The Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnell
Episode: As Criminal as Nixon Was, He Had More Respect for the Constitution than Trump
Release Date: April 17, 2025

In this compelling episode of The Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnell, host Lawrence O'Donnell delves deep into the concerning parallels and stark differences between former Presidents Richard Nixon and Donald Trump regarding their respect for the United States Constitution. Drawing from his extensive political experience and keen analytical insights, O'Donnell provides a thorough examination of Trump’s actions and their constitutional implications, highlighting the unprecedented challenges faced by American democracy today.

1. Nixon vs. Trump: A Constitutional Examination

Lawrence O'Donnell opens the discussion by juxtaposing Nixon’s criminal actions with Trump’s blatant disregard for constitutional principles. He asserts, “[...] as bad as Richard Nixon was, as criminal as Richard Nixon was, Richard Nixon, the only president who escaped prosecution after serving his term as president by obtaining a pardon from his successor. Richard Nixon had more respect for the due process of law and more respect for the Constitution than Donald Trump” (02:07).

O'Donnell emphasizes that while Nixon ultimately complied with Supreme Court orders—albeit under duress—Trump has consistently demonstrated contempt for the Constitution, undermining foundational legal processes and norms.

2. Legal Challenges to Trump’s Tariff Policies

A significant portion of the episode focuses on the legal battles arising from Trump’s unilateral imposition of tariffs without congressional approval—a clear violation of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). O'Donnell explains the historical context of tariff authority, noting:

“The Constitution expressly vests the authority to impose tariffs solely in Congress, not the President. Congress's power in this area is exhaustive because the Constitution does not vest in the President any authority to impose tariffs” (16:27).

He details how California’s Attorney General Rob Bonta has taken legal action against Trump, asserting that his tariff impositions are unconstitutional. The lawsuit, filed in the Northern District of California, meticulously outlines the illegality of Trump’s actions, emphasizing that tariffs are taxes on imports and must be authorized by Congress.

Notable Quote:

“Tariffs are not among the numerous actions that the International Emergency Economic Powers act authorizes the President to take under a declared emergency. Indeed, the word tariff does not appear in the relevant statute at all” (19:54).

Rob Bonta corroborates this stance, highlighting the severe economic repercussions for California—a state with the largest economy in the U.S.—due to Trump’s tariffs. Bonta underscores the legal and economic imperatives of the lawsuit, stating:

“Trump doesn’t have the singular power to radically upend the country's economic landscape” (19:54).

3. Senate Finance Committee and Legislative Responses

Senator Maria Cantwell, a key member of the Senate Finance Committee, joins the discussion to elaborate on the broader implications of Trump’s tariff policies. She underscores the detrimental impact on American businesses, particularly at major ports like Seattle, where tariffs have led to increased costs and disrupted supply chains.

Cantwell introduces legislation aimed at restricting the President’s ability to impose tariffs without congressional oversight, ensuring that such economic measures undergo proper legislative scrutiny. She warns of potential long-term damage to critical industries, such as aerospace, due to retaliatory actions from trade partners like China.

Notable Quote:

“These tariffs are illegal. [...] So now what? Judge Boasberg literally asked and answered that question in his ruling” (27:26).

4. Criminal Contempt and Judicial Orders

The episode also explores the judiciary's response to Trump administration’s defiance of court orders. Federal Judge James Boasberg’s ruling on holding Trump officials in criminal contempt for ignoring deportation orders serves as a focal point. O'Donnell discusses the unprecedented nature of these contempt proceedings, highlighting the judiciary’s determination to uphold the rule of law despite executive opposition.

Congressman Dan Goldman provides additional legal perspective, emphasizing the gravity of the situation:

“If the government declines or the interest of justice requires, the court will appoint another attorney to prosecute the contempt” (41:00).

Goldman underscores the necessity of maintaining judicial authority, asserting that allowing the administration to defy court orders would erode the foundational principles of American democracy.

5. Republican Obstruction and Legislative Battles

Beyond the legal sphere, O'Donnell addresses the political maneuvering within Congress. He highlights the obstruction by 12 House Republicans who have refused to support Speaker’s budget plan due to proposed Medicaid cuts, aligning against Trump’s agenda to protect vulnerable populations.

Representative Melanie Stansbury of New Mexico commends these Republicans for standing up against the administration’s harmful policies, emphasizing the power of grassroots movements in influencing legislative outcomes.

Notable Quote:

“Donald Trump's agenda, his signature package for this reconciliation bill that Mike Johnson is trying to pass by Memorial Day, essentially wants to give $7 trillion in tax breaks to billionaires and the ultra rich and mega corporations” (46:50).

Stansbury passionately argues that cutting essential social programs in favor of tax breaks for the wealthy is not only unjust but detrimental to the social fabric of the nation.

6. Implications for American Democracy

Throughout the episode, O'Donnell raises critical concerns about the state of American governance under Trump’s leadership. He warns of the erosion of constitutional norms and the dangers of presidential overreach, drawing parallels to historical abuses of power while emphasizing the need for vigilant resistance to safeguard democratic institutions.

Conclusion:

Lawrence O'Donnell concludes the episode by reiterating the importance of upholding constitutional integrity and the rule of law. He calls for continued legal challenges and legislative reforms to prevent future executive abuses, advocating for a balanced distribution of power and unwavering adherence to democratic principles.

Notable Moments and Quotes:

• Lawrence O'Donnell on Nixon vs. Trump:
  “[...] Richard Nixon had more respect for the due process of law and more respect for the Constitution than Donald Trump” (02:07).

• Rob Bonta on Tariffs:
  “Tariffs are not among the numerous actions that the International Emergency Economic Powers act authorizes the President to take under a declared emergency” (19:54).

• Senator Maria Cantwell on Economic Impact:
  “These tariffs are illegal. So does the Constitution.” (29:26).

• Congressman Dan Goldman on Judicial Authority:
  “We don't have a criminal justice system and we don't have a rule of democratic rule of law that is the stuff of dictatorships” (41:00).

• Representative Melanie Stansbury on Medicaid Cuts:
  “Donald Trump's agenda [...] wants to give $7 trillion in tax breaks to billionaires and the ultra rich and mega corporations” (46:50).

This episode serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of constitutional safeguards and the ongoing struggle to maintain the balance of power within the United States government. Through incisive analysis and firsthand accounts from key political figures, Lawrence O'Donnell underscores the urgent need to protect democratic institutions from executive overreach, ensuring that the Constitution remains the bedrock of American governance.