The Illegal News with Sarah Longwell

Andrew Weissmann, former DOJ official and FBI general counsel, offers sharp legal perspective. They dig into the DOJ’s $1.25M payout to Michael Flynn and a surprising leak of sensitive documents. Tensions flare over a top official labeling Jack Smith a “proven liar.” The conversation also covers press access rules, AI supply-chain disputes, and Robert Mueller’s legacy.

Andrew Weissmann, former federal prosecutor known for high-profile investigations and legal analysis. He unpacks a judge’s rejection of subpoenas aimed at Jerome Powell. He breaks down the collapsing border trespass strategy and why courts keep tossing those cases. Conversation also covers looming Supreme Court fights over immigrant protections and legal risks shaping 2026.

Andrew Weissmann, former federal prosecutor and legal author, breaks down a chaotic week for the rule of law. He explains DOJ flip-flops over defending law-firm executive orders. He unpacks a new DOJ proposal that could block state ethics probes. He reviews a Minnesota ruling finding racial profiling in ICE stops and the constitutional stakes involved.

Andrew Weissmann, former federal prosecutor and author of Liar's Kingdom, explains how political misinformation has hollowed out American institutions. He discusses institutional fragility, how other democracies handle election lies, legal standards for false claims, and why norms alone won't protect democracy. Short, urgent conversations on reforms and accountability.

Tess Bridgeman, national security law expert and former NSC legal advisor, unpacks legality of recent U.S. strikes. She breaks down when bombings become an international armed conflict. She explains constitutional war powers, the War Powers Resolution, and why Congress keeps failing to act. She reviews international law limits, self-defense claims, and who can constrain presidential use of force.

Elliot Williams, CNN legal analyst and author, provides brisk legal perspective on recent court battles and institutional norms. He walks through the Supreme Court’s limits on tariffs, shifting FCC equal-time guidance, erosion of agency independence, the controversy over Trump’s face on the DOJ building, contempt orders against ICE, and fresh reporting on Epstein file redactions.

Andrew Weissmann, former DOJ prosecutor and NYU Law professor, breaks down the Supreme Court’s rejection of Trump’s tariff move. He explains why Congress, not the president, controls taxation. Short takes cover the major questions doctrine, Roberts’ rebuke of Kavanaugh, and what this means for executive power going forward.

Andrew Weissmann explains to Sarah Longwell the new filing from officials in Georgia’s Fulton County election office attacking the FBI's search of the county's election records last month. They also discuss the latest around ICE cases in Minnesota and get to Sarah's rapid fire questions.Make laundry day the best day of the week! Get 20% off your entire order @LaundrySauce with code ILLEGALNEWS at https://laundrysauce.com/ILLEGALNEWSF*%k your khakis and get The Perfect Jean 15% off with the code ILLEGALNEWS15 at theperfectjean.nyc/ILLEGALNEWS15 #theperfectjeanpod NOBL gives you real travel peace of mind — security, design, and convenience all in one. Head to http://nobltravel.com/ for 46% off your entire order! #NOBL #ad

Andrew Weissmann, former senior DOJ lawyer and ex-FBI general counsel turned legal commentator and podcaster. He digs into the DOJ’s mishandling of Epstein files and how victims were sidelined. He critiques Pam Bondi’s testimony, explains tracked congressional access to documents, and questions probable-cause failures in the Fulton County raid. Short, sharp takes on institutional strain and accountability.

Elliot Williams, lawyer and CNN legal analyst and author of Five Bullets, breaks down recent norm-bending legal moves. He walks through charges tied to a Minnesota protest and the Don Lemon indictment. He explains the Fulton County raid, the risks of federalizing elections, Trump’s $10 billion IRS lawsuit, and legal limits on altering the Kennedy Center.