

Main Justice
MSNBC
Main Justice is the next era of legal analysis from Andrew Weissmann and Mary McCord, the veteran lawyers behind the hit podcast Prosecuting Donald Trump. As the criminal cases against Trump wind down and his new administration comes to power, Andrew and Mary draw on their extensive experience working within the Department of Justice to break down what’s happening inside Trump’s DOJ. Each week, they use their platform on Main Justice to safeguard against assaults on our laws, our Constitution, and our democracy.
Episodes
Mentioned books

4 snips
Oct 8, 2025 • 1min
Introducing Season 2 of “The Blueprint”
Democrats are strategizing to reclaim power, fueling heated discussions on what defines a winning formula. Jen Psaki dives into the challenges of confronting Trump 2.0. She previews conversations with influential figures like Andy Beshear and Sarah McBride, who will unpack the future of the party and leadership strategies. With a focus on shaping political direction, this season promises to be a pivotal exploration of Democratic politics.

20 snips
Oct 7, 2025 • 57min
“Untethered to the Facts”
This week’s discussion dives into legal battles as Oregon and Illinois challenge attempts to federalize National Guard troops. A Trump-appointed judge blocks deployments, citing the president's own unsupported claims. The hosts also explore the administration’s controversial boat strikes near Venezuela, questioning their legal basis. Additionally, they examine potential vindictive prosecutions in retaliatory charges against activists. The podcast highlights the growing judicial scrutiny over executive actions and the implications for civil liberties.

12 snips
Sep 30, 2025 • 55min
It’s All Out Loud
Mary and Andrew dive into the implications of the Trump administration's aggressive legal actions, starting with the controversial indictment of James Comey. They question the motivations behind deploying troops to Portland, emphasizing the city's ongoing legal battles. The discussion also explores a domestic terror memorandum that raises alarms about selective targeting of left-leaning groups. Throughout, they highlight worrying trends that blur the lines between politics and justice, making for an eye-opening exploration of current events.

10 snips
Sep 23, 2025 • 53min
A "Break Glass" Moment
The hosts dive into Trump's pressure on the Attorney General to target political adversaries and the consequences for those who resist. They address Jimmy Kimmel's suspension amid FCC scrutiny, exploring First Amendment concerns. Insights into a defamation lawsuit against The New York Times reveal legal pitfalls for public figures. A discussion on the designation of Antifa raises questions about its actual legal weight. Lastly, a court's ruling against the removal of Guatemalan children highlights significant government missteps.

27 snips
Sep 17, 2025 • 58min
Real Life Consequences
Ryan Goodman, co-editor of Just Security and NYU law professor, joins to discuss significant legal issues stemming from the recent shooting of Charlie Kirk. He explores the shift away from the presumption of regularity during the Trump era and its impact on judicial integrity. The conversation also tackles the controversial vetting processes in the FBI and the implications of political motivations behind agent firings. Finally, they examine the complexities of presidential power in relation to Lisa Cook's position on the Federal Reserve Board.

15 snips
Sep 10, 2025 • 60min
Upending the Law
The hosts dive into a controversial Fifth Circuit ruling that impacts the deportation of Venezuelan nationals. They discuss the legal ramifications of a deadly military strike, questioning its legality. Recent Supreme Court decisions altering ICE's immigration raid limits spark heated debate. A significant court win for Harvard University against government interference in its curriculum highlights ongoing tensions. They also analyze issues around domestic military use and threats to free speech within educational institutions.

27 snips
Sep 3, 2025 • 60min
Assault on Congress
The discussion kicks off with a critical court ruling blocking the deployment of military for domestic law enforcement, shedding light on the Posse Comitatus Act. Listeners learn about controversial efforts to expedite the removal of unaccompanied Guatemalan minors without due process. The legal turmoil involving January 6th participants highlights the risks for prosecutors and ongoing lawsuits from the Proud Boys. Finally, a pivotal ruling against cutting congressional funding illustrates the ongoing battle between the administration and Congress.

13 snips
Aug 27, 2025 • 58min
We are in a Different Place
Kilmara Abrego Garcia's case illustrates the struggles individuals face within a flawed immigration system. The hosts dive into the controversial FBI raid on John Bolton, raising questions about governmental overreach. Recent letters from Attorney General Pam Bondi scrutinize sanctuary cities, highlighting tensions in federal and local governance. Trump's executive order proposes a National Guard unit for crime control in D.C., igniting debates on militarization and civil liberties. Together, these topics reflect urgent concerns about justice, due process, and the role of federal power.

18 snips
Aug 19, 2025 • 52min
Normalizing Militarization
The discussion kicks off with the D.C. Attorney General's lawsuit against federal overreach in police authority. As National Guard units from several states are deployed to D.C., the legal complexities grow. The hosts dive into the implications of the Posse Comitatus Act as they explore the militarization of state guards. Geopolitical issues surrounding Russia’s ambitions in Ukraine add another layer of intrigue. With ongoing legal battles affecting political power, the conversation highlights serious implications for governance.

27 snips
Aug 12, 2025 • 56min
Demonstrably False
Dive into the complexities of alternate facts as experts discuss the alarming implications of misinformation in governance. Discover President Trump's controversial federalization of the D.C. police and the intricate legal battles that follow. Explore the risks of deploying the National Guard in local policing, with a spotlight on a Los Angeles case. The episode also scrutinizes judicial transparency and the nuances of grand jury proceedings in high-profile cases. Unravel the tensions between accountability and government actions amidst evolving legal landscapes.