Molly Reynolds

This week’s discussion features Molly Reynolds, a Brookings Senior Fellow, and Chris Mirasola, an assistant law professor at the University of Houston. They dive into the controversial use of U.S. military forces for deportations under a national emergency declaration. The conversation also covers Senate procedures for recess appointments amid Trumps's controversial nominees, the complexities of TikTok's legal challenges, and the potential constitutional implications of these political maneuvers. Their insights blend humor with critical analysis of national security issues.

Molly Reynolds, the interim vice president at the Brookings Institution and a federal budget expert, joins Kimberly to dissect the chaos surrounding government shutdowns. They explore how shutdowns became a political tool and the complexities added during the Trump administration. Molly highlights the implications of a shrinking discretionary budget and the constraints imposed by continuing resolutions. The discussion also touches on the broader impacts of shutdowns on federal workers and local economies, ultimately calling for Congress to reclaim its budgetary authority.

Molly Reynolds, a Lawfare Senior Editor and Brookings Senior Fellow, joins Benjamin Wittes to discuss the national security challenges facing the newly appointed Speaker of the House, Mike Johnson. They dive into critical topics such as aid for Israel, Ukraine, and Taiwan, revealing the complexities of military funding amid potential government shutdowns. The conversation also touches on the divided Republican perspectives on Ukraine support and the legislative hurdles surrounding national security funding, all underscoring the urgent and interconnected nature of these issues.