Saikrishna Prakash

Sai Krishna Prakash, a law professor who studies the constitutional pardon power, and Ben Wallace-Wells, a New Yorker writer known for deep political reporting. They map Trump’s recent flurry of pardons, who gets them and why, the informal paths to clemency, historical precedents from Washington to Ford, and whether heavy politicized pardoning will become routine.

Saikrishna Prakash, a law expert from the University of Virginia, and Gillian Metzger, a scholar at Columbia Law School, delve into the evolution of presidential power from the Founding Fathers’ intentions to modern interpretations. They debate the unitary executive theory and its implications for independent agencies. The discussion highlights historical tensions between Congress and the presidency, exploring how recent court rulings, including cases involving Trump, shape contemporary views on executive authority and compliance with legal constraints.

Ian Dunt, UK politics commentator known for sharp takes on Westminster, discusses Keir Starmer’s cautious Middle East stance, Iran’s leverage and the politics of defensive operations. Geoffrey Watson SC, anti-corruption campaigner, critiques the National Anti-Corruption Commission’s secretive handling of Robodebt. Saikrishna Prakash, constitutional law professor, explores the politics, history and reform of US presidential pardons.