On Topic With Renato Mariotti

Join Asha Rangappa and Renato Mariotti for this week's podcast It's Complicated as they take a harsh look at Trump's ongoing attack on the Dept. of Education and the current state of the Department of Justice. Asha Substack: https://asharangappa.substack.com/Subscribe to our podcast: https://link.chtbl.com/its-complicatedFollow Asha on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/asharangappa.bsky.socialFollow Renato on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/renatomariotti.bsky.socialFollow Asha on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asha.rangappa/Follow Renato on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/renato.mariotti/ Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@LegalAFMTN?sub_confirmation=1 Legal AF Substack: https://substack.com/@legalaf Follow Legal AF on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/legalafmtn.bsky.social Follow Michael Popok on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/mspopok.bsky.social Subscribe to the Legal AF by MeidasTouch podcast here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/legal-af-by-meidastouch/id1580828595 Learn

The failure to deliver on conspiracy theories comes back to bite the Trump administration as MAGA lashes out! Eliot Higgins, CEO of Bellingcat, explains how MAGA is comprised of “disordered counterpublics” and why that’s a problem for democracy. Tune in! Asha Substack: https://asharangappa.substack.com/ Subscribe to our podcast: https://link.chtbl.com/its-complicated Follow Asha on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/asharangappa.bsky.social Follow Renato on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/renatomariotti.bsky.social Follow Asha on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asha.rangappa/ Follow Renato on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/renato.mariotti/ Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@LegalAFMTN?sub_confirmation=1 Legal AF Substack: https://substack.com/@legalaf Follow Legal AF on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/legalafmtn.bsky.social Follow Michael Popok on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/mspopok.bsky.social Subscribe to the Legal AF by MeidasTouch podcast here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podc

In this episode of It's Complicated, legal analysts Asha Rangappa and Renato Mariotti break down the Supreme Court’s recent decision on universal (a.k.a. nationwide) injunctions. What does it really mean for the future of executive power and birthright citizenship? And how does this tie into Trump’s attempts to rewrite the 14th Amendment? The hosts explore the legal nuance behind “complete relief,” class actions, and the Court’s growing tendency to centralize power. Plus, they dissect the implications of the Court’s language, the shadow docket, and how this decision might unfold in real-world litigation. Later, they shift gears to analyze the surprising outcome in the P. Diddy trial — what the jury's verdict says about prosecutorial overreach, the use of RICO, and the controversial Mann Act convictions. Asha Substack: https://asharangappa.substack.com/ Subscribe to our podcast: https://link.chtbl.com/its-complicated Follow Asha on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/asharangappa.bsky.social Follow Renato on

Mission accomplished? Retired United States Army Lieutenant General, Mark Hertling, joins It’s Complicated to assess whether Trump’s military strikes in Iran achieved their objective, or whether we have opened a Pandora’s box. Plus, will the administration be successful in its efforts to politicize the military and turn them on the people they are sworn to protect? Tune in and find out!Follow Mark on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/markhertling.bsky.social Asha Substack: https://asharangappa.substack.com/Subscribe to our podcast: https://link.chtbl.com/its-complicatedFollow Asha on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/asharangappa.bsky.socialFollow Renato on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/renatomariotti.bsky.socialFollow Asha on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asha.rangappa/Follow Renato on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/renato.mariotti/ Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@LegalAFMTN?sub_confirmation=1 Legal AF Substack: https://substack.com/@legalaf Follow Legal AF on Bluesky: https://bsky.ap

