In this episode of Passing Judgment, Jessica talks with USA Today reporter Erin Mansfield about the Trump administration’s efforts to overhaul and reduce the federal workforce. They discuss the administration’s push for greater executive power, the agencies hit hardest by job cuts, and the impact on public services like education and food safety. Erin also explains the legal battles unfolding over these changes, including the significance of the landmark Supreme Court case Humphrey’s Executor and the future independence of federal agencies.

Here are three key takeaways you don't want to miss:

The Federal Workforce Under the Trump Administration: Trump’s administration is undertaking dramatic efforts to reshape--and notably reduce--the federal workforce, prompting widespread job insecurity, potential displacements, and structural overhauls throughout the government.

Who is Affected by Federal Workforce Reductions: Erin outlines which agencies are most impacted. Socially-oriented agencies—like the Department of Education, Health and Human Services, USDA, and the Environmental Protection Agency—face the brunt of the cutbacks, while national security, law enforcement, and immigration agencies are largely exempt. She clarifies that massive cuts are not equally distributed across all departments.

Real-Life Impacts of Workforce Reduction: Jessica and Erin discuss how these changes might touch everyday Americans. Reductions in the workforce could affect everything from food safety inspections and educational grant administration to public health services and climate research—potentially making certain public services less effective or slower.

Follow Our Host and Guest:

 @LevinsonJessica

@_erinmansfield

In this episode of Passing Judgment, host Jessica Levinson sits down with Emily Bazelon to unpack pressing legal issues. They examine two major deportation cases, focusing on a Supreme Court order for the Trump administration to rectify a wrongful deportation, while assessing the broader context of executive authority in immigration. They also delve into President Trump's use of the Impoundment Act, analyzing the balance of power over federal funding. This conversation sheds light on current challenges to constitutional law and American democracy.

Here are three key takeaways you don't want to miss:

Deportation Cases: The conversation begins with the case of Mister Abrego Garcia, who was mistakenly deported and the legal battle concerning his return to the U.S. Emily Bazelon discusses how the Trump administration is disobeying a court order to bring him back and the broader implications of this defiance on American constitutional law and the rule of law.

Mahmoud Khalil Case: Another deportation case discussed relates to Columbia University graduate student Mahmoud Khalil, with focus on the broad discretionary powers of the Secretary of State under the Immigration and Nationality Act and potential constitutional issues of free speech and due process.

Impoundment Act and Presidential Powers: The discussion shifts to President Trump's actions regarding federal funding and the constitutional debate over Congress's power of the purse. Emily Bazelon explains how this ties into the Impoundment Control Act of 1974, highlighting the tension between legislative intent and executive authority.

Follow Our Host and Guest:

 @LevinsonJessica

Emily Bazelon

In this episode of Passing Judgment, we examine recent developments within the Department of Education under the Trump administration. Jonaki Mehta, an NPR education reporter, joins Jessica Levinson to clarify the Department's functions and discuss recent substantial funding cuts and layoffs, particularly affecting low-income and disabled students' support. They explore the Trump administration's push against diversity initiatives and the role of federal oversight in education. The discussion provides an overview of these changes and their potential impact on schools, highlighting the ongoing tension between federal and state control in the educational landscape.

Here are three key takeaways you don't want to miss:

Role of the Department of Education: The conversation starts with clarifying what the Department of Education does and doesn't do. It doesn't determine educational content; that role is for states and local districts. The department is mainly involved in funding and providing guidance through grants and investigating civil rights violations.

Recent Department Cuts: There have been significant workforce cuts at the Department of Education, affecting key offices such as the Office for Civil Rights and the Office of the General Counsel. This reduction has hampered the department’s ability to perform its duties effectively.

Impact of Funding Cuts: The cuts have direct implications on the ground, with activities like investigations into discrimination cases being halted. There’s concern about the future allocation of funds, especially for the 2026-2027 school year, which could affect low-income and Title I schools significantly.

Follow Our Host and Guest:

 @LevinsonJessica

Jonaki Mehta LinkedIn

In this episode of Passing Judgment, Claudia Grisales, NPR's congressional correspondent, joins Jessica to explore the evolving relationship between Congress and the Trump administration. Claudia provides an insider's view on the unprecedented unity within the Republican party under Trump and its impact on congressional oversight. The conversation also covers the recent signal chat controversy involving potential classified information breaches by high-level officials. Additionally, they discuss the Democrats' legal strategy and ponder the implications of these political shifts for the future of American governance. Listen in for a comprehensive look at the current political dynamics and what's next for Congress.

