The John Fugelsang Podcast

What is the Supreme Court doing when it acts without full briefing, oral argument, or a real explanation?
This week on The Oath and The Office, Pulitzer Prize-winning New York Times reporter Jodi Kantor joins the podcast to explain the Court’s shadow docket: the emergency orders process that has become one of the most powerful and least understood parts of American government.
Kantor discusses the Supreme Court memos she obtained with Adam Liptak, what they reveal about Chief Justice John Roberts, and how they relate to the Court’s supposed image as a neutral “umpire".
Corey and John also discuss Trump’s proposed “anti-weaponization” compensation fund, the politics of abortion and the abortion pill at the Supreme Court, and the Court’s emergency order allowing Alabama to move forward with redrawn congressional maps.
In this episode:
What the shadow docket is and why it matters
Jodi Kantor on Supreme Court memos
The two sides of John Roberts
Why the “umpire” model of judging has collapsed
Abortion, Alabama, and emergency Supreme Court power
Trump’s “anti-weaponization” fund and the politics of grievance
The immunity case and presidential power
Link to Jodi Kantor's book, How to Start: https://jodikantor.com/how-to-start

Link to Jodi Kantor and Adam Liptak's reporting on the secret memos of the Supreme Court: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/18/us/politics/supreme-court-shadow-docket.html
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Corey Brettschneider and John Fugelsang begin with the new redistricting wars, as southern states move to dilute Black Americans’ voting power after a green light from the Supreme Court. They look at Tennessee, Alabama, and the Virginia Supreme Court’s decision striking down a voting plan approved by voters.
Then, they turn to citizenship itself: DOJ support for stripping citizenship from naturalized citizens and Trump’s attacks on his own Supreme Court justices.
Corey then speaks with Cecilia Wang, National Legal Director of the ACLU, who argued before the Supreme Court against Trump’s executive order attacking birthright citizenship, with Trump himself watching from the courtroom. Wang explains why the text and history of the Fourteenth Amendment are on her side, how Reconstruction transformed the Constitution, and why the fight over citizenship is part of the larger battle for voting rights, civil liberties, and democracy itself.
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In this episode, guest host Michael Shure dives into a variety of pressing topics, starting with a groundbreaking victory for the little guy as he speaks with Cary Davis, who discusses the case of Larry Bouchardt, a retired law enforcement officer wrongfully imprisoned for expressing political views on social media. Michael then welcomes Dr. Elizabeth Southerland to talk about the alarming missteps at the White House regarding Forever Chemicals and their implications for public health. Next, Representative Steve Cohen from Tennessee joins the conversation to share his insights on the recent redistricting efforts that threaten representation for Memphis and the broader implications for voting rights. Finally, journalist Ben Jacobs provides an analysis of the current political landscape, including a look at Nancy Mace's controversial statements and the impact of Trump's endorsements on the Republican Party.
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Joe Sudbay is guest hosting for John. He talks about the pressing issues surrounding the recent revelations of Trump's proposed $1.8 billion slush fund aimed at compensating the January 6th insurrectionists. Joe explores the implications of this unprecedented move, questioning the integrity of a democracy that would consider funding those who attacked the Capitol. Then, Joe is joined by Jacqueline Coren, the executive director of March for Our Lives, who shares her powerful story as a survivor of the Parkland shooting and discusses their new campaign, Ripple Effect, aimed at raising awareness about the long-term consequences of gun violence. Following that, community activist Danny Cook joins the conversation to talk about her initiative, Project for the People, which empowers citizens to engage in grassroots organizing around critical issues affecting their communities, including healthcare and social services. Finally, Joe welcomes back journalist Jonathan Larson to dissect the chaotic landscape of American politics, including the media's role in shaping narratives and the ongoing challenges posed by the current administration. Together, they examine the urgent need for accountability and the importance of civic engagement in these tumultuous times.
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Joe Sudbay guest hosts for John. He talks about the news surrounding the $1.776 billion settlement Trump wants to give to those involved in the January 6th insurrection. This settlement raises significant questions about the integrity of our democracy and the lengths to which individuals will go to protect their interests. He explores the motivations behind this decision and the potential ramifications for future elections. Additionally, he touches on the broader context of political corruption, particularly within the Republican Party. With figures like Ken Paxton receiving endorsements from Trump, the GOP's loyalty to Trump raises concerns about the party's direction and its impact on American politics. Then, Joe speaks with Susan Rinkunas who's an independent journalist and co-founder of Autonomy News, a worker-owned publication covering abortion, reproductive health, and politics. Next, he interviews award-winning historian and author Kathleen J. Frydl about ICE violating civil rights, Trump's impact in China, and the big beautiful ballroom. And then winding it up, Joe welcomes back Keith Price and they chat about pop culture and politics.
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