/author/bridgemantess/Pre-order Sarah’s book, How to Eat an Elephant, coming in September: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/how-to-eat-an-elephant-sarah-longwell/1149619381?ean=9781250464170Head to https://factormeals.com/illegalnews50off and use code illegalnews50off to get 50% off and free breakfast for a year. Eat like a pro this month with Factor.

Sarah Longwell is joined by CNN legal analyst Elliot Williams to break down Trump’s latest legal battles—from the Supreme Court limiting his tariff plan to a judge holding ICE in contempt for ignoring court orders.They also discuss the FCC targeting late-night shows, questions about DOJ independence after Trump put his face on the building, and new reporting on the Epstein files.Get 15% off OneSkin with the code ILLEGALNEWS athttps://www.oneskin.co/ILLEGALNEWS #oneskinpod If you’re tired of being tired, this is your chance to finally get answers and get your energy back. Go to https://Superpower.com and use code ILLEGALNEWS for $20 off your membership this year.If you’re 21 or older, get 35% OFF your first IndaCloud order with code ILLEGALNEWS at https://inda.shop/ILLEGALNEWS! #indacloudpod

The Supreme Court struck down Trump’s sweeping tariffs in a 6–3 decision—including votes from two of his own appointees. Sarah Longwell and Andrew Weissmann explain why the Court said Congress, not the president, controls the power to tax, what the “major questions” fight was really about, and why Chief Justice Roberts appeared to take direct aim at Kavanaugh’s dissent.Make laundry day the best day of the week! Get 20% off your entire order @LaundrySauce with code ILLEGALNEWS at https://laundrysauce.com/ILLEGALNEWSF*%k your khakis and get The Perfect Jean 15% off with the code ILLEGALNEWS15 at https://theperfectjean.nyc/ILLEGALNEWS15 #theperfectjeanpod NOBL gives you real travel peace of mind — security, design, and convenience all in one. Head to http://nobltravel.com/ for 46% off your entire order! #NOBL #ad

Andrew Weissmann explains to Sarah Longwell the new filing from officials in Georgia’s Fulton County election office attacking the FBI's search of the county's election records last month. They also discuss the latest around ICE cases in Minnesota and get to Sarah's rapid fire questions.Make laundry day the best day of the week! Get 20% off your entire order @LaundrySauce with code ILLEGALNEWS at https://laundrysauce.com/ILLEGALNEWSF*%k your khakis and get The Perfect Jean 15% off with the code ILLEGALNEWS15 at theperfectjean.nyc/ILLEGALNEWS15 #theperfectjeanpod NOBL gives you real travel peace of mind — security, design, and convenience all in one. Head to http://nobltravel.com/ for 46% off your entire order! #NOBL #ad

Andrew Weissmann explains to Sarah Longwell why Pam Bondi’s bizarre hearing indicates deep problems at the Justice Department. From the DOJ’s handling of the Epstein files to the FBI’s raid on Georgia’s Fulton County election office, they discuss what’s happening behind the scenes—and whether core legal standards are being ignored.Get 15% off OneSkin with the code ILLEGALNEWS at https://www.oneskin.co/ILLEGALNEWS #oneskinpod

Sarah Longwell and CNN legal analyst Elliott Williams walk through a stunning week of norm-breaking: the arrest of journalists after a Minnesota protest, Trump hovering over federal law enforcement, an FBI raid on a Georgia election office, and open talk of "nationalizing" U.S. elections. They also discuss Trump’s jaw-dropping $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS and his move to take over—and potentially shut down—the Kennedy Center.Head to https://FactorMeals.com/illegalnews50off and use code illegalnews50off to get 50% off your first Factor box PLUS free breakfast for 1 year.Links:Read the Don Lemon indictment: https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.mnd.231106/gov.uscourts.mnd.231106.39.0_7.pdfRead Trump's $10 billion lawsuit: https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.flsd.706172/gov.uscourts.flsd.706172.1.0_3.pdfON SALE NOW: Bulwark Live in Minneapolis and Texas at https://thebulwark.com/events

