Richard Epstein examines Trump’s proposal to send Americans $5,000 checks, questioning who would pay, whether the giveaway makes economic sense, and what congressional approval it would require. He discusses the difference between political promises and bribery, the constitutional limits on presidential spending, and the electoral risks of sweeping cash giveaways and whether a constitutional amendment should impose an upper age limit on presidents.

Trump’s $5,000 Promise and the Limits of Presidential Power

Richard Epstein takes a look at Trump’s war with Iran and a strategy Epstein sees as dangerously muddled. From the Strait of Hormuz and soaring geopolitical stakes to Trump’s faith in dealmaking, Epstein argues that half-measures have turned a potentially decisive conflict into a grinding war of attrition—with consequences that could reshape America’s alliances and the global balance of power.

Can Trump Still Win the War With Iran?

Richard Epstein unpacks the antitrust battle over the proposed Paramount Skydance–Warner Bros. Discovery merger—and what it reveals about the changing economics of Hollywood. From AI and labor unrest to regulatory overreach and interstate competition, Epstein argues that the industry’s real threat isn’t consolidation but rapid technological and economic disruption, making the case that blocking the deal could do more harm than good.

Will a Mega-Merger Save or Destroy Hollywood?

Richard Epstein analyzes the legal challenge to the name of the Washington Redskins and whether the team should opt for a new moniker.

Political Correctness, Intellectual Property, and the Washington Redskins

Richard Epstein discusses what labor disruptions in New York and Minnesota tell us about union influence on cultural institutions.

Unions and High Culture

Richard Epstein considers some of the major cases coming before the Supreme Court during its upcoming session.

What’s Next at the Supreme Court?

Richard Epstein looks at the recent shutdown of the federal government and the prospects for reaching agreement on the debt ceiling.

The Government Shutdown and the Debt Ceiling

Richard Epstein looks at the state of liberty in Europe and considers its political and economic differences with the United States.

The Libertarian in Europe

Richard Epstein considers the role of the Federal Reserve in the US economy and Larry Summers’s withdrawing his candidacy to be the Fed’s next chairman.

Larry Summers and the Search for a Fed Chairman

Richard Epstein considers the legacy of his friend and colleague Ronald Coase.

The Legacy of Ronald Coase

Richard Epstein looks at the legal, political, and policy implications of President Obama’s desire to launch a US strike on Syria.

Syria, International Law, and War Powers

Richard Epstein continues his consideration of what the new film The Butler misses in its portrayal of fifty years of US civil rights.

The Butler and Civil Rights–Part II

Richard Epstein discusses what the new film The Butler misses in its portrayal of fifty years of US civil rights.

The Butler and Civil Rights

The inimitable Richard Epstein offers his unique perspective on national developments in public policy and the law.  The Libertarian is a podcast of the Civitas Institute at the University of Texas at Austin.

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The inimitable Richard Epstein offers his unique perspective on national developments in public policy and the law. The Libertarian is a podcast of the Civitas Institute at the University of Texas at Austin.

The inimitable Richard Epstein offers his unique perspective on national developments in public policy and the law.&nbsp; The Libertarian is a podcast of the Civitas Institute at the University of Texas at Austin.

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