

Main Justice
MS NOW, Andrew Weissmann, Mary McCord
Main Justice is the next era of legal analysis from Andrew Weissmann and Mary McCord, the veteran lawyers behind the hit podcast Prosecuting Donald Trump. As the Trump administration wields its power, Andrew and Mary draw on their extensive experience working within the Department of Justice to break down what’s happening inside Trump’s DOJ. Each week, they use their platform on Main Justice to safeguard against assaults on our laws, our Constitution, and our democracy.
Episodes
Mentioned books

35 snips
Feb 26, 2025 • 51min
A Shell Game
The discussion kicks off with a deep dive into Judge Dale Ho's hearing on Eric Adams' dismissal, highlighting its broader implications. They reveal the drama behind Denise Cheung's resignation from the DC US Attorney’s office, raising ethical questions. Next, they tackle the Supreme Court's decision regarding Trump's firing of Hampton Dellinger, emphasizing the tension between DOJ statements and Elon Musk's actions. Finally, the hosts unpack the complexities of executive authority and First Amendment issues, shedding light on media biases and the legal landscape.

34 snips
Feb 19, 2025 • 56min
A Choke Chain
Tensions rise as federal prosecutors clash with the DOJ’s directive to drop corruption charges against NYC's Mayor. This leads to unexpected resignations and speculation on the implications for political oversight. In a twist, the hosts preview a pivotal Supreme Court case addressing presidential powers over independent agencies. They also highlight alarming whistleblower allegations against a potential FBI head, intensifying scrutiny on political appointments. The interplay of law and politics unfolds with gripping complexity.

36 snips
Feb 12, 2025 • 55min
It’s Five O'Clock Somewhere
Pam Bondi's whirlwind memos set the stage for gripping discussions on national security and criminal law. The hosts dissect ongoing legal challenges against controversial orders from the Trump administration, especially around sanctuary cities. They dive into a court case protecting places of worship from immigration enforcement, stressing First Amendment rights. The abrupt dismissal of corruption charges against NYC Mayor Eric Adams also gets a thorough examination, revealing complexities within today's legal landscape.

7 snips
Feb 10, 2025 • 36min
Listen to “The Blueprint with Jen Psaki”
Wes Moore, the Governor of Maryland, Rhodes Scholar, and veteran, shares his insights on Democratic politics and personal patriotism. He discusses the importance of communicating policy impacts on everyday lives, particularly for young Black and Latino men. Moore advocates for a return to authenticity in political engagement and how football unites communities. He emphasizes the need for Democrats to reclaim patriotism, inspiring hope through historical resilience while navigating the meaningful actions versus spectacle in politics.

21 snips
Feb 5, 2025 • 55min
“Everything Everywhere All at Once”
The hosts dive into the Trump administration's controversial strategies, revealing a trend toward executive overreach. They highlight the implications of the the unitary executive theory and its impact on Congress. The discussion includes significant cases like Youngstown, showcasing the intricate balance of powers. They also investigate the upheaval within the Department of Justice and its effects on investigations, emphasizing the necessity of accountability in governance. Ongoing legal battles and the chaos of federal funding are critically analyzed, revealing deeper insights into the current political landscape.

37 snips
Jan 28, 2025 • 51min
Boggles the Mind
Hosts discuss the chaotic shifts in the federal government, including security clearances revoked for Trump’s perceived adversaries. They highlight judicial resistance against blanket pardons for January 6 convictions. Birthright citizenship comes under scrutiny, with ongoing legal challenges, including one led by one of the hosts. The conversation touches on the independence of the Justice Department and its evolving dynamics, reflecting broader concerns about governance and the implications for American democracy and civil rights.

16 snips
Jan 24, 2025 • 33min
Listen to “Trumpland with Alex Wagner”
Michael Fanone, a former D.C. Metropolitan Police officer who was assaulted during the January 6th Capitol riot, shares his gripping perspective on the insurrection. He discusses the emotional toll on law enforcement and the dangers of political extremism. Fanone reflects on the implications of presidential pardons for insurrectionists and the urgent need for accountability. He also touches on the pervasive fear within the police community and the struggle to regain public trust after the chaos of that day.

27 snips
Jan 21, 2025 • 50min
Project 2025 in Action
The discussion kicks off with a deep dive into the executive actions signed on the first day of Trump's second term, especially the blanket pardons for January 6th defendants. The complexities of Biden's last-minute pardons come under scrutiny, aimed at protecting those targeted by Trump. As legal challenges mount, the implications of controversial executive orders, like the military's role at the border and the TikTok ban, are explored. The hosts also examine the politicization of law and the challenges facing the Department of Justice in this charged landscape.

29 snips
Jan 15, 2025 • 57min
Postmortem
This discussion dives deep into the intricate legal landscape surrounding Donald Trump's prosecutions. The hosts unravel Judge Merchan's sentencing considerations and the ongoing legal battles over Special Counsel Jack Smith's final report. They explore presidential immunity, the challenges of accountability, and the implications of public disclosure in high-profile cases. With a Dickensian twist, they analyze defense strategies and the oversight of justice in politically charged environments, all while emphasizing the need for transparency from legal authorities.

8 snips
Jan 13, 2025 • 33min
Full Audio of Donald Trump's NY Sentencing
In a gripping virtual court session, Donald Trump, the former President of the United States, faces sentencing for 34 counts of falsifying business records. Trump discusses the implications of being the first convicted felon in the White House, claiming the charges are politically motivated. He argues that the judicial proceedings lack integrity, expressing frustration over perceived biases. The conversation also touches on the unique legal protections available to the presidency and their impact on justice, sparking a debate on the relationship between politics and the law.


