Podcast Summary: Tangle – "Is Trump Defying the Supreme Court?"

Episode Information

• Title: Tangle
• Host: Isaac Saul
• Episode: Is Trump Defying the Supreme Court?
• Release Date: April 17, 2025

1. Introduction to the Episode

In this episode of Tangle, Isaac Saul delves into the contentious issue of whether former President Donald Trump is defying the Supreme Court concerning deportation policies. The discussion centers around the case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a U.S. citizen mistakenly deported to El Salvador, and the broader implications of the Trump administration's actions on the rule of law and immigration policies.

2. Background: The Kilmar Abrego Garcia Case

[03:34] Ari Weitzman:
Ari Weitzman outlines key developments:

• Judicial Actions: U.S. District Judge James Boasberg found probable cause that the Trump administration violated his March order by deporting two planes carrying migrants to El Salvador. He intends to begin contempt proceedings unless the administration complies with returning the deportees to U.S. custody.
• Government Moves: The Trump administration has sought to revoke Harvard University's tax-exempt status and Homeland Security has threatened to revoke its eligibility to enroll foreign students unless certain disciplinary records on visa holders are shared.
• Supreme Court Ruling: The UK Supreme Court ruled that the legal definition of a woman excludes transgender women based on biological sex, a decision that has reinforced hardline stances within Trump’s cabinet regarding deportation policies.

3. Presidential Visit and Administration’s Stance

[05:07] Isaac Saul & [05:14]-[05:42] John Law:
The discussion shifts to President Donald Trump's recent meeting with Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele at the White House:

• Bukele's Position: President Bukele stated, "How can I smuggle a terrorist into the United States? Of course I'm not going to do it. The question is preposterous" ([05:24]).
• Administration’s Response: Attorney General Pam Bondi emphasized that the administration does not interpret the Supreme Court's ruling as a direct order to return Abrego Garcia, suggesting that facilitating his return is contingent on El Salvador’s willingness to cooperate.

4. Perspectives from the Left

[08:55] John Law & [08:55]-[19:32] Ari Weitzman:
The left criticizes the Trump administration's defiance of the Supreme Court and its broader immigration policies:

• Violation of Rule of Law: Max Burns from The Hill warns, "If Trump can willfully violate a unanimous Supreme Court order and strip due process rights from legal noncitizens, there is nothing stopping him from doing the same to Americans" ([08:55]).
• Cultural Terrorism: Critics argue that Bukele's support provides cover for Trump's actions, leading to the creation of El Salvador’s brutal Secat megaprison, designed for alleged gang members.
• Supreme Court Mockery: Thomas G. McCosher from Newsweek asserts that the administration is making a mockery of the Supreme Court, highlighting Trump's and Bukele's public defiance ([19:32]).
• Call for Accountability: Proposals include holding Trump personally accountable, such as imposing fines until compliance is achieved.

5. Perspectives from the Right

[19:32] John Law & [08:55]-[19:32] Ari Weitzman:
The right critiques Democrats for prioritizing Abrego Garcia's case over pressing domestic issues:

• Misplaced Priorities: Eddie Scarry from The Federalist argues that Democrats are focusing on a noncitizen’s case while neglecting the welfare of actual U.S. citizens, exemplified by Senator Chris Van Hollen’s trip to El Salvador to pressure for Garcia’s release ([19:32]).
• Illegality of Abrego Garcia’s Presence: The Wall Street Journal editorial board points out that Garcia entered the U.S. illegally in 2011, and his case is used by Democrats to undermine Trump’s immigration policies.
• Constitutional Limits: They emphasize that the Supreme Court cannot compel the president to alter foreign policy, as outlined by Article 2 of the Constitution.

6. Host’s Analysis and Opinion

[19:32] John Law (Isaac Saul’s Take):
Isaac Saul offers a critical analysis of the Trump administration’s approach:

• Comparison with Biden’s Administration: He contrasts Trump’s actions with what he perceives as Biden’s failures in managing immigration, highlighting historic migrant crossings and the impact on cities across the U.S.
• Rule of Law vs. Practical Solutions: Saul argues that while solving immigration issues is complex and resource-intensive, forfeiting due process undermines American values. He states, "We should not allow this current administration or any other future administration to become the arbiter of when rules need to or do not need to be followed" ([19:32]).
• Broader Implications: Emphasizes that violating court orders sets a dangerous precedent, potentially allowing future administrations to disregard legal mandates without repercussions.

7. Conclusion

Isaac wraps up the episode by underscoring the severity of the Trump administration’s actions against the Supreme Court’s rulings. He calls for a balanced approach to immigration reform that upholds the rule of law while addressing practical challenges, urging listeners to recognize the long-term implications of allowing executive overreach.

Notable Quotes with Attributions and Timestamps

• Ari Weitzman [03:34]:
  "U.S. district Judge James Boasberg said he found probable cause that the Trump administration had violated his March order to return two planes deporting migrants to El Salvador."

• John Law [05:24]:
  "How can I smuggle a terrorist into the United States? Of course I'm not going to do it. The question is preposterous."

• Max Burns, The Hill [08:55]:
  "If Trump can willfully violate a unanimous Supreme Court order and strip due process rights from legal noncitizens, there is nothing stopping him from doing the same to Americans."

• Isaac Saul [19:32]:
  "We should not allow this current administration or any other future administration to become the arbiter of when rules need to or do not need to be followed. If we open that door, then any one of us could be marched right through it."

Key Takeaways

• Judicial vs. Executive Power: The episode highlights a significant clash between the Trump administration and the judiciary, questioning the balance of powers in immigration enforcement.

• Rule of Law: There's a strong emphasis on the danger of executive overreach and the importance of upholding Supreme Court rulings to maintain the integrity of the legal system.

• Political Polarization: The discussion showcases deep divisions between the left and right, with each side critiquing the other's priorities and strategies regarding immigration and legal compliance.

• Future Implications: The episode warns of long-term consequences if the executive branch continues to challenge judicial authority, potentially eroding foundational democratic principles.

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the critical discussions and viewpoints presented in the Tangle podcast episode “Is Trump Defying the Supreme Court?”, providing listeners with a clear understanding of the multifaceted political and legal issues at play.