Joyce 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.
Read MoreJill Wine-Banks hosts #SistersInLaw to analyze the legality of DOGE, the capabilities and dangers of the team Elon has brought together, the effectiveness of challenges to it, and what it means for the future of our democracy. Then, the #Sisters discuss the start of Pam Bondi’s tenure as the U.S. Attorney General, why her swearing-in was so controversial and unique, and how Trump’s buy-out offer affects the DOJ. They also explore the ramifications of the recent FBI firings, focusing on their impact on the agency, the rule of law, and whether they can be prevented through civil action.
Read MoreJill Wine-Banks and Billy Ray discuss the current political landscape, focusing on the challenges Democrats face in messaging and connecting with voters. They explore the importance of humility, understanding the voter base, and crafting emotional messages that resonate with the public. The discussion emphasizes the need for Democrats to aim for a broader audience and to communicate effectively about issues that matter to everyday Americans.
Read MoreBarb McQuade hosts #SistersInLaw to explore the legality and ramifications of Trump’s firings of J6 prosecutors and over a dozen inspectors general. Then, the #Sisters discuss the confirmation hearings of prospective cabinet members Kash Patel, RFK Jr., and Tulsi Gabbard by sharing their concerns and doing a deep dive into the nominees' backgrounds, views, and performances. They also dissect Trump’s latest Executive Orders through the lens of the unitary executive theory and the separation of powers doctrine before explaining the risks of his questionable offer to buy out government workers.
Read MoreJill Wine-Banks discusses the importance of news literacy with Chuck Salter and Peter Adams from the News Literacy Project. They explore the goals of the project, the curriculum designed to teach students how to differentiate between fact and fiction, and the tools available for educators and adults. The discussion also delves into the impact of social media on news consumption, the role of emotions in communication, and the necessity of critical thinking in evaluating information. The conversation emphasizes the need for a well-informed electorate and the importance of empowering individuals to navigate the complex information landscape.
Read MoreJoyce Vance hosts #SistersInLaw to discuss the impact that changes at the DOJ will have as Biden hands off the presidency to Trump, examining the risk of retribution against those who sought to defend our democracy from MAGA. Then, the #Sisters analyze the legality and effects of Trump’s initial Executive Orders and whether any judges or laws are capable of restraining his acts as the executive. They also reflect on the universal pardons and commutations he issued for J6’ers, looking at how they hold up in light of precedent and the danger extremism still presents to our rights and freedoms.
Read MoreJill Wine-Banks reflects on the recent inauguration, expressing her emotional responses and concerns about the current political climate. She discusses the significance of the oath taken by the new president, the implications of his promises, and the potential challenges ahead. Wine-Banks emphasizes the importance of fact-checking and political activism in the face of misinformation and divisive politics, while also honoring the contributions of notable figures in women's rights.
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