Amicus With Dahlia Lithwick | Law, justice, and the courts Was it Worth it, Pam?
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Apr 4, 2026 Conversation covers Pam Bondi’s dramatic exit from the Justice Department and the institutional damage left behind. They dissect President Trump attending Supreme Court arguments and the bungled birthright citizenship advocacy. The show unpacks the Court’s 8-1 decision in Childs v. Salazar and its threat to conversion therapy bans and professional speech regulation.
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Trump's Courtroom Appearance Backfired
- President Trump attended Supreme Court oral arguments on birthright citizenship, a historic and risky optics move.
- Mark and Dahlia say his presence likely aimed to intimidate justices but backfired as several justices pressed hard against the government's arguments.
Damage From Loyalist Leadership Lasts Beyond Firing
- Bondi's leadership produced systemic damage: mass resignations, reassignment, reputational harm, and erosion of presumption of regularity.
- Mark notes rebuilding DOJ norms and trust won't be immediate even after her exit.
Supreme Court Visit Used To Explain Limits Of Power
- Dahlia recounts taking her child to the Supreme Court and discussing law clerks to illustrate naive views of presidential power.
- She connects that memory to reporting that Bondi was ousted for not jailing enough political enemies.