Here are three key takeaways you don't want to miss:

Congress as a Check on the Executive: Claudia and Lisa explore the idea that Congress is not acting as an effective check on the executive branch as was intended by the founders. They discuss the unity within the Republican Party under President Trump and the resulting lack of checks and balances.

Signal Chat Controversy: The discussion addresses a situation involving a breach related to government officials using Signal chat to discuss potentially classified information. Claudia describes the internal dissent within the Republican Party about this issue and the investigation being demanded by Congress.

Democratic Strategy: The conversation shifts to reflect on the Democratic Party's struggle to find a unified strategy. Claudia talks about moments when Democrats have come together, such as in stances against government shutdowns, but overall highlights challenges in forming a cohesive legal and political strategy.

Follow Our Host and Guest:

 @LevinsonJessica

@cgrisales

In this episode of Passing Judgment, Jessica examines a pivotal voting rights case before the Supreme Court concerning Louisiana's congressional district lines. The case touches on the conflict between the Voting Rights Act and the 14th Amendment's Equal Protection Clause. Jessica reviews the legal arguments, reflects on past decisions like Shelby County, and explores the case's broader implications.

Here are three key takeaways you don't want to miss:

Voting Rights Act and Supreme Court Case: Jessica Levinson delves into a Supreme Court case concerning the Voting Rights Act, highlighting a challenge over Louisiana's congressional districting. The essential question is whether the state violated the Act by diluting voting power or violated the Fourteenth Amendment by using race excessively in district creation.

Louisiana District Lines Controversy: After the census, Louisiana's district lines came under scrutiny for having only one majority minority district, leading to lawsuits. The state later redrew the map to include two majority minority districts, sparking a new suit from non-African American voters claiming the excessive use of race in drawing these lines.

Fourteenth Amendment and Equal Protection Clause: The tension between complying with the Voting Rights Act and the constraints of the Fourteenth Amendment's Equal Protection Clause is a major theme. The conversation touches on recent affirmative action cases, emphasizing the court's perspective that race should not be the predominant factor.

Follow Our Host and Guest:

 @LevinsonJessica

In this episode of Passing Judgment, we examine the Trump administration's controversial attempt to use the Alien Enemies Act, an 18th-century law, to deport Venezuelan nationals. With guest Greg Storer, Jessica Levinson explores the historical precedent of the statute, the current legal arguments, and the implications for executive power. They also discuss the Supreme Court's role in these matters and other pressing legal issues.

Here are three key takeaways you don't want to miss:

Alien Enemies Act: The discussion centers around the Trump administration's attempt to use the Alien Enemies Act, a law from 1798, to deport individuals from Venezuela. The act has rarely been used and traditionally only in times of declared war. The Trump administration's approach has raised questions about its applicability without an official war declaration.

Legal Proceedings and Executive Orders: There were significant legal maneuvers following Trump's proclamation about deporting Venezuelan nationals. The podcast delves into the temporary restraining order issued by a judge to halt these deportations, the legal arguments around jurisdiction, and differences in verbal and written orders.

Supreme Court Considerations: The conversation segues into what cases might reach the Supreme Court, with a focus on significant issues such as birthright citizenship, the president's authority related to immigration laws, and overarching constitutional questions.

Follow Our Host and Guest:

 @LevinsonJessica

@GregStohr

In this episode of Passing Judgment, guest Amber Phillips returns to analyze President Trump's recent address to Congress and the implications of his administration's actions. Jessica and Amber explore the partisan nature of the speech and the administration's reliance on executive orders, notably within the Department of Governmental Efficiency (DOGE). They discuss the effects on the federal workforce, address questions surrounding the budget process, and examine entitlements.

Here are three key takeaways you don't want to miss:

Trump's Speech and Approach: The episode begins with a discussion about Trump's address to Congress. Both Amber and Jessica noted how the speech resembled more of a campaign rally than a traditional State of the Union address. They observed Trump's lack of engagement with Congress and his focus on executive orders to achieve his goals.

