

Main Justice
MS NOW, Andrew Weissmann, Mary McCord
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

20 snips
Oct 20, 2025 • 59min
The Militarization of American Cities Under Trump with Mary McCord
In this riveting discussion, Mary McCord, the Executive Director of the Institute for Constitutional Advocacy and Protection and former acting assistant attorney general, delves into the unsettling rise of domestic military deployments under Trump's administration. She explores the historical context of military use at home and the significance of the Posse Comitatus Act. McCord examines legal loopholes exploited to justify these actions, critiques the administration's intentions, and discusses the potential ramifications for democracy and civil liberties.

Oct 15, 2025 • 7min
Preview of “The Blueprint” Season 2
Jen Psaki explores how the Democratic Party can reclaim its influence, delving into a vision that resonates with working-class values. She kicks off Season 2 with Texas Congressman Greg Casar, who shares insights from his labor organizer roots. Their conversation emphasizes uniting diverse communities through economic issues like raises and affordability. With a promise of impactful interviews, this season aims to reshape political dialogue and inspire action.

21 snips
Oct 14, 2025 • 53min
A Pimple on the Rear of an Elephant
The podcast dives into political prosecutions, focusing on the indictments of Letitia James and James Comey, highlighting the danger of targeting individuals instead of crimes. The hosts also discuss the legal battles surrounding the federalized National Guard troops in Oregon and Illinois, along with an insightful article by Professor Caleb Nelson questioning the broad executive removal power. Listeners will gain a fresh perspective on DOJ norms, political motivation in legal cases, and the implications for civil service.

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.

24 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.


