A lighthearted chat about botanical gardens kicks off the discussion on significant national security topics. The Trump administration's controversial actions against law firms raise legal questions and concerns over First Amendment rights. Tensions brew as $400 million in funding hangs in the balance for Columbia University over anti-Semitism claims. The complexity of identity politics intertwines with free speech issues, particularly concerning tariffs that spark economic anxieties. The mix of humor and serious analysis keeps listeners engaged.
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insights INSIGHT
Unprecedented Targeting of Law Firms
The Trump administration's targeting of law firms like Covington & Burling and Perkins Coie through executive orders is unprecedented.
These actions, including revoking security clearances and limiting government contracts, have significant implications for the legal industry.
insights INSIGHT
Motivation Behind Targeting
Trump's actions against law firms appear motivated by revenge and a desire to bully his perceived enemies.
These actions may violate constitutional rights, including the First and Fifth Amendments.
insights INSIGHT
Chilling Effect on Legal Representation
Even if legal challenges are successful, the actions will have a chilling effect on law firms taking on cases against the government.
The executive order's requirement for government contractors to disclose interactions with Perkins Coie facilitates this chilling effect.
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This week, Scott sat down with Lawfare Senior Editor and co-host emeritus Alan Rozenshtein and Lawfare Executive Editor Natalie Orpett to talk through the week’s big national security news, including:
“Lowering the Bar.” Last week, the Trump administration took aim at two leading law firms—Covington & Burling and Perkins Coie—by repealing lawyers’ security clearances and setting limits on the extent to which government actors can contract with them, on the apparent grounds that they worked for Trump’s perceived enemies. Is this legal? Will it be challenged? And what will the effect be on the legal industry?
“Big Math on Campus.” The Trump administration recently announced its intent to withhold $400 million in government grants from Columbia University, on the grounds that it had not done enough to combat anti-semitism on campus—a measure it paired with an indication that it would repeal student visas from those who had expressed “pro-Hamas” views. Is this tack a proper or legally sustainable one? And what impact will it have on academic communities in the United States?
“Nothing Is Certain but Death and Ta…Well, at Least Death.” After temporarily delaying tariffs on Canada and Mexico after 48 hours last month, President Trump assured everyone that they were definitely getting installed this month. But once again, after a few days, he rescinded many of them. Nonetheless, the uncertainty surrounding this administration’s policies has markets spooked, triggering fears of a recession—something President Trump has indicated people may just have to live through. What are the real costs and benefits of Trump’s oscillating trade policies?
In object lessons, Alan went full nerd and prescribed himself a decade-long literary exile with “Gardens of the Moon,” the first in Steven Erikson’s ten-book epic. Scott’s old ass, meanwhile, threw its weight behind “My Old Ass,” a film about a young woman navigating family, love, and self-discovery—all with a little hallucinogenic assistance. And Natalie logrolled like a pro, plugging Quinta Jurecic’s guest spot on The Ezra Klein Show, where Quinta delivers one of Natalie’s all-time favorite “Quintaisms”—with all the necessary context baked right in.
The Lawfare Podcast 