Presidential Power in the First 100 Days
Brennan Center LIVE
In the first 100 days of his second term, President Trump issued more than 100 executive orders aimed at changing policy through executive authority alone. But has this flurry of orders led to meaningful change? Despite Trump’s sweeping executive actions — ranging from imposing global tariffs and targeting major law firms to declaring an emergency at the southern border and attempting to end birthright citizenship — judges appointed from both parties are pushing back. Already, 46 challenges to executive orders are pending in court, with no clear victories for the administration in...
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The Risks of Government by AI
Brennan Center LIVE
On the day President Trump took office, he revoked the Biden administration’s executive order that imposed guardrails on the development and use of artificial intelligence technology. Since then, Vice President JD Vance and DOGE have pushed to integrate AI into critical government functions. But government use of AI raises important questions about data privacy and democratic integrity. Will the adoption of AI truly benefit Americans? How can we trust this process given the unprecedented role of tech billionaires in the new administration? And what might come next? ...
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Presidents Don’t Control Our Elections
Brennan Center LIVE
President Trump’s new executive order could disenfranchise millions of American citizens, undermine data security, and decertify voting systems across the country. It would give DOGE access to voter records in every state and decertify every voting machine in the United States, costing states hundreds of millions of dollars. Coupled with the SAVE Act, a voter suppression bill that would require every American to provide a document like a passport or birth certificate to register or re-register to vote, these measures could block millions of eligible American citizens from voting and...
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A Presidential Lawbreaking Spree
Brennan Center LIVE
In the first few weeks of his second term, Donald Trump has engaged in a display of unprecedented executive power, in most cases without legal authority. This lawbreaking spree has extended to his unelected patron, Elon Musk. Courts across the nation have responded, demanding that the new administration comply with federal statutes and proving that the Constitution still matters. Everyone has to follow the law — even presidents. While no one can be totally sure what will happen next during these extraordinary times, Brennan Center experts can tell you what should happen next, according to...
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Do the Police Care About White Supremacist Violence?
Brennan Center LIVE
Law enforcement has long overlooked the dangers of white supremacy and far-right violence both in the community and within its ranks. The January 6 insurrection made this problem much harder to deny. In a new book, Policing White Supremacy: The Enemy Within, Mike German draws on research and his experiences as an FBI undercover agent infiltrating white supremacist groups to reveal law enforcement’s alarmingly permissive approach to domestic extremism. Listen to a recording of a conversation with German and Natalie Tennant, Kanawha County commissioner and former West Virginia secretary of...
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Trump's Theory of Power
Brennan Center LIVE
President Trump began his second term with a slew of executive orders regarding the TikTok ban, birthright citizenship, and border enforcement, among other things. While his actions cover a wide range of topics, there is a common theme: the unprecedented broadening of presidential authority. In a new analysis published in , Dean Emeritus of NYU Law Trevor Morrison analyzes how Trump's claim to an expansive executive power violates statutes and the Constitution. Listen to a conversation with Morrision and Brennan Center Fellow Wilfred Codrington III as they break down Trump’s opening...
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Insurrection Inc.
Brennan Center LIVE
The 2024 election broke spending records, highlighting the growing power of big money in politics. Megadonors back candidates to push their own interests and buy access and influence in our government. At the same time, the rise in untraceable dark money from undisclosed sources has made it increasingly difficult to identify who is really behind this spending. In a new book, , Stetson University law professor Ciara Torres-Spelliscy reveals how corporations are fueling these trends, from bankrolling politicians to funding candidates with dark money. Listen to a recording of our virtual...
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Analyzing Trump's Plan to Invoke the Alien Enemies Act
Brennan Center LIVE
Donald Trump has vowed to launch the biggest deportation scheme in U.S. history, in part by invoking the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 on his first day in office. This outdated law ast used to intern tens of thousands of foreign nationals of Japanese, German, and Italian descent during World War II. Does Trump have the power to carry out his plans now? Can we rely on Congress or the courts to stop him? Our expert panel discusses the law’s shameful history, how the incoming administration plans to use the law, and what obstacles might stand in the way. If you enjoy this program, please give us a...
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An Insider’s Guide to the Election Results
Brennan Center LIVE
Rather than days of uncertainty, voters delivered a snap victory to Donald Trump. How will our democratic institutions respond to Trump’s plans to stretch presidential powers to their limits? Brennan Center experts explore what may come next. Recorded on November 7, 2024. If you enjoy this program, please give us a boost by liking, subscribing, and sharing with your friends. If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts, please give it a 5-star rating. Keep up with the Brennan Center’s work by subscribing to our weekly newsletter, The Briefing:
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What's at Stake on State Ballots
Brennan Center LIVE
Electing a president is not the only high-stakes choice voters will make in November. In Ohio, citizens will vote on a constitutional amendment that would end gerrymandering. Voters in 10 states have the opportunity to amend their state constitutions to affirm or expand protections for abortion care. Three states will decide whether to remove language against same-sex marriage from their state constitutions. All states but Delaware require voters to approve proposed amendments to state constitutions. Half of all states have a constitutional right to direct democracy, allowing citizens to...
info_outlineElection workers are unsung heroes, ensuring behind the scenes that our elections run smoothly and securely. Yet many people don’t fully grasp what their job entails, leaving room for election deniers to spread misinformation. This lack of understanding has fueled a disturbing rise in threats, intimidation, and abuse against election officials since 2020.
This live panel was moderated by the Brennan Center’s Natalie Tennant, former secretary of state of West Virginia, and it featured Adrian Fontes, secretary of state of Arizona; Brenda Cabrera, former director of elections for Fairfax, Virginia; and Brianna Lennon, country clerk of Boone County, Missouri. They shared their day-to-day challenges and the vital role that they play in ensuring in free and fair elections in a time of increased misinformation. It was recorded on September 19, 2024.
If you enjoy this program, please give us a boost by liking, subscribing, and sharing with your friends. If you’re listening on Apple Podcasts, please give it a 5-star rating.
Keep up with the Brennan Center’s work by subscribing to our weekly newsletter, The Briefing: https://go.brennancenter.org/briefing