

The McCarthy Report
National Review
American freedom is secured by the commitment of our courts and our people to the rule of law. The McCarthy Report offers listeners in-depth analysis on the most pressing legal questions facing the country. Alongside NATIONAL REVIEW editor in chief Rich Lowry, veteran prosecutor and law professor Andy McCarthy leverages his decades of legal experience to cut through the noise of media hysteria with sober-minded, thoughtful commentary.
Episodes
Mentioned books

9 snips
Mar 26, 2026 • 1h 4min
Episode 335: Toss Out the Time Frame
They debate military tactics versus political strategy in a potential conflict with Iran, including timelines, regime survival, and the role of the IRGC. They weigh how threats, open-ended commitments, and public buy-in shape outcomes. They also tackle a recent lawsuit against social platforms, discussing Section 230, algorithms, and whether litigation or regulation should address online harms.

10 snips
Mar 19, 2026 • 1h 7min
Episode 334: The Big Picture on the Iran War
A sharp debate on where the Iran war actually stands and how to judge progress. They dissect media narratives and the challenges of defining clear objectives. Discussion of strategic costs like the Strait of Hormuz and energy price effects. Analysis of Iranian ideology, regional sectarian dynamics, and risks around nuclear materials and attacks on infrastructure.

13 snips
Mar 12, 2026 • 1h 7min
Episode 333: War Forecast
They debate the likely course and timelines of a campaign against Iran and the challenges of suppressing mines, missiles, and drones in the Strait of Hormuz. They explore limits of air power versus dispersed IRGC networks and when ground forces become necessary. They also unpack the Pentagon’s dispute with Anthropic, focusing on liability, dual-use precedents, and the legal fight ahead.

11 snips
Mar 3, 2026 • 58min
Episode 332: The War Against Iran
A tense discussion of U.S. and Israeli operations aimed at Iran and the strategic challenges of degrading its missile forces. They debate whether air power or ground troops can achieve objectives and the risks to regional defenses. A separate thread examines the Pentagon’s dispute with Anthropic over military limits for AI and concerns about autonomous weapons and data use.

12 snips
Feb 24, 2026 • 1h 4min
Episode 331: The Tariff Decision
Andy McCarthy, veteran prosecutor and law professor, breaks down the Supreme Court's tariff ruling with crisp legal perspective. He walks through the justices' split, debates over the major-questions doctrine, textualism versus structural interpretation, and the practical fallout for refunds, injunctions, and future presidential tariff moves.

10 snips
Feb 10, 2026 • 51min
Episode 330: Immigration Confrontation Comes to Congress
A heated House hearing over ICE funding and whether states can constrain federal immigration enforcement. A dive into body cams, warrants, doxing risks, and legal fights over Temporary Protected Status. New documents tied to Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell spark scrutiny of DOJ choices. A surprising probe into Fulton County ballots and a rare warrant to search election materials.

15 snips
Feb 5, 2026 • 1h 7min
Episode 329: Crypto Concerns
Andy McCarthy, veteran prosecutor and law professor, provides sharp legal and national-security commentary. He argues against negotiating with Iran and promotes pressure over engagement. He dissects DHS operations and immigration enforcement controversies in Minneapolis. He unpacks a complex UAE–Binance–Trump crypto saga involving massive investments, pardons, and chip-access politics.

10 snips
Jan 29, 2026 • 53min
Episode 328: Minneapolis Mess
They debate a controversial Hall of Fame snub and cheating allegations in football. They walk through the chaotic Minneapolis shooting timeline and the split-second decisions that followed. They argue about tactical alternatives, training mismatches, and legal accountability. They discuss immigration enforcement priorities, employer-focused strategies, and courtroom pushback. They touch on rising tensions with Iran.

11 snips
Jan 22, 2026 • 1h 7min
Episode 327: Turmoil over Greenland
Tensions rise over Trump's Greenland aspirations, sparking debate on international relations. The hosts discuss the impracticalities of purchasing Greenland, highlighting constitutional barriers and historical context. They also delve into the shifting media tactics of Trump compared to Clinton, along with the political ramifications of congressional investigations. The discussion extends to the independence of the Federal Reserve and the evolution of federal law enforcement, providing a rich tapestry of political analysis and critique.

13 snips
Jan 15, 2026 • 1h 14min
Episode 326: Unrest in Iran
Explore the violent response of Iran to protests, with insights into the regime's tactics and motives. Engage in a heated debate over whether diplomacy or regime change is the path forward. Delve into the complexities of U.S. military options and legal considerations regarding Iran. Shift gears to the fallout from recent shootings in Minnesota, analyzing organized protests and the roles of law enforcement. Finally, unpack U.S. strategies regarding Venezuela and the implications of opaque oil deals.