A right-wing zealot targets Democratic lawmakers for brutal premeditated murders.  Should we be concerned that federal law enforcement is taking a leading role?  Are comments from Senator Mike Lee and others contributing to the normalization of political violence? Asha's Substack: https://asharangappa.substack.com/ Subscribe to our podcast: https://link.chtbl.com/its-complicated Follow Asha on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/asharangappa... Follow Renato on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/renatomariot... Follow Asha on Instagram: / asha.rangappa Follow Renato on Instagram: / renato.mariotti Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Trump tries to flex by sending in the military to L.A. Is he trying to exploit legal loopholes? (Spoiler alert: Yes.) Renato and Asha discuss the showcase showdown Trump has instigated between the states and the feds, and how far Trump can push his dictatorial dreams before being stopped by the courts…or by the people. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s Presidential Potpourri! Asha and Renato discuss latest legal developments, from a return of Trump’s travel ban to the escalating war on Harvard and ongoing attempts by the courts to give the migrants sent to El Salvador due process. Plus: Have Trump and Musk REALLY broken up, or will they kiss and make up? And is it OK to take sides? Tune in and weigh in with your thoughts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week’s episode, Asha Rangappa and Renato Mariotti discuss two federal judge smackdowns. First, D.C. District Court Judge Richard Leon asks (in legalese), “WTF?” in response to Trump's executive order targeting the law firm Wilmer Hale with a decision declaring the entire order unconstitutional. Meanwhile, Massachusetts District Judge Brian Murphy calls out the Trump administration's hypocrisy in failing to comply with a solution the administration itself suggested for giving due process to the migrants being deported to South Sudan. Listen to Asha and Renato discuss how courts are getting to the end of their rope with Trump’s legal shenanigans! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join former federal prosecutor Renato Mariotti and former FBI Special Agent and Yale Law School lecturer Asha Rangappa as they break down the biggest legal and political stories with sharp insight, real experience, and an unapologetic pro-democracy perspective. No spin, no both-sides nonsense — just the facts, the law, and what it all means for our democracy. This week Asha and Renato get you caught up on the Harvard fist fight with the Trump Administration and how the Supreme Court may have just overturned on its shadow docket, a 90 year old legal precedent to help Trump. Catch it all exclusively on the Legal AF YouTube channel and on the MeidasTouch Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's all-new episode, our hosts Renato Mariotti and Asha Rangappa discuss two Supreme Court-related developments: an oral argument about universal injunctions in a birthright citizenship case and a ruling on a habeas corpus matter involving detainees. The hosts analyze the justices' concerns about due process, the government's potential manipulation of judicial procedures, and the broader implications for constitutional rights. Before diving in, remember to subscribe to our Patreon for exclusive insights and behind-the-scenes content: patreon.com/reallyamericanmedia. The episode kicks off with a deep dive into the Supreme Court’s latest oral arguments on universal injunctions—a case that directly challenges the Trump administration’s attempts to abolish birthright citizenship. The justices grapple with whether government actions could bypass judicial processes, sparking critical questions about constitutional safeguards. Renato and Asha break down the legal complexity and discuss how this ruling c

In today's all-new episode, our hosts Renato Mariotti and Asha Rangappa discuss Trump's attempt to dismantle Voice of America, a government-funded international broadcasting agency created during World War II to counter foreign propaganda. They analyze the legal challenges to Trump's executive order, highlighting the First Amendment implications and the Administrative Procedure Act violations. Before diving in, remember to subscribe to our Patreon for exclusive insights and behind-the-scenes content: patreon.com/reallyamericanmedia. Asha kicks off the discussion by emphasizing the indispensable role Voice of America has long played in countering disinformation and delivering unbiased news around the world. Now, under the Trump administration, this vital institution is under attack—disguised as a routine executive order. Renato delves into the unfolding legal battle, explaining how this overreach not only threatens First Amendment rights but also sidesteps congressional oversight in violation of establis

In today's riveting episode of It's Complicated, join our insightful host Renato Mariotti as he engages in a deep conversation with Mimi Rocah, a former federal prosecutor and district attorney. Two major developments are on the slate: a federal court ruling that restricts the Trump administration's sweeping deportation powers and the brewing contention in the Senate over Ed Martin's nomination as U.S. Attorney. Before diving in, remember to subscribe to our Patreon for exclusive insights and behind-the-scenes content: patreon.com/reallyamericanmedia. Renato jumps in by breaking down a fresh federal court ruling that’s clipping the wings of Trump’s aggressive immigration policies. Amid all the chaos, this decision sends a clear message: the judiciary isn’t on board with unchecked executive overreach. Mimi explains how this ruling isn’t just about immigration—it’s about reestablishing the vital checks and balances that keep our government from running amok. Next, Renato and Mimi tackle the Senate’s gr

Hosts Renato Mariotti and Asha Rangappa dive into the escalating legal showdown between Harvard University and the Trump administration, a clash that raises critical questions about academic freedom and government overreach. Before diving in, make sure to subscribe to our Patreon for exclusive access to deeper insights and behind-the-scenes content: patreon.com/reallyamericanmedia. This episode unpacks the administration’s controversial push to impose “ideological diversity” requirements on universities, with Harvard at the center of the storm. The hosts reveal how federal funding threats have been used as leverage to pressure the university into adopting policies that align with MAGA-friendly ideals—an effort both Renato and Asha argue undermines academic integrity and freedom. Harvard’s response? A swift lawsuit challenging the administration’s demands as unconstitutional, citing First Amendment protections against viewpoint discrimination. The stakes are high, as this case could set a precedent fo

In the latest episode of It’s Complicated, hosts Renato Mariotti, a former federal prosecutor, and Yale National Security Law professor Asha Rangappa dive into the alarming power struggles between the judiciary and the executive branch under Donald Trump.  Before diving in, make sure to subscribe to our Patreon for exclusive access to deeper insights and behind-the-scenes content: patreon.com/reallyamericanmedia. Renato kicks things off by exposing the chaos surrounding the Department of Homeland Security’s deportation tactics. He also lays out how the Trump administration manipulated legal loopholes, sending Abrego Garcia to a maximum-security prison and seemingly defying judicial orders, creating a dangerous precedent that could undermine due process and constitutional protections. Despite rulings demanding García’s return, the Trump administration’s refusal to comply highlights a disturbing trend of ignoring judicial authority. Asha takes it further, breaking down the Supreme Court’s role in this mess.

