In just his first two days back in office, President Donald Trump has already taken sweeping measures on immigration, the environment, the U.S. military, and the structure of the federal government.

With so many executive orders, policy changes, and novel actions, it’s easy to wonder, “What just happened?” In this podcast mini-series, we help to answer exactly that question. 

On each episode of “What Just Happened,” we’ll talk with leading experts, from former government officials to professors – the people who understand how government works from the inside and have studied the issues for years. They will explain the legal background and implications of how the Trump administration’s actions affect how the U.S. government operates in Washington, across the country, and around the world.  

This is not a political podcast. We are explaining the meaning and consequences of policy changes that may not be immediately apparent. Any opinions expressed are those of the speaker.

Today, we will focus on President Trump’s Executive Orders, Proclamations, and other policy announcements regarding immigration and the border. Joining us is Steve Vladeck. Steve is a professor at Georgetown University Law Center.

This mini-series is co-hosted by David Aaron, Tess Bridgeman, and Ryan Goodman. 

Show Notes:  

• David Aaron (LinkedIn – X)
• Tess Bridgeman (LinkedIn – BlueSky – X)
• Ryan Goodman (Bluesky – LinkedIn) 
• Steve Vladeck (Bluesky – LinkedIn – X)
• Just Security’s coverage of the Trump administration’s executive actions 
• Music: “Broken” by David Bullard from Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/david-bullard/broken (License code: OSC7K3LCPSGXISVI)