Amicus With Dahlia Lithwick | Law, justice, and the courts The Federal Judiciary Is Trapped
20 snips
Nov 1, 2025 
J. Michael Luttig, a former federal judge and constitutional law commentator, critiques the growing divide between lower courts and the Supreme Court under Trump's rule. He emphasizes the dangers of power consolidation and calls for public trust in the judiciary. Rick Woldenberg, CEO of Learning Resources, shares his fight against the Trump administration's tariffs, highlighting their detrimental effects on small businesses. He explains his decision to litigate instead of succumbing to victimhood, advocating for the importance of local businesses in civic life.
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Unchecked Executive Power Enables Election Subversion
- J. Michael Luttig warns Trump has seized near-absolute unchecked power across branches and institutions.
- That concentration of power enables subverting future elections even without an explicit third-term bid.
Lower Courts Uphold The Rule Of Law
- Luttig praises lower federal courts for enforcing the law while criticizing the Supreme Court's silence.
- He says lower courts are honoring their oaths even as the Supreme Court offers no support.
DOJ Conduct Threatens Judicial Legitimacy
- Luttig calls the Department of Justice arguments lawless and contemptuous of the courts.
- He warns that DOJ corruption undercuts judicial legitimacy and the rule of law.
