Sorry, The 25th Amendment Can't Save Us From Trump (w/ Andrew Weissmann)
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In this episode of The Bulwark, host Sarah Longwell engages legal expert Andrew Weissmann in a gripping discussion about the escalating crisis in U.S. foreign policy under Donald Trump, particularly focusing on his reckless threats against Iran and the potential for war. Weissmann, drawing on his experience as a prosecutor and trial lawyer, contrasts the structured, oath-bound environment of a courtroom with the chaotic, information-saturated reality of modern public discourse. He argues that Trump’s threats to obliterate Iran—described as flatly illegal and potentially constituting war crimes—represent a profound constitutional breakdown, with the executive branch bypassing Congress and the rule of law. The episode underscores the danger of a leader who weaponizes fear, ignores international norms, and undermines America’s global credibility. Weissmann and Longwell emphasize that while Trump appeals to the worst instincts in people, there remains a moral imperative to appeal to the better angels of our nature and defend democratic institutions, even in the face of existential threats.
Trump’s threats to destroy Iran’s infrastructure are not just reckless—they are legally and morally indefensible, potentially constituting war crimes.
The U.S. Constitution requires Congress to declare war; bypassing this process undermines the entire system of checks and balances.
The international community is losing trust in American leadership due to the unpredictability and lawlessness of Trump’s foreign policy.
The intelligence community’s effectiveness depends on long-term, professional relationships with allies—relationships now at risk due to regime instability.
Public discourse is poisoned by information bubbles, but trial juries show that people can still reason together when given a fair, structured environment.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Opening: A Conversation on Truth, Power, and the State of the Union
Sarah Longwell welcomes Andrew Weissmann, expressing excitement for their conversation on Trump-related legal issues and the state of American democracy. They set the stage by discussing their shared concern about the erosion of truth and institutional integrity.
The Jury as a Model for Civic Reasoning
“I've seen, you know, 99 times out of 100 I think they really get it right.”
Trump’s Iran Threats: From Rhetoric to War Crimes
“This isn't how you get a Nobel Peace Prize. This isn't how you get it. Sitting there going, oh yeah, I want to like obliterate 90 million people. Not happening.”
The Constitutional Breakdown: Congress, the Executive, and the Rule of Law
“We are at war. So it just tells you where we are in terms of the executive doesn't give a rat's ass about like the constitutional provision or congressional rights.”
The Long-Term Damage: Global Trust and Democratic Credibility
“How do you get... We rely so much on Britain, Canada. a whole series of countries. There's, there's sort of the five eyes, but many, many others when you have regime change like this in the United States that can't be counted on.”
“This isn't how you get a Nobel Peace Prize. This isn't how you get it. Sitting there going, oh yeah, I want to like obliterate 90 million people. Not happening.”
“The 25th Amendment can't save us from Trump.”
“We are at war. So it just tells you where we are in terms of the executive doesn't give a rat's ass about like the constitutional provision or congressional rights.”
Host
Guest
Donald Trump
person
Andrew Weissmann
person
Sarah Longwell
person
Iran
place
United States Congress
organization
Strait of Hormuz
other
Just Security
organization
25th Amendment
other
Five Eyes
other
Jack Weinstein
person
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