We discuss the law relevant to U.S. engagement in the conflict between Israel and Iran, fledgling congressional resistance to unilateral action in the region, and how public opinion might affect the administration’s decisionmaking. Get full access to Executive Functions at executivefunctions.substack.com/subscribe
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19:21
The Weak L.A. Deployment Ruling
We discuss Judge Breyer’s ruling yesterday evening on California’s challenge to Trump’s federalizing of the National Guard, how the decision might have set forth helpful parameters defining the president’s constitutional authority in this context, and how much the administration’s out-of-court statements influence the opinions flowing from the courts. Get full access to Executive Functions at executivefunctions.substack.com/subscribe
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22:39
California Sues and Marines Enter L.A.
We discuss California’s complaint challenging the Trump administration’s actions in Los Angeles, take a closer look at the president’s authorities and legal strategy, and conclude by considering the politics underlying it all. Timestamps:0:00-11:30: The substance of California’s complaint11:31-18:28: The aims of the complaint18:29-30:35: The president’s relevant statutory and constitutional authority30:36-34:34: The administration’s broad legal approach34:35-47:38: The politics of the momentFind California’s complaint here.And find Chris Mirasola’s article in the Harvard National Security Journal here.Consider becoming a free or paid subscriber to Executive Functions. Get full access to Executive Functions at executivefunctions.substack.com/subscribe
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47:39
Troops in Los Angeles
We discuss the president’s memorandum mobilizing National Guard troops in response to protests against federal immigration enforcement in Los Angeles. We break down the authorities Trump is relying on, how much it matters that Trump has not yet invoked the Insurrection Act, and more. After we recorded, California Governor Gavin Newsom said that the state will sue the Trump administration over Trump’s decision to “federalize the National Guard.”Read Chris Mirasola’s article that Jack mentioned during the chat here. Consider becoming a free or paid subscriber to Executive Functions. Get full access to Executive Functions at executivefunctions.substack.com/subscribe
Ireland