The Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnell

Episode: Supreme Court blocks Trump’s bid to resume deportations under 1798 wartime law
Release Date: May 17, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of The Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnell, host Lawrence O'Donnell delves into the significant political developments surrounding former President Donald Trump’s latest attempts to enforce deportations under the 1798 Alien Enemies Act. The episode provides a comprehensive analysis of the Supreme Court's decision, the internal dynamics within the Republican Party, and the broader implications for U.S. politics and policies.

Supreme Court Ruling on Deportations

The episode begins with a detailed report on the Supreme Court's landmark decision blocking Donald Trump's attempt to deport Venezuelan migrants to a Salvadoran prison under the 1798 Alien Enemies Act.

• Ruling Details: In a 7-2 decision, the Court held that Trump's actions violated due process rights. Justices Samuel Alito and Clarence Thomas dissented, emphasizing the administration's failure to provide adequate notice and information on contesting deportations.

  “Under these circumstances, notice roughly 24 hours before removal, devoid of information about how to exercise due process rights to contest that removal surely does not pass muster.” (Timestamp: 06:15)

• Concurring Opinion: Justice Brett Kavanaugh highlighted the judiciary's essential role in reviewing executive actions before deportations can proceed.

  “The injunction simply ensures that the judiciary can decide whether these Venezuelan detainees may be lawfully removed under the Alien Enemies Act before they are in fact removed.” (Timestamp: 07:00)

• Trump's Reaction: Trump responded via social media, criticizing the Supreme Court for hindering his efforts to secure the U.S. borders.

  “The Supreme Court of the United States is not allowing me to do what I was elected to do.” (Timestamp: 08:10)

Implications of the Ruling

Lawrence O’Donnell discusses the broader implications of the Supreme Court’s decision, emphasizing the judiciary's role as a constitutional check on executive power.

“Despite the criminal immunity ruling Donald Trump's appointees on the high court gave him last year, the Supreme Court demonstrated today that it doesn't actually work for Donald Trump.” (Timestamp: 08:50)

O'Donnell further explores the strained relationship between Trump and the Republican-led House of Representatives, highlighting the internal conflicts over the massive budget reconciliation bill.

Budget Reconciliation Bill and Republican Division

The conversation shifts to the Republican Party's deep divisions over the proposed reconciliation bill, which aims to address significant fiscal policies, including Medicaid cuts.

• Republican Opposition: Five Republicans on the Budget Committee—Chip Roy, Ralph Norman, Josh Breachen, Andrew Clyde, and Lloyd Smucker—voted against advancing the bill, siding with Democrats against Trump’s directives.

  “This bill falls profoundly short. It does not do what we say it does with respect to deficits.” — Congressman Chip Roy (Timestamp: 10:30)

• Impact of Medicaid Cuts: O'Donnell highlights the potential loss of coverage for 13.7 million Americans, referencing a National Bureau of Economic Research study that underscores the life-saving benefits of Medicaid expansion.

  “A new study published this month... showed that the expansion of Medicaid under Obamacare has saved more than 27,000 lives since 2010.” (Timestamp: 12:00)

• Economic Concerns: The discussion touches on declining consumer confidence and the economic repercussions of Trump's incoherent tariff policies.

  “Consumer confidence dropped again to the second lowest level on record... nearly 75% of consumers cited tariffs and the subsequent rising prices as their top concern.” (Timestamp: 07:30)

Interview with Congresswoman Gwen Moore

Lawrence O’Donnell engages in an in-depth conversation with Democratic Congresswoman Gwen Moore of Wisconsin, focusing on the child tax credit and the challenges facing Republicans.

• Child Tax Credit as an Investment: Moore argues that investing in children through the child tax credit is crucial for the nation's future.

  “This is an investment in our future, in our kids.” (Timestamp: 10:50)

• Critique of Republican Fiscal Policies: She criticizes the Republican approach to Medicaid cuts and deficit reduction, emphasizing the human cost of such policies.

  “We’re going to kill their brains because they can’t eat... we’re going to destroy the healthcare infrastructure.” (Timestamp: 14:20)

• Constituent Support: Moore highlights the support from her constituents who oppose the proposed Medicaid cuts, reflecting a shift in voter sentiment.

