Legal AF by MeidasTouch – Episode Summary

Title: Trump Sinks to New Low and Rejects Order on War Powers
Release Date: March 17, 2025
Hosts: Ben Meiselas, Michael Popak, Karen Friedman Agnifilo
Executive Producer: Meidas Media Network

Overview

In this gripping episode of Legal AF hosted by the MeidasTouch Network, Michael Popak delves deep into the escalating constitutional crisis sparked by the Trump administration's controversial deportation plan. Ignoring federal court orders, the administration's actions have raised significant legal and political alarms, challenging the balance of power and the integrity of judicial authority in the United States.

Trump Administration's Deportation Plan

Michael Popak begins by outlining the Trump administration's recent deportation strategy, which involves using the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to deport individuals, including minors as young as 14, to countries like El Salvador. This move is unprecedented in peacetime and has ignited fierce debate and legal scrutiny.

Key Points:

• Invocation of Alien Enemies Act: The Trump administration signed a proclamation to invoke the Alien Enemies Act, a rarely used statute that historically requires a declaration of war by Congress.
• Targeted Deportations: Over 200 individuals, primarily Venezuelan gang members, were slated for deportation despite a temporary restraining order from a federal judge.

Legal Challenges and Court Orders

Popak provides a detailed analysis of the legal battles surrounding the deportations. A federal judge, Judge Boasberg, issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) mandating the halt of these deportations until a full hearing could be conducted.

Notable Developments:

• Court's TRO: Issued at 7:26 PM on Saturday, March 15, the TRO explicitly prevented removals under the presidential proclamation.
• Administration's Response: The Trump administration filed a notice contesting the court's jurisdiction and asserting executive power over foreign affairs, effectively challenging the judge's authority.

Quote:

“A single judge in a single district can't make a ruling against the President of the United States. That is a lie.”
— Michael Popak [01:35]

ACLU's Response

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has been vocally critical of the administration's actions, highlighting numerous violations of the court's order and questioning the legality of the deportations.

ACLU's Arguments:

• Violation of Court Orders: The ACLU points out that deportation flights proceeded despite the TRO, indicating a blatant disregard for judicial authority.
• Requests for Accountability: They have petitioned the court to demand sworn declarations from the administration to clarify their actions and adherence to the court's mandates.

Quote:

“If that is how the government proceeded, it was a blatant violation of the court's order.”
— Michael Popak [10:43]

Constitutional Implications

The episode underscores the potential for a monumental constitutional crisis as the executive branch appears to be overstepping its bounds and undermining the judiciary's role in checking presidential power.

Key Concerns:

• Separation of Powers: The administration's refusal to comply with the TRO challenges the foundational principle of separation of powers.
• Judicial Authority: Ignoring a federal judge's order sets a dangerous precedent, potentially eroding the judiciary's role in maintaining constitutional governance.

Quote:

“Carolyn Levette and the administration think they came from federal courts making rulings about whether the Constitution has been violated or not. That is their job.”
— Michael Popak [10:43]

Current Status and Next Steps

As of this episode's release, the situation remains tense. Judge Boasberg is poised to take further action, potentially requiring more detailed declarations from the Trump administration or holding additional hearings to enforce the court's orders. The administration has yet to respond adequately, and their stance suggests a continued defiance of judicial authority until appellate intervention.

Upcoming Actions:

• Briefing Schedule:
  • Monday: Filing by Donald Trump.
  • Wednesday: Filing by the ACLU.
  • Friday: Scheduled court hearing.
• Potential Outcomes: The judge may either compel the administration to comply with the court orders or take steps to reinforce the judiciary's authority over executive actions.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Michael Popak [01:35]:
  “A single judge in a single district can't make a ruling against the President of the United States. That is a lie.”

• Michael Popak [08:30]:
  “There are so many holes in this notice, so many confessions and admissions of violations of the court order that the response by the ACLU was relatively straightforward.”

• Michael Popak [10:43]:
  “If that is how the government proceeded, it was a blatant violation of the court's order.”

• Michael Popak [10:43]:
  “Carolyn Levette and the administration think they came from federal courts making rulings about whether the Constitution has been violated or not. That is their job.”

Concluding Remarks

Michael Popak emphasizes the gravity of the situation, highlighting that ignoring federal court orders not only undermines the rule of law but also threatens democratic principles. He urges listeners to stay informed as the case unfolds and underscores the importance of judicial checks in preserving constitutional integrity.

Final Quote:

“Next step, the ball is in the judge's court and we're going to continue to follow it right here on the Midas Touch Network and on Legal AF.”
— Michael Popak [10:46]

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