Kimberly Atkins Stohr hosts #SistersInLaw to dive into the escalating due process challenges to Trump’s deportations, highlight the cases of people who have been targeted, examine the legality of his use of the Alien Enemies Act, and explain how the SCOTUS is ruling on these cases. Then, the #Sisters discuss the latest outrages sparked by Trump’s EO’s, lay out how his use of presidential power threatens democracy and the free press, and explain the legal challenges to them.. They also review a case concerning critical voting rights in Georgia and investigate whether A.G. Pam Bondi is up to the task of protecting them.
Read MoreJill Wine-Bnaks interviews Elie Mystal, political commentator and author, about his journey from law to journalism. They discuss historical laws’ impact on modern society, personal experiences with discrimination, and legal action against injustices. Mystal’s book ‘Bad Law’ emphasizes critical examination of pre-1965 laws and understanding their context. They also explore persuasion challenges in today’s political climate and the influence of figures like Elon Musk. The conversation touches on unpredictability of political outcomes, labor deregulation, felony murder laws, abortion rights, censorship, and free speech. It highlights the need for awareness and action on pressing social issues.
Read MoreJill Wine-Banks hosts #SistersInLaw to discuss Trump’s tariffs, what gives him the power to regulate trade with both our friends and allies, as well as the limits of presidential power. Then, the #Sisters emphasize how nationwide protests are being used to make a statement against the current administration, the implications of the Insurrection Act, and the historical context of the Posse Comitatus Act. They also explain why the 22nd Amendment should prevent Trump from a 3rd term and highlight how we can use the rules of our democracy to prevent tyranny.
Read MoreJill Wine-Banks chats with Alison Gill, host of Mueller, She Wrote and The Daily Beans Podcasts. Alison is a true Renaissance woman, having served in the military, made people laugh as a stand up comedian, and fought for what’s right. They talk about some tough stuff, like lawsuits against government agencies, voter suppression, transgender rights in the military, and the importance of getting involved in your community. Alison stresses the importance of taking action, the role of law firms in fighting for justice, and how censorship can stifle creativity. But through it all, they keep the message of hope and resilience alive.
Read MoreBarb McQuade hosts #SistersInLaw to explain the national security and good governance implications of the SignalGate leak of the Trump Administration's Yemen attack plans, hold his teams to account, and explain why the correct handling of classified information is essential to the safety of our warfighters. Then, the #Sisters review the attempt by Speaker Johnson to limit the influence of federal judges, Trump’s war on law firms, and his pushback against injunctions checking his authoritarian impulses. They also discuss the recent SCOTUS backing of a ban on ghost guns, despite the court’s growing antipathy toward federal agency power.
Read MoreJill Wine-Banks interviews presidential historian Jim Robenalt about the newly released documents related to the JFK assassination. They discuss CIA's potential involvement, the implications of Cuba's role, and the connections to Watergate. The conversation also touches on the capture of Lee Harvey Oswald, the aftermath of the assassination, and the need for judicial reform and election integrity.
Read MoreJoyce Vance hosts #SistersInLaw to call out the Trump administration for its use of the Alien Enemy Act to deport supposed gang members, explain its similarities to other efforts to dehumanize minorities and review the questionable reasoning and due process behind the removals. Then, the #Sisters expose MAGA’s war on the judges standing up for the Constitution, discuss how the judicial branch acts as a check on the executive, and determine if their attempts at impeachment are valid. They also tear into the DOD’s effort to remove BIPOC from its history and emphasize the importance of diversity to our civic health and national security.
Read MoreBarb McQuade and Jill Wine-Banks examine Project 2025’s impact on immigration, First Amendment rights, and due process. They discuss threats to academic freedom, attacks on law firms, and government policies affecting jobs and loan forgiveness for public service workers. The conversation underscores the need for public action to defend constitutional rights and explores legal responses to efforts to erase historical figures from public memory.
Read MoreKimberly Atkins Stohr hosts #SistersInLaw to argue against deporting Mahmoud Khalil, explain habeas corpus and whether the government had the right to detain him, and outline his 1st Amendment rights as a green card holder. Then, the #Sisters tear into Trump’s executive order targeting law firm Perkins Coie, detail how their rights to association and speech are being violated, and celebrate the lawyers who have stepped up to defend them. They also discuss the conversion therapy case going to the Supreme Court and what it means for LGBTQ rights at a time when Trump is attempting to subvert our democracy.
