PBS Washington Week with The Atlantic - Full Show Washington Week with the Atlantic full episode, 3/21/25
Mar 22, 2025
Tensions between the Trump administration and the judiciary escalate, fueling fears of a constitutional crisis. The discussion critiques the president's defiance of judicial authority and the implications for governance. Topics also include the controversial dismantling of the Department of Education and its impact on educational performance. Additionally, a surprising meeting between Elon Musk and Defense officials reveals the complexities of government and private interests, raising questions about access to sensitive information and efficiency in defense spending.
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Defining a Constitutional Crisis
- A constitutional crisis is defined as when a president defies the Supreme Court, not lower courts.
- Defying lower court rulings is not unprecedented, the process involves appeals and potential sanctions.
Testing Boundaries
- President Trump's comments about judges prompted Chief Justice John Roberts to rebuke him.
- Trump's actions are seen as probing the boundaries of his authority and testing the judicial branch.
Congress' Inaction
- While Trump's actions raise concerns, they don't constitute a constitutional crisis until he defies the Supreme Court.
- Congress' inaction contributes to the situation, as they are meant to act as a check on presidential power.