The Illegal News with Sarah Longwell
The Bulwark
“The Illegal News” is where law meets politics. Each week, Bulwark publisher Sarah Longwell (not a lawyer) sits down with a legal expert to unpack how the latest court filings, rulings, and procedural twists and turns of the Trump era are shaping American democracy. These are conversations about justice without the jargon, giving you context for the biggest developments and surfacing the legal (and illegal) moves not getting enough attention.
If you're looking for "George Conway Explains It All to Sarah Longwell," George is off on a new adventure, but Sarah will keep you covered.
If you're looking for "George Conway Explains It All to Sarah Longwell," George is off on a new adventure, but Sarah will keep you covered.
Episodes
Mentioned books
29 snips
Feb 6, 2026 • 59min
S2 Ep144: Trump Is Treating Elections Like Crimes (w/ Elliot Williams)
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.
16 snips
Jan 28, 2026 • 60min
S2 Ep143: Secret ICE Memo Says They Can Enter Homes Without Warrants (w/ Elliot Williams)
Elliot Williams, CNN legal analyst and former DOJ and ICE attorney, weighs in on fights between ICE, the DOJ, and the courts. He discusses a judge threatening contempt after ICE ignored orders. He explains a secret DHS memo saying ICE can enter homes without judicial warrants and the collision with Fourth Amendment norms. He also covers procedural oddities around denied arrest warrants tied to a church protest.
24 snips
Jan 21, 2026 • 1h 12min
S2 Ep142: The Epstein Files Are Being Buried by DOJ (w/ Asha Rangappa)
Asha Rangappa, a former FBI special agent and legal commentator, joins to unpack critical issues regarding DOJ and immigration enforcement. She discusses a federal injunction limiting ICE's aggressive tactics against protesters in Minnesota and highlights the court's skepticism of ICE's evidence. Asha also delves into the stalled release of the Epstein files, emphasizing the difficulties in enforcing compliance. The conversation extends to the politicization of law enforcement and the implications for civil liberties in today's landscape.
40 snips
Jan 14, 2026 • 1h 7min
S2 Ep141: Jack Smith Says He Had Trump Dead to Rights (w/ Asha Rangappa)
Asha Rangappa, a Yale Law lecturer and co-host of the 'It's Complicated' podcast, joins to discuss pivotal legal issues. They dive into Jack Smith’s testimony on Trump's alleged involvement in the January 6th insurrection and the Mar-a-Lago document retention case. Asha provides insights into the complexities of war powers regarding U.S. actions in Venezuela and the implications of judicial processes in high-profile lawsuits. She also critiques the handling of the Minnesota ICE shooting and examines the motivations behind recent congressional actions.
10 snips
Jan 9, 2026 • 40min
S2 Ep140: Trump’s Government is Treating Courts Like a Joke (w/ Andrew Weissmann)
In this lively discussion, Andrew Weissmann, a former senior federal prosecutor and FBI general counsel, breaks down a tragic ICE shooting in Minnesota and the shocking conditions within ICE detention facilities. He highlights the failures in training and accountability, and expresses concern about the FBI's handling of the situation. Weissmann also critiques the government's pattern of misleading courts and defying judicial orders, urging judges to take action against these abuses. The conversation emphasizes the urgent need for systemic reform and public awareness.
20 snips
Jan 2, 2026 • 56min
S2 Ep139: Andrew Weissmann: Epstein Release Looks Like a DOJ Cover-Up
Join Andrew Weissmann, a former senior federal prosecutor and legal scholar, as he dives into the chaos surrounding the Epstein files rollout. He critiques the DOJ's credibility crisis, highlighting the impact of redactions and missing documents. Weissmann discusses the Supreme Court's shaky stance and the legal implications of recent military actions. He raises alarms over journalist records found in the files and predicts ongoing political battles and litigation. His insights reveal deep concerns about the future of democratic norms and the rule of law.
25 snips
Dec 27, 2025 • 1h 2min
S2 Ep138: Yes, George Had to Leave. But We’re Still Here.
The departure of George Conway leads to exciting changes as Sarah Longwell introduces new hosts. They dive into a hypothetical extreme Trump presidency, discussing the potential consequences of authoritarianism. The duo debates whether public opinion and the Supreme Court can constrain Trump's behavior. They also reflect on Trump’s chaotic week, including troubling speeches and policy theatrics. Additionally, they explore fractures in the conservative movement and the impact of social media on radicalization, concluding with year-end reflections and hopes for the future.
22 snips
Dec 20, 2025 • 50min
S2 Ep137: George Conway Has an Announcement
George Conway, a constitutional lawyer known for his sharp legal insights, joins Sarah Longwell for a fascinating discussion as they wrap up the year. They dive into Trump's defamation suits and the chilling effects on media, revealing how litigation is wielded as a tool of political extortion. Conway underscores the collapse of the DOJ’s credibility and discusses the threats to judicial independence. They also highlight critical Supreme Court cases to watch, while reflecting on the erosion of trust in federal courts and possible future retirements.
28 snips
Dec 10, 2025 • 52min
S2 Ep136: Running the Same Dead Case Back to Another Grand Jury? That’s Desperation.
Constitutional lawyer George Conway, founder of the Society for the Rule of Law, dives into the intricacies of high-profile legal battles. He discusses the Supreme Court's challenges, the ramifications of Trump's control over independent agencies, and the rare grand jury refusal in Letitia James's case. Conway critiques Alina Habba's time as U.S. attorney and unveils the implications of the Epstein Transparency Act, which forces the release of sensitive grand jury materials. This conversation sheds light on the judicial landscape and its future.
33 snips
Dec 1, 2025 • 51min
S2 Ep135: Sarah and George Answer YOUR Questions!
Join George Conway, a prominent Constitutional lawyer and rule-of-law advocate, as he and Sarah Longwell tackle listener questions. They delve into the controversial Lindsey Halligan ruling, unpacking its implications for high-profile cases. George shares insights on the Supreme Court's shadow docket, discussing its increasing use and the call for reform. The duo also reflects on personal shifts in policy perspectives post-Trump. Plus, George’s passion for music shines through as he shares anecdotes about his guitar collection!