Read MoreJill Wine-Banks interviews Hamilton Fox, chief prosecutor of the District of Columbia Bar, on the rise in lawyer complaints, disbarment processes, and notable cases involving Rudy Giuliani and Jeffrey Clark. They discuss the importance of legal oversight independence and the implications of Supreme Court decisions on legal immunity. The conversation delves into legal ethics, prosecutorial conduct, and evolving rules governing the legal profession, including prosecutors’ discretion, ethical guidelines, and court order compliance. It also touches on historical contexts like Watergate and the challenges legal professionals face in maintaining integrity amidst political pressures.
Read MoreJill Wine-Banks hosts #SistersInLaw to discuss the battle to release USAID funds, where the SCOTUS comes down on the issue, and why the separation of powers is essential to maintaining our democracy. Then, the #Sisters expose the reckless partisanship of AG Pam Bondi and Interim D.C. U.S. Attorney Ed Martin in their quest to fill the DOJ with Trump loyalists and facilitate a MAGA takeover of D.C.’s local government. They also investigate the legality of Trump’s EOs targeting D.C. law firms, explain what they mean for the future of those firms, and break down how the president continues to undermine the rule of law.
Read MoreJill Wine-Banks and Ruth Ben-Ghiat discuss the rise of authoritarianism, particularly in the context of Donald Trump's presidency and the influence of social media. They explore the implications of Trump's actions, the role of Congress and the courts in combating authoritarianism, and the impact of figures like Elon Musk on democracy. The discussion emphasizes the importance of public pressure and civic responsibility in preserving democratic values.
Read MoreBarb McQuade hosts #SistersInLaw to discuss Trump’s attacks on the 1st Amendment through his invalidation of the historic press corps, how he’s taken control over journalistic access to the White House, and his bizarre edicts attempting to enshrine his policy preferences into the public conversation. Then, the #Sisters break down his attack on government lawyers, firing off on his assault on Jack Smith’s team and the other lawyers who stood against his authoritarian impulses. They also examine the excesses of DOGE and if those unjustly targeted have any recourse.
Read MoreJill Wine-Banks interviews Richard Haass about his book, 'The Bill of Obligations: The 10 Habits of Good Citizens.' They discuss the essential obligations of citizens in a democracy, the importance of being informed, and the role of education in fostering civic engagement. Haas emphasizes the need for civility in political discourse and the challenges facing American democracy today. The conversation concludes with a call to action for citizens to engage in their democracy and uphold their civic responsibilities.
Read MoreJoyce Vance hosts #SistersInLaw to discuss the limitations on Trump’s presidential power using the lens of the Constitution’s Articles 1 and 2, looking at the validity of Unitary Executive Theory, the legality of firings at independent agencies, and the role TROs play in restraining an out of control president. Then, the #Sisters give us an update on the mayorship of Eric Adams, encourage civil servants targeted by Trump to stay and resist, and expose the dangers posed by his new appointees. They also explore the ‘reverse discrimination’ case being decided by the SCOTUS and explain how and why it chooses its cases.
Read MoreKimberly Atkins Stohr hosts #SistersInLaw to examine the propriety of the dismissal of NYC Mayor Eric Adams’ indictment, why he seems to be favored by the Trump administration, and if his future independence is compromised. Then, the #Sisters discuss Pam Bondi’s initial memos as Attorney General and read the tea leaves to see how she plans on running the DOJ. They also strategize how to fight back against Trump’s war on the free press and highlight the institutions that are essential to helping defend our democratic institutions.
Read MoreTrail Blaze (with Jamal Simmons and Nayyera Haq) 2/13/2025
Read MoreJill Wine-Banks and Rob Burley discuss political interviews, Margaret Thatcher’s legacy, and women in politics. They explore media’s impact, effective interviewing techniques, and cultural differences in leadership. The conversation emphasizes collaborative communication, fact-based media, and voter responsibility in a divided landscape. It also highlights television’s role in scrutiny, critical thinking education, and public opinion’s role in shaping democracy, including the untold story of Rosemary Woods during Watergate.
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