The Lawfare Podcast

Byron Tau, a reporter with The Wall Street Journal, dives into the unsettling alliance between tech companies and the U.S. government in his discussion. He reveals how the government acquires personal data from private sources with minimal legal oversight. The conversation highlights the implications for privacy and civil liberties, as well as the pressing need for reform. Tau also challenges listeners to rethink their understanding of data usage and the balance between national security and individual rights in the digital age.

Tom Karako, Director of the Missile Defense Project at CSIS, dives into the Golden Dome Missile Defense Program initiated during the Trump administration. He discusses its goals to counter missile threats and the complexities of integration into existing defense strategies. Karako highlights the potential reactions from global powers like China and Russia, while addressing the challenges of cost and technological advancements. The conversation also touches on the need for strategic stability and the legal implications of missile defense in a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape.

This week, James Pearce, a Senior Legal Fellow at Lawfare and expert in law, joins the discussion on pressing national security issues. The group analyzes a pivotal Supreme Court ruling affecting the Trump administration's immigration policies, emphasizing the due process rights of detainees. They also dive into the complex implications of the 'Humphrey's Executor' case on executive authority, questioning the future independence of federal agencies. Throughout, a mix of humor and serious legal insights keeps the conversation engaging.

Tara Varma, a Fellow at the Brookings Institution and expert in French politics, joins to discuss shifting political tides in France. She highlights Marine Le Pen's recent embezzlement conviction and its surprising impact on the 2027 presidential race. Varma explains how President Macron is navigating European defense amid rising transatlantic tensions and Trump’s tariffs. Their conversation delves into the challenges posed by far-right movements and the urgent need for European unity in the face of these political dynamics.

In this engaging discussion, Erin Sikorsky, Director of the Center for Climate Security, delves into climate change as a pressing national security issue. She highlights the surprising omission of climate risks in the Annual Threat Assessment during the Trump administration. Sikorsky discusses the negative implications of neglecting climate security for military readiness and international collaborations. She emphasizes how natural disasters challenge troop morale and the importance of integrating climate considerations into U.S. defense policies for future resilience.

Peter Harrell, a Lawfare Contributing Editor and former Senior Director for International Economics on the National Security Council, teams up with Jennifer Hillman, a Georgetown Law professor and ex-WTO appellate body member. They dive into Trump's recently imposed global tariffs, discussing their unprecedented nature and the legal battles ahead. The conversation highlights the tariffs' potential to distort trade and the implications of using the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, raising questions about judicial scrutiny and authority.

James Pearce, a Lawfare Legal Fellow, and Steve Vladeck, a Georgetown professor, dive into the intricate legal battles surrounding the Trump administration. They unpack the ongoing civil litigation involving immigration actions, like the deportation of Venezuelan migrants to El Salvador. The discussion also highlights ethical concerns leading to prosecutor resignations and critical updates on Supreme Court cases affecting birthright citizenship. Their conversation reveals the complex interplay of law, politics, and implications for business and governance.

Kenneth L. Wainstein, Under Secretary for Intelligence and Analysis at the DHS, and Jameel Jaffer, Executive Director at the Knight First Amendment Institute, along with Quinta Jurecic, Senior Editor at Lawfare, delve into the complexities of government surveillance on open-source social media. They discuss the tension between national security and civil liberties, highlighting intelligence failures from January 6th and the need for legal reforms. The conversation raises critical questions about privacy, free speech, and the ethical considerations surrounding online monitoring.

Saleha Mohsin, Bloomberg reporter and author of "Paper Soldiers," discusses the dollar's evolution into a weapon of U.S. foreign policy since WWII. She highlights the ramifications of economic sanctions and the ongoing geopolitical shifts that affect global power dynamics. Mohsin explores the complexities of a strong dollar on the U.S. economy, its contrast with China’s long-term strategies, and how the weaponization of currency impacts American democracy and international economic relations.

Hillary Hartley, former Chief Digital Officer of Ontario, and David Eaves, Associate Professor of Digital Government, dive deep into the rise and fall of 18F, a pioneering digital services team within the U.S. federal government. They explore its critical role in modernizing technology during crises like the healthcare.gov launch and reflect on the lessons learned from its closure. The duo discusses the importance of in-house talent and user-centered design, advocating for reforms to revitalize government operations and enhance citizen engagement.