The Daily Beast Podcast How Desperate Trump Could Kill Democracy: Toobin
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Jan 15, 2026 Jeffrey Toobin, a legal analyst and New York Times contributor, dives deep into the current threats to democracy posed by Donald Trump. He discusses how Trump has tightened control over the Justice Department and the uneasy alignment of Congressional Republicans. Toobin highlights the Supreme Court's shift from a check on presidential power to an enabler, with potential implications for controversial rulings on tariffs and birthright citizenship. He also explores the challenges of restoring integrity amidst politicization in federal agencies.
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Court Has Become More Pro-Executive
- Toobin views the current Supreme Court as largely aligned with Trump and acting as his 'handmaiden.'
- He warns major cases still could go either way, notably tariffs and birthright citizenship.
Justices Know Political Stakes
- Toobin says justices know political stakes and follow news but believe they apply law, not politics.
- He stresses their acute awareness of consequences even while claiming legal objectivity.
Roberts Favors Executive Power
- Toobin profiles Chief Justice John Roberts as conservative who favors a powerful executive.
- Roberts supports limiting civil rights and boosting presidential power on key cases.