In today's all-new episode, our hosts Renato Mariotti and Asha Rangappa discuss the disturbing implications of the Supreme Court ruling that appears to give Trump sweeping powers to deport anyone from the country with limited judicial oversight. Before diving in, make sure to subscribe to our Patreon for exclusive access to deeper insights and behind-the-scenes content: patreon.com/reallyamericanmedia. Renato Mariotti, former federal prosecutor and legal analyst, breaks down the procedural chaos. The Trump administration's attempts to deport individuals to El Salvador were originally blocked by temporary restraining orders (TROs). These TROs aimed to halt deportations while courts considered the legality of the Department of Homeland Security’s actions. Asha Rangappa, Yale National Security law professor, explains how the Supreme Court later vacated these TROs, making it harder to pursue justice. This ruling could lead to more wrongful, unchecked deportations, like in the case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia—who w

In today's all-new episode, our hosts Renato Mariotti and Asha Rangappa discuss the legality of Donald Trump's global tariffs, and the seismic fallout for Americans as the tariffs roil the stock markets and people's 401Ks. Make sure to subscribe to our Patreon: patreon.com/reallyamericanmedia. The episode highlights a crucial but often overlooked point: the power to regulate commerce and impose tariffs rests with Congress. Our hosts explain that this authority has been extended to the President occasionally, they stress how the boundaries of such must be recognized.  We’ll break down the limitations of the President’s authority to impose tariffs, especially when viewed through the lens of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) and the National Emergencies Act.  In the courts, Trump's tariffs are being challenged by the right-wing National Civil Liberties Alliance. The lawsuit raises critical questions about executive orders and the delegation of congressional powers. Asha and Renato explo

In today's episode, hosts Asha Rangappa and Renato Mariotti break down the implications surrounding the Signalgate scandal, where top U.S. officials likely shared classified information with unauthorized individuals—including the editor of The Atlantic—over an unsecure messaging app.  Subscribe to our Patreon here, where paid members will get access to exclusive portions of this show. patreon.com/reallyamericanmedia Asha Rangappa, a Yale National Security Law professor and former FBI special agent, points out the dangers of using Signal to discuss war plans, and explains how its security pales in comparison to what’s necessary for handling national defense secrets. Renato Mariotti, a savvy legal expert and former federal prosecutor, unpacks the legal fallout of these breaches and connects the dots to other similar cases, pointing out ironic twists in how the law typically plays out. He also fills us in with a review of the Espionage Act and walks us through how intent and gross negligence matter in the han

In today's all-new episode, our hosts Renato Mariotti and Asha Rangappa are joined by Georgetown Law professor Steve Vladek to discuss the legality of Donald Trump having people grabbed off the street and dragged onto El Salvador-bound planes without due process. Make sure to subscribe to our Patreon: patreon.com/reallyamericanmedia. The delicate balance between national security and individual rights is at stake, as we discuss the Trump administration's troubling and unprecedented use of the Alien Enemy Act of 1798. Professor Vladek offers unique insights on the historical context of the Act and points out just how drastically Trump’s use of it deviates from its intent. The trio of experts stress the important role of the courts in reviewing wartime detention. We’ll also shed light on Trump’s push to limit judicial oversight, which raises unprecedented concerns about the limits of executive power. Asha, a Yale National Security Law professor and former FBI special agent, explains the essential principles

In today's all-new episode, our hosts Renato Mariotti and Asha Rangappa discuss the outrage, and potential illegality, of the Trump administration deporting lawful residents just because they oppose his cruel policies. Subscribe to our Patreon here, where paid members will get access to exclusive portions of this show. patreon.com/reallyamericanmedia Renato and Asha discuss the case of Mahmoud Khalil, a student activist at Columbia University, whose pro-Palestinian views led the Trump administration to threaten deportation. The hosts detail how Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio labeled Khalil as a potential threat to U.S. foreign policy goals in order to justify the violation of his protected status and Constitutional rights. Asha, a Yale University National Security Law professor and former FBI special agent, provides insight into the legal framework at play. She explains the risk of what happens when the executive branch assumes unchecked power to detain and deport individuals based on their speec

In today's all-new episode, our hosts Renato Mariotti and Asha Rangappa discuss the imminent danger that the rule of law in the United States faces from the Trump administration's extreme overreaching actions. Subscribe to our Patreon here, where paid members will get access to exclusive portions of this show. patreon.com/reallyamericanmedia Asha Rangappa — Yale University National Security Law professor and former FBI special agent—breaks down the increasingly tumultuous landscape for legal professionals, warning that lawyers are one of the last guardrails standing between us and tyranny.  Renato Mariotti, legal analyst and a former federal prosecutor, outlines the unorthodox aggression of the Trump administration, noting a recent executive order targeting the law firm Perkins Coie. This move, seemingly in retaliation for their past involvement with the Democratic Party, opens the discussion to the broader implications of politicized legal battles. Renato warns that such actions send a chilling message to