Executive Orders vs. Congressional Legislation: Amber and Jessica explore why the Trump administration is relying heavily on executive orders despite having Republican control in Congress. They discuss the challenges of legislation and the perceived ease of presenting executive orders as actions to the public.

Budget and Economic Implications: The speakers delved into the budgetary impacts of the Trump administration's policies, especially concerning cuts in government spending and workforce. They raised concerns about the broader economic consequences, such as potential unemployment and doubts about genuine savings versus necessary spending.

Follow Our Host and Guest:

 @LevinsonJessica

@byamberphillips

In this episode of Passing Judgment, host Jessica Levinson is joined by Joey Garrison, USA Today's White House correspondent, to navigate the latest developments of the Trump administration. They discuss key topics such as executive orders, federal workforce cuts, tariffs, and the influence of Elon Musk's Doge efforts. Additionally, they explore the Democrats' strategic responses and the congressional dynamics surrounding President Trump's economic and foreign policies.

Here are three key takeaways you don't want to miss:

White House Changes and Cuts: The discussion begins with Joey Garrison outlining the sweeping changes made by the Trump administration, particularly through executive orders aimed at fulfilling promises to the MAGA base. A significant emphasis was on the creation of Doge, led by Elon Musk, which has been actively involved in restructuring federal departments and proposing workforce reductions.

Impact of Tariffs on the Economy: The tariffs imposed on neighboring Mexico and Canada, as well as increased tariffs on Chinese imports, formed another major topic. The discussion touched on the political and economic ramifications of these tariffs, including rising consumer prices, diminished consumer confidence, and negative polling for President Trump on economic management.

Foreign Policy – Ukraine and Russia: A significant portion of the episode covers the meeting between President Trump and Ukrainian President Zelensky, primarily concerning US-Ukraine relations and mineral agreements. The dispute and its implications for US support to Ukraine were discussed, with Trump administration's stance on withholding aid until diplomatic talks are pursued by Ukraine.

Follow Our Host:

 @LevinsonJessica

@joeygarrison

In this episode of Passing Judgment, we explore the Supreme Court’s decision to abstain from ruling on a Trump emergency appeal about firing Hampton Dellinger, head of the Office of Special Counsel. Jessica Levinson and Katie Buehler, Law360's Supreme Court reporter, analyze the nuances of presidential power and the debate over the constitutionality of restricting executive authority.

Here are three key takeaways you don't want to miss:

Supreme Court Decision on Trump Emergency Appeal: The episode discusses the Supreme Court's recent decision not to review an emergency appeal concerning the firing of Hampton Dellinger from his position as the head of the Office of Special Counsel. The court allowed the temporary restraining order, which pauses the firing, to run its course and expire.

Legal Arguments and Statute Constitutionality: The legal argument centers on whether President Trump had to provide a reason for Dellinger's firing, as required by federal law. Trump’s administration argues that the statute requiring a reason is unconstitutional and that the president should have the power to fire at will. This theme explores the larger question of presidential authority and statutory constraints.

Significant Supreme Court Cases: Katie Buehler highlights other significant Supreme Court cases beyond the Trump-related decision, including a case involving the Federal Communications Commission's authority and executive power, as well as cases on religious rights such as opting-out of LGBTQ-related education and funding for religious charter schools.

Follow Our Host:

 @LevinsonJessica

@bykatiebuehler

In this episode of Passing Judgment, we delve into the Trump administration's controversial federal buyout plan aimed at reducing the workforce. Jessica is joined by expert guest Tami Luhby to unpack the deferred resignation offer's complexities, union opposition, and the vagueness surrounding its terms. We explore how these workforce reductions could impact government services and the ongoing legal battles related to this initiative.

Here are three key takeaways you don't want to miss:

Federal Buyout Plan: The Trump administration aimed to downsize the federal workforce, incorporating a controversial program called the deferred resignation offer. Approximately 2 million federal employees were offered this program, where 77,000 accepted the resignation offer. However, there was confusion and reported ineligibility among recipients.

Legal Proceedings: A Boston judge twice paused the program, considering the unions' claims, but ultimately decided they lacked standing, supporting the administration’s effort to proceed with the buyout program.

Impact on Services: The reduction in workforce potentially affects various essential services such as Social Security and Veterans Affairs, leading to concerns about extended wait times and disrupted services for the public.

Follow Our Host:

 @LevinsonJessica

@Luhby