  “These draconian Medicaid cuts, you know, it's ridiculous... rural hospitals will close, maternity wards in urban areas will close.” (Timestamp: 15:01)

Donald Trump's Middle Eastern Tour and Air Force One Controversy

The episode transitions to Trump’s recent tour of Middle Eastern nations and the ensuing controversy over his request for a $400 million airplane.

• Trump's Foreign Relations: O’Donnell critiques Trump’s overly effusive praise of autocratic leaders in the UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, contrasting it with the administration’s historical stance on human rights.

  “Oblivious or indifferent to that country's record of repression and censorship...” (Timestamp: 25:10)

• Air Force One Issue: Trump recounts his interaction with the Qatari leadership regarding the acquisition of a temporary aircraft, a move seen as self-serving.

  “What would be the price? He said, there is no price. I said, hmm, that's nice.” (Timestamp: 27:30)

• Economic Implications: O'Donnell and analyst Richard Stengel discuss the impracticality and exorbitant costs associated with converting a standard jet into a secure presidential aircraft.

Economic Policies and Consumer Impact

The conversation shifts to Trump's economic policies, particularly his tariff strategies and their impact on American consumers.

• Tariffs and Trade Wars: O'Donnell explains how Trump's tariffs have led to increased prices for consumers and strained relationships with both allies and adversaries.

  “What he was just describing... it's a highly abnormal way to look at...” (Timestamp: 38:20)

• Economic Analysis with Professor Lawrence Glickman: Joined by Cornell Professor Lawrence Glickman, the discussion contrasts traditional free-market principles with Trump’s protectionist approach.

  “President Trump promotes fairly traditional conservative economic ideas like tax cuts, like deregulation... but he really doesn't like the idea of a frictionless free market.” (Timestamp: 41:15)

• Free Market Critique: Glickman emphasizes the benefits of a non-zero-sum trade environment, contrasting it with Trump's zero-sum perspective where trade benefits only one party.

  “Milton Friedman... began that series with holding a pencil and talking about what a miracle it was that... through the magic of the price system, all of us benefited from it.” (Timestamp: 40:30)

Party Realignment: Orlando City Commissioner Tony Ortiz Switches to Democrat

The episode features a segment on former Republican Orlando City Commissioner Tony Ortiz’s decision to switch parties, highlighting the shifting political landscape within the GOP.

• Ortiz’s Statement: Ortiz cites the Republican Party's move away from its traditional values and its harmful policies towards immigrants and veterans as reasons for his switch.

  “The marginalization of Latinos and immigrants... is not leadership. It's fear-based politics.” (Timestamp: 43:10)

• Impact on the GOP: O'Donnell discusses how Ortiz’s departure signifies a broader realignment and the challenges the Republican Party faces in maintaining its base amid internal conflicts.

Conclusion

In closing, O'Donnell reflects on the current state of American politics, emphasizing the resilience of democratic institutions in the face of executive overreach and partisan division. The episode underscores the importance of judicial oversight, the impact of internal party dynamics, and the enduring debate over economic policies and their societal implications.

Notable Quotes

• Supreme Court Majority Opinion:

  “Under these circumstances, notice roughly 24 hours before removal, devoid of information about how to exercise due process rights to contest that removal surely does not pass muster.” (Timestamp: 06:15)

• Congresswoman Gwen Moore on Child Tax Credit:

  “This is an investment in our future, in our kids.” (Timestamp: 10:50)

• Congresswoman Gren Moore on Medicaid Cuts:

  “These draconian Medicaid cuts, you know, it's ridiculous... rural hospitals will close, maternity wards in urban areas will close.” (Timestamp: 15:01)

• Tony Ortiz on Republican Party Policies:

  “The marginalization of Latinos and immigrants... is not leadership. It's fear-based politics.” (Timestamp: 43:10)

Final Thoughts

This episode of The Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnell provides a thorough examination of pivotal political events impacting the United States, particularly focusing on judicial decisions, party politics, and economic policies under Donald Trump's influence. Through insightful interviews and expert analysis, O'Donnell offers listeners a nuanced understanding of the current political climate and its future trajectory.