Smerconish on CNN Smerconish: Trump is Picking Fights He Relishes
Apr 19, 2025
CNN senior legal analyst Elie Honig dives into pressing controversies surrounding Trump, including the Supreme Court's pause on deportations under the Alien Enemies Act. He discusses the political motivations behind actions targeting Harvard and shares insights on the potential impact of massive IRS workforce cuts. The podcast also confronts the complexities of due process in immigration and evaluates the debate over government interference in academic environments. Honig's expertise brings clarity to these contentious topics while shedding light on the broader implications for U.S. policy.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Trump's True Aim at Harvard
- The Trump administration's defunding of Harvard is less about protecting Jewish students and more about dismantling opposition spheres like academia.
- This strategy aligns with targeting big law and media, indicating political calculations over merits.
Immigration Politics vs Legal Merits
- Deportations remain politically popular despite apparent legal and due process issues.
- Trump's stance on immigration resonates with a growing majority of Americans, maintaining his political strength in this domain.
IRS Cuts May Increase Debt
- Cutting IRS workforce by up to 40% will likely reduce audits, especially on high-income earners who bring in the most revenue.
- This could worsen the national debt despite potential cost savings from downsizing.