Sarah Longwell is joined by former ICE attorney and CNN legal analyst Elliot Williams to discuss the growing clash between ICE, the Justice Department, and the courts. Williams explains why a federal judge in Minnesota is threatening contempt after ICE ignored a court order, and why DOJ’s response—appealing denied arrest warrants tied to a church protest—stunned the court. They talk about a secret DHS memo claiming ICE can enter private homes without judicial warrants, what that means for the Fourth Amendment, and why these tactics are triggering growing legal and public backlash.Letters from Judge Schiltz calling out DOJ's abuse of the court system:https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.ca8.113669/gov.uscourts.ca8.113669.00805439055.0.pdfhttps://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.ca8.113669/gov.uscourts.ca8.113669.00805439054.0.pdfSecret DHS memo on warrantless entry by ICE: https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/26499371-dhs-ice-memo-1-21-26/If you’re 21 or older, get 25% OFF your first order + free shipping on orders $89+ @IndaCloud with code ILLEGALNEWS at https://inda.shop/ILLEGALNEWS! #indacloudpod

Asha Rangappa joins Sarah to discuss the ICE raids in Minnesota, a federal court injunction limiting certain actions against protesters, DOJ retaliation, the stalled Epstein files release, and the growing use of law enforcement as a political weapon.Read the Ruling Restricting Federal Agents’ Actions in Minnesota: https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.mnd.229758/gov.uscourts.mnd.229758.85.0_1.pdfIf you’re tired of being tired, this is your chance to finally get answers and get your energy back. Go to https://Superpower.com and use code ILLEGALNEWS for $20 off your membership this year.NOBL gives you real travel peace of mind — security, design, and convenience all in one. Head to https://NOBLTravel.com for 46% off your entire order! #NOBL #adGo to https://HelloFresh.com/illegalnews10fm to Get 10 free meals + a FREE Zwilling Knife (a $144.99 value) on your third box.F*%k your khakis and get The Perfect Jean 15% off with the code ILLEGALNEWS15 at https://theperfectjean.nyc/ILLEGALNEWS15 #theperfectjeanpod

Sarah Longwell sits down with Asha Rangappa—a lecturer at Yale Law School and co-host of the “It’s Complicated” legal podcast—to discuss Venezuela, Jack Smith's congressional testimony, the Minneapolis shooting, and the many other high-profile lawsuits and investigations that have already popped up in 2026.Get up to 30% off OneSkin with the code ILLEGALNEWS at https://www.oneskin.co/Make laundry day the best day of the week! Get 20% off your entire order @LaundrySauce with code ILLEGALNEWS at https://laundrysauce.com/ILLEGALNEWS #laundrysaucepod Go to https://Dupe.com today and find similar products for less. It’s 100% free to use. Stop wasting money on brand names and start saving with https://Dupe.com today.

Sarah Longwell sits down with Andrew Weissmann to break down a fatal ICE shooting in Minnesota, shocking detention conditions exposed by a federal judge, and a growing pattern of the government misleading courts and defying judicial orders.Start your new morning ritual & get up to 43% off your @MUDWTR with code illegalnews at https://mudwtr.com/illegalnews! #mudwtrpodHead to https://FactorMeals.com/illegalnews50off and use code illegalnews50off to get 50% off your first Factor box PLUS free breakfast for 1 year.

Sarah is off this week so Andrew Weissmann joins Sam Stein to explain why the Epstein files rollout has become a legal and political disaster—from blown deadlines and redactions to the DOJ’s credibility crisis. They also discuss Supreme Court’s spotty pushback against the administration, Trump’s use of military power, and growing risks to democratic norms.Our listeners get the Harry’s Plus Trial Set for only $10 at https://www.Harrys.com/ASKGEORGE #Harryspod #sponsored

George Conway is stepping away to run for Congress — but the show isn’t ending! Sarah Longwell explains what’s changing, what isn’t, and why The Bulwark is sharing a full episode of The Secret Podcast.Go to https://HelloFresh.com/askgeorge10fm to get 10 free meals and a FREE Zwilling Knife (a $144.99 value) on your third box. Offer valid while supplies last. Free meals applied as discount on first box, new subscribers only, varies by plan.

