To The Contrary with Charlie Sykes Trump’s Despicable New Low
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Dec 16, 2025 In this discussion, former U.S. Attorney Harry Litman dives into the troubling implications of Trump’s narcissism, especially in light of his insensitive comments regarding director Rob Reiner's murder. They explore how Trump's abuse of the pardon power is corrupting legal institutions and eroding the rule of law. Litman also sheds light on the Supreme Court’s growing expansion of presidential powers and the potential political fallout from Trump's controversial pardons. The conversation touches on military integrity and the alarming rise of anti-Semitism.
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Weaponizing Investigations To Chill Dissent
- Litman warns a broad 'domestic extremist' list can weaponize reputational fear without charges.
- He says such lists chill dissent and drain donors even if cases never reach court.
Court's Shift Toward Unitary Executive
- Litman sees the Supreme Court moving toward unitary executive rulings that erode agency independence.
- He warns inconsistent carve-outs (e.g., for the Fed) would be intellectually incoherent but likely.
Big Moment: Emergency Powers Case
- Litman flags Illinois v. Trump as a pivotal case about emergency powers and election control.
- He calls the court's delayed handling a potential sign of internal conflict with huge stakes.