Podcast Summary: The Briefing with Albert Mohler Episode Date: Thursday, April 3, 2025
Host: R. Albert Mohler, Jr.
Title: Supreme Court Elections, Presidential Term Limits, and Economic Tariffs: A Christian Perspective

1. Introduction to the Supreme Court Election in Wisconsin

Albert Mohler opens the episode by discussing the recent spring elections, highlighting the significant win of the liberal candidate, Susan Crawford, in Wisconsin's Supreme Court race. He emphasizes the implications of this victory from a conservative standpoint.

• Politicization of the Courts:
  Mohler argues that the judiciary, traditionally seen as a non-political branch, has become highly politicized. He states,

  "When you start talking about candidates as conservative and liberal... it is really dishonest to turn around and say this is a non-political court, it is a highly political court."
  (02:15)

• Impact on Judicial Decisions:
  He references the historic Roe v. Wade decision and its reversal by Dobbs in 2022 to illustrate the ongoing ideological battles within the courts. The election of Crawford, a liberal justice, signals continued liberal control over the Wisconsin Supreme Court, affecting decisions on districting and other key issues.

2. The Role of Influential Figures in Elections

Mohler delves into the involvement of high-profile individuals like Elon Musk in the Wisconsin Supreme Court race, analyzing the strategic use of such figures in political campaigns.

• Elon Musk's Influence:
  He notes Musk's substantial financial support for the conservative candidate and the subsequent backlash from the left, who portray Musk as a symbol akin to Donald Trump. Mohler observes,

  "The left is gonna go at whatever is the issue of the proposal with everything they've got. And they're using Elon Musk."
  (10:50)

• Voter Mobilization:
  The discussion highlights how Musk's involvement may have mobilized liberal voters more effectively, impacting voter turnout dynamics in the election.

3. Presidential Term Limits and the 22nd Amendment

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to exploring the topic of presidential term limits, especially in light of President Donald Trump's recent remarks about a potential third term.

• Trump's Ambitions:
  Mohler references an interview where Trump stated he's "not joking about staying in office as president after current term concludes in 2029," sparking debates on constitutional limits.

  "President Trump in one term had three [Supreme Court appointments]. We'll see what happens in the second term."
  (15:30)

• Constitutional Constraints:
  He explains the 22nd Amendment, which restricts presidential terms to two, and discusses hypothetical scenarios and legal interpretations surrounding attempts to circumvent these limits.

  "The 22nd amendment states, 'no person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice.'"
  (25:45)

• Historical Context:
  Mohler provides historical examples, such as Franklin Delano Roosevelt's four-term presidency and President Dwight Eisenhower's considerations regarding term limits, to contextualize the current discourse.

4. Economic Implications of the New Tariff Policy

The episode transitions to a detailed analysis of President Trump's comprehensive tariff announcement aimed at revitalizing the U.S. economy.

• Objectives of the Tariffs:
  Mohler outlines the administration's goals, including countering unfair trade practices, protecting American jobs, and strengthening the treasury.

  "The President clearly believes that other nations have prospered to the disadvantage of the United States."
  (35:20)

• Potential Outcomes and Challenges:
  He discusses uncertainties surrounding the effectiveness of tariffs, potential price increases for consumers, and the unpredictable reactions of multinational corporations.

  "Time will tell if it’s going to work. This is a very volatile situation."
  (38:10)

• Long-Term Economic Strategy:
  Mohler speculates that the tariff policy is part of a broader long-term strategy to shift the U.S. away from decades of free trade, aligning with Trump's consistent stance against it.

  "President Trump has said from the beginning he thinks free trade is, number one, an oxymoron."
  (42:05)

5. The Intersection of Christian Worldview and Political Power

Throughout the episode, Mohler intertwines his analysis with a Christian perspective, emphasizing the dangers of concentrated power and the importance of term limits.

• Separation of Powers:
  He explains that term limits and the separation of powers are designed to prevent the concentration of power, which can lead to tyranny.

  "From a Christian perspective, understanding that term limits and the separation of powers are about avoiding the concentration of power that could end up, given our understanding of sin, to be a very dangerous, dangerous situation."
  (50:30)

• Moral Implications:
  Mohler warns against the moral hazards of allowing one individual to hold excessive power for extended periods, drawing parallels to autocratic regimes like Vladimir Putin's Russia.

6. Closing Thoughts

In his conclusion, Mohler reflects on the complexities of current political dynamics and the unpredictable nature of policy outcomes.

• Uncertainty of Policies:
  He acknowledges the myriad of factors influencing the success or failure of the newly announced tariffs and the potential long-term effects on the economy.

  "Sometimes the most honest thing you can say about a proposal like this is we don't know."
  (58:50)

• Call for Vigilance:
  Mohler urges listeners to stay informed and vigilant, emphasizing the importance of understanding the interplay between politics, law, and economic policies through a Christian lens.

Notable Quotes:

• "When you start talking about candidates as conservative and liberal... it is really dishonest to turn around and say this is a non-political court, it is a highly political court."
  — Albert Mohler (02:15)

• "The left is gonna go at whatever is the issue of the proposal with everything they've got. And they're using Elon Musk."
  — Albert Mohler (10:50)

• "The 22nd amendment states, 'no person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice.'"
  — Albert Mohler (25:45)

• "President Trump has said from the beginning he thinks free trade is, number one, an oxymoron."
  — Albert Mohler (42:05)

• "Sometimes the most honest thing you can say about a proposal like this is we don't know."
  — Albert Mohler (58:50)

Conclusion

Albert Mohler's April 3, 2025 episode of The Briefing provides a comprehensive analysis of significant political developments, including the politicization of the judiciary, presidential term limit discussions, and new economic tariffs. Through a Christian perspective, Mohler navigates the complexities of these issues, offering listeners a thoughtful and in-depth exploration of the current socio-political landscape.

For more insights and updates, visit Albert Mohler's website or follow him on Twitter. Additional information on the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and Boyce College can be found at spts.edu and boycecollege.com, respectively.