Impolitic with John Heilemann Laurence Tribe: Immunity, Impunity & Why the Constitution Ain’t Dead Yet
Feb 2, 2026
Laurence Tribe, renowned Harvard constitutional scholar and litigator, returns to dissect constitutional chaos and rule-of-law threats. He explores how power grabs turned violent, the courts’ shifting role, the fallout from immunity rulings, and a slate of pivotal Supreme Court cases. He also explains why he critiqued a recent constitutional history and urges defense of constitutional norms.
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Coup Has Become Kinetic
- Laurence Tribe calls the post-inaugural consolidation of power an "inside coup" that uses state instruments to displace government structure.
- He warns the coup became kinetic and now affects ordinary life with visible state violence and fear.
Courts Once Checked Power, Now Danger Spreads
- Tribe says earlier legal challenges slowed the administration but now federal actions are touching everyday civilians with violence.
- He urges channeling fear into calm, reasoned outrage and collective solidarity.
Channel Fear Into Collective Action
- Tribe urges people to check fear and channel it into organized, collective action like outreach and solidarity.
- He emphasizes calm, reasoned outrage over panic to build effective resistance.