George Conway and Sarah Longwell close out the year—and this chapter of the show—with a conversation on the legal chaos of the Trump era. They discuss Trump’s attacks on the media, the chilling effect of defamation suits and settlements, the collapse of the DOJ, and growing concerns about courts, contempt, and judicial authority.Get your free, personalized assessment and the best option for you at https://pdsdebt.com/ASKGEORGE.

George explains to Sarah the Supreme Court’s newest fights, Trump’s push to control independent agencies, the mess inside his DOJ, the failed effort to indict Letitia James, Alina Habba’s pitiful stint as U.S. attorney, and why the Epstein grand-jury files are finally being forced into the open under the new transparency law.This holiday, give your loved ones the only gift that keeps on giving — health. Go to https://Superpower.com/gift to get a free $49 gift box with your gifted membership.If you’re 21 or older, get 25% OFF your first order + free shipping @IndaCloud with code ASKGEORGE at https://inda.shop/ASKGEORGEF*%k your khakis and get The Perfect Jean 15% off with the code ASKGEORGE15 at https://theperfectjean.nyc/ASKGEORGE15 #theperfectjeanpod

Sarah Longwell and George Conway answer listener questions in a special mailbag episode, taking on the Supreme Court’s “shadow docket,” DOJ and court reform, post-Trump conservative rethinks, and George lists his many guitars. Plus, George explains the Lindsey Halligan ruling and what it means for the Comey and Letitia James cases.Find your forever cookware @hexclad visit https://hexclad.com! #hexcladpartner Make laundry day the best day of the week! Get 20% off your entire order @LaundrySauce with code ASKGEORGE at https://laundrysauce.com/ASKGEORGE #laundrysaucepod Get 15% off OneSkin with the code ASKGEORGE at https://www.oneskin.co/ASKGEORGE #oneskinpod

Note: This episode was recorded on Thursday, November 20.Sarah Longwell and George Conway reflect on Dick Cheney’s funeral and contrast his final defense of democracy with Trump’s authoritarian impulses. They also discuss Trump’s attacks on Democratic veterans after video reminding service members they do not need to obey illegal orders, the continuing Epstein files fight, Texas’ gerrymander, and the Comey case unraveling.Don’t miss NOBL’s biggest Sale of the Year! Head to https://NOBLTravel.com for up to 58% off your entire order! #NOBL #adF*%k your khakis and get The Perfect Jean 15% off with the code ASKGEORGE15 at https://theperfectjean.nyc/ASKGEORGE15 #theperfectjeanpodEat smart at https://FactorMeals.com/askgeorge50off and use code askgeorge50off to get 50% off your first box, plus free breakfast for 1 year.Take our quick listener survey and help us make The Bulwark even better. https://bit.ly/bulwarkaudio

George Conway is joined by Carol Leonnig and Aaron Davis to discuss their new book ‘Injustice’, exploring how the DOJ handled Trump-related investigations from 2017 to the present, including delays, internal hesitations, and decisions that shaped the January 6 and classified documents cases.Learn a new Language and get up to 55% off your subscription at https://Babbel.com/ASKGEORGE.Get 15% off OneSkin with the code ASKGEORGE at https://www.oneskin.co/ASKGEORGE#oneskinpod If you’re 21 or older, get 40% OFF your first order + free shipping @IndaCloud with code ASKGEORGE at https://inda.shop/ASKGEORGE ! #indacloudpodTake our quick listener survey and help us make The Bulwark even better. https://bit.ly/bulwarkaudio