Can Trump Legally Downsize the Government? w/ Alan Dershowitz

“There’s a perception,” Dershowitz notes, “that when Biden takes executive action, it’s seen as governance, while similar actions by Trump are labeled authoritarian.”

Jillian welcomes Alan Dershowitz, one of the most influential legal minds in America. A Harvard Law professor emeritus, renowned constitutional scholar, and best-selling author, Dershowitz has spent decades defending civil liberties, analyzing Supreme Court cases, and discussing how legal standards evolve in political contexts. Though a lifelong liberal, he has been unafraid to call out inconsistencies in how legal principles are applied based on political convenience.

Dershowitz offers his legal perspective on key constitutional debates, including the limits of executive power and the ongoing legal battles involving former President Trump. He examines how past administrations exercised executive authority and why similar actions today face different legal challenges. The discussion also touches on debates surrounding birthright citizenship, security clearances, federal government restructuring, government efficiency proposals (including those discussed by Elon Musk), and education policy reform.

Additionally, Dershowitz explores broader questions about the judiciary’s role, government accountability, and how legal interpretations shift over time. Is the application of the law evolving fairly, or are legal principles being enforced selectively?

Don’t miss this deep dive into constitutional law, executive authority, and the legal debates shaping modern politics. Subscribe now and join the conversation!

[zudorir]

The government was illegally upsized. Why would it be illegal to downsize?

[LukePrejean-xz]

Most of the people of USA voted for a much smaller government so go do it President Trump and do it now. Immediately!

[Dziadzia-de]

When I was a kid growing up in the 60's, I told my father that I was worried about the future, considering what I was seeing on college campuses. My Dad told me that it would be alright, that we'd seen this before, but once they graduated, got jobs, had to support themselves and family, that would all change. I wasn't so sure, and here we are, some 60 some years later, and I think my initial assessment was spot on.

[jackyhallmark]

If a president can bloat the government why can't they trim it back to a sensible level.

[jerryshafer]

Money junkies have absolutely zero interest in downsizing their precious drug/ Money laundering machines

[dlradlt]

It seems like the bigger the government gets the less it serves us.

[patriciawalker]

THANK YOU FOR THE REFRESHING APPROACH WITH THE TRUTH and FACTS and NO hate speech

[Michael-yliq]

I don't see how a district judge can tell the executive branch how it can do broad actions.

[NixonWasACoxSacker]

A repeat of 8 years ago: cases stuck in court because Krasnov takes his legal advice from SM

[bradfordbaker]

THAT'S WHY WE THE PEOPLE VOTED HIM IN!!!

[honeyday]

I really like Jillian’s interview style. She listens and doesn’t speak over guests, or present herself as an expert in every field.

[Fastapproaching]

They are borrowing 2 trillion a year and 94% of all employees are still sitting at home doing nothing, that is the perfect way to go bankrupt

[whar]

Can a CEO of a private company down size to save money? Yes
The president is nothing more than the CEO of this country.
How ridicules is it a fed judge says you can’t downsize. Way overstepping their rights as a judge.

[mylessalmon]

The Executive has Constitutionally authorized control of the size of the government.

[geraldinebowling]

THANKS A. DERSHOWITZ.
BRAVO PRESIDENT TRUMP AND E. MUSK….

[realitycheck]

Under the spending bills.. agencies are provided a certain amount of money, however they are NOT required a certain number of employees...

[scottdewitt-onui]

Do you guys really think the top elected CEO of our government can't fire people ? Article 2 of the constitution read the full version and the Supreme Court decisions affirming his authority. Don't let the media make you mad try and be non biased and take the time to read the law .

[theresamcculley]

That's simply them being scared to rule correctly!

[jsand]

Children are raised to know right from wrong, that is why they move right.

[jsand]

When the downsizing reaches near a million, let me know.