

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

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.

5 snips
Aug 5, 2025 • 53min
Distractions and Sideshows
In a lively discussion, the hosts delve into the complexities surrounding the investigation into Jack Smith and the Hatch Act. They tackle the ongoing political battles involving Trump's allies in the legal landscape. The conversation also takes a turn toward the intriguing 'Clinton Plan' emails and their ties to bigger controversies. Finally, insights are shared about the Ninth Circuit's recent decision to halt ICE raids in California, emphasizing the shifting dynamics in immigration enforcement and legal accountability.

5 snips
Jul 29, 2025 • 53min
An Unrecognizable Justice Department
Dive into the chaos of the Justice Department as the hosts discuss new developments in the Epstein case involving Ghislaine Maxwell. They tackle the challenges of immigration law through the Kilmar Abrego Garcia saga and a controversial deportation lawsuit. A surprising misconduct complaint against a federal judge shines a light on judicial integrity, especially regarding political influences. The conversation wraps up with an examination of how political appointee removals affect the Justice Department's decision-making and the importance of a nonpartisan civil service.

7 snips
Jul 23, 2025 • 49min
Disestablishment of the Law
The discussion kicks off with the DOJ's surprising request to unseal grand jury materials in the Epstein and Maxwell cases, shedding light on legal transparency. They then scrutinize the recent sentencing of an officer involved in Breonna Taylor's tragic case, highlighting the ongoing issues of police accountability. The podcast also tackles deportation policies affecting non-citizens and the emotional toll of detention. Finally, the hosts delve into political firings and the complexities surrounding authority within the Justice Department, revealing the intertwining of law and politics.

17 snips
Jul 14, 2025 • 52min
This is Not Normal
New whistleblower evidence has the potential to reshape critical immigration cases. A California ruling halts immigration stops grounded in racial profiling, while the East Coast sees challenges to Trump's birthright citizenship restrictions. The implications of ongoing investigations into former intelligence heads raise questions about DOJ integrity. Additionally, significant Supreme Court decisions signal shifts in executive power and civil rights, affecting everything from workforce layoffs to the legality of immigration enforcement actions. It's a riveting dive into the current legal landscape.

16 snips
Jul 8, 2025 • 52min
"Your Huddled Masses"
The recent Supreme Court ruling allows the deportation of migrants to South Sudan without due process, stirring concerns over human rights. The hosts delve into Kilmar Abrego Garcia's complex legal battles tied to ICE raids. Intriguingly, letters from Attorney General Pam Bondi promise tech firms immunity regarding TikTok, despite existing bans. A shocking life sentence for a pardoned January 6th defendant highlights the consequences of plotting against investigators. The podcast extends a critical view on the FBI's internal strife and the impact of resource redirection on law enforcement.

7 snips
Jul 1, 2025 • 1h 1min
Judicial Authority for Me Not Thee
The Supreme Court's recent ruling on nationwide injunctions is unpacked, affecting future executive action challenges. The hosts delve into a DHS lawsuit against federal judges and the Justice Department's push to denaturalize citizens. They discuss ICE's tactics, particularly targeting migrant workers through routine stops, raising concerns over legal limits and racial bias. Additionally, the intricate issues surrounding birthright citizenship and judicial authority in immigration cases reveal the complexities within the legal system, demonstrating the balance between law and policy.

16 snips
Jun 24, 2025 • 57min
Testing the Limits
This week covers the U.S. military's recent actions in Iran, raising questions about presidential war powers and international law. A fascinating whistleblower case from the DOJ unveils ethical dilemmas surrounding immigration practices. The conversation also highlights a pivotal Supreme Court ruling impacting the deportation process and the rights of immigrants. Additionally, the intriguing case of Mahmoud Khalil illustrates the complexities of legal definitions and First Amendment rights, shedding light on the ongoing tensions within U.S. immigration policy.