The Intercept Briefing

Leah Litman, a law professor at the University of Michigan and co-host of the Strict Scrutiny podcast, along with Jessica Washington, a politics reporter at The Intercept, dive into the implications of recent Supreme Court decisions. They discuss how the court's right-wing supermajority is paving the way for executive overreach, specifically shielding Trump from prosecution. Topics include the transformation of the court into a conservative agenda-driven body, the impact on reproductive rights, and the legal challenges facing lower courts in curtailing unlawful policies.

Summer Lee, US Representative for Pennsylvania's 12th congressional district, discusses her efforts to ban super PACs and fight corporate greed. She critiques a new law that transfers wealth from working people to the elite, triple-funding border enforcement while cutting crucial healthcare for millions. Lee highlights the struggle against harmful political narratives and emphasizes the importance of campaign finance reform to support marginalized voices. The conversation sheds light on the urgent need for equitable policies and genuine representation in today's political landscape.

Talia Lavin, journalist and author of "Wild Faith," joins Jessica Washington, a politics reporter at The Intercept, for a thought-provoking discussion on the Christian right's influence in American politics. They delve into how religious ideologies drive Donald Trump’s agenda and the historical resurgence of the Christian right. The guests examine the violent legacy of the anti-abortion movement and the need for protecting secular democracy against these rising nationalistic forces. Their insights reveal a complex landscape where faith and politics intertwine.

Hooman Majd, an Iranian-American writer and author, joins the discussion on the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Iran. He argues that diplomacy should have taken precedence over military strikes, highlighting the complexities of U.S. foreign policy in the region. Majd delves into the failures of past negotiations and the dangers of intervention, as well as the implications for Iran's alliances. Personal reflections on his immigrant experience also surface, emphasizing the broader narratives of belonging and identity amidst geopolitical turmoil.

Taylor Lorenz, an independent journalist known for her insights into tech and online culture, joins Akela Lacy, senior politics reporter, to dissect the aftermath of a political assassination. They delve into how right-wing figures distorted the narrative to blame the left, despite the perpetrator’s ties to radical anti-abortion beliefs. Lorenz emphasizes the pervasive disinformation machine that skews public understanding of violence, while Lacy highlights the alarming prevalence of right-wing political violence, questioning the accountability of those propagating false narratives.

Salvador G. Sarmiento, a campaign director and lawyer for the National Day Laborer Organizing Network, and Jonah Valdez, a reporter for The Intercept, delve into aggressive ICE actions that have sparked protests in Los Angeles. They describe law enforcement's militarized tactics as resembling ‘GI Joe’ scenarios, which have instilled fear in immigrant communities. The discussion emphasizes grassroots resistance and community solidarity, highlighting the significance of knowing one's rights during demonstrations against these actions.

David Sirota, founder of The Lever and former Bernie Sanders speechwriter, joins politics reporter Jessica Washington to dissect how Trump’s culture wars are captivating working-class voters. They discuss the Democratic Party's struggles to connect with this demographic and articulate the need for a more populist approach. The duo also examines the new 'Speaking with American Men' initiative, aimed at understanding and engaging young male voters who feel overlooked. Their insights highlight the urgency for the Democratic Party to rethink its strategies.

Chris Gelardi, a reporter for New York Focus, and Sophia Goodfriend, an anthropologist at Harvard's Belfer Center, delve into the alarming use of surveillance technology by the Trump administration. They reveal how AI-driven systems target foreign students and contribute to a 'catch and revoke' visa policy. The discussion critiques the collaboration between local law enforcement and ICE, highlighting systemic abuses and the chilling effects on free speech and civil rights. They also explore the troubling intersection of U.S. and Israeli surveillance tactics.

Noah Bullock, executive director of Cristosal, sheds light on the troubling imprisonment of Ruth Eleonora López, a fierce anti-corruption attorney in El Salvador. Bullock discusses López’s significant role in exposing government abuses and the harsh conditions within the country’s prison system, which has resulted in numerous deaths. Nick Turse highlights the U.S. government's controversial outsourcing of immigration detention to nations with poor human rights records, revealing the alarming lack of transparency in these arrangements.

Mark Lemley, the director of Stanford's law program, discusses his lawsuit against DOGE for violating the Privacy Act. He warns of the dangerous concentration of power within the executive branch and highlights the fragile role of the courts as defenders of constitutional rights. Shawn Musgrave elaborates on the legal battles against the Trump administration, focusing on the erosion of due process and the troubling shift in loyalty within the Justice Department. Together, they emphasize the importance of resilience in the face of ongoing governmental overreach.