Barb McQuade
@barbmcquade.bsky.social
Wife, Mom, UMich Law School Professor from Practice, NBC/MSNBC legal analyst, The Contrarian contributor, former U.S. Attorney, EDMI
Pinned
Barb McQuade
@barbmcquade.bsky.social
· Nov 15
My book, “Attack from Within: How Disinformation is Sabotaging America,” reveals the tactics and dangers of disinformation and offers solutions. Democracy depends on truth. More here. barbaramcquade.com
While all defendants are presumed, innocent, the Halloween takedown of the alleged terror plot in Detroit was the only responsible thing to do. My thoughts in Cafe.com. 
cafe.com/notes-from-c...
cafe.com/notes-from-c...
Acting Left of Boom In Detroit
Kash Patel’s announcement on Halloween that the FBI had taken down a terror plot near Detroit made me skeptical — but sometimes, even he gets it right.
cafe.com
November 10, 2025 at 9:41 PM
While all defendants are presumed, innocent, the Halloween takedown of the alleged terror plot in Detroit was the only responsible thing to do. My thoughts in Cafe.com. 
cafe.com/notes-from-c...
cafe.com/notes-from-c...
Gifting this article from The Atlantic by a judge appointed by Reagan, who is resigning so he can speak out about how Trump is destroying the rule of law. Must read.
www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2025/1...
www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2025/1...
Why I Am Resigning
A federal judge explains his reasoning for leaving the bench.
www.theatlantic.com
November 10, 2025 at 2:11 PM
Gifting this article from The Atlantic by a judge appointed by Reagan, who is resigning so he can speak out about how Trump is destroying the rule of law. Must read.
www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2025/1...
www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2025/1...
In new episode of #SistersInLaw, we discussed the acquittal of the Sandwich Guy, chaos in Chicago, and the ways in which the charges in the Comey case keep getting weaker. Plus, that time Jill met the Earl of Sandwich. You can listen here.
www.politicon.com/podcasts/the...
www.politicon.com/podcasts/the...
November 8, 2025 at 5:53 PM
In new episode of #SistersInLaw, we discussed the acquittal of the Sandwich Guy, chaos in Chicago, and the ways in which the charges in the Comey case keep getting weaker. Plus, that time Jill met the Earl of Sandwich. You can listen here.
www.politicon.com/podcasts/the...
www.politicon.com/podcasts/the...
Sandwich verdict wasn’t jury nullification. It was failure to prove the required “reasonable fear of physical injury” in a case where the agent was wearing A BULLETPROOF VEST. The only crime was the waste of resources on this case. My thoughts in @MSNBCDaily.
www.msnbc.com/opinion/msnb...
www.msnbc.com/opinion/msnb...
Opinion | The sandwich thrower was wrong. But Jeanine Pirro was, too.
To establish a forcible assault, jurors were required to find that Dunn caused “reasonable apprehension of immediate bodily harm.” That allegation was laughable.
www.msnbc.com
November 8, 2025 at 12:02 PM
Sandwich verdict wasn’t jury nullification. It was failure to prove the required “reasonable fear of physical injury” in a case where the agent was wearing A BULLETPROOF VEST. The only crime was the waste of resources on this case. My thoughts in @MSNBCDaily.
www.msnbc.com/opinion/msnb...
www.msnbc.com/opinion/msnb...
Court finds Trump Administration is violating its order to provide full SNAP benefits. I will discuss with Ana Cabrera at @MSNBC at 11:15 am ET. In our judicial system, losing litigants may appeal court orders with which they disagree, but they may not defy them.
November 7, 2025 at 4:19 PM
Court finds Trump Administration is violating its order to provide full SNAP benefits. I will discuss with Ana Cabrera at @MSNBC at 11:15 am ET. In our judicial system, losing litigants may appeal court orders with which they disagree, but they may not defy them.
Please share the best jokes you’ve heard regarding the acquittal of Sandwich Guy. We will share our favorites in this week’s episode of #SistersInLaw.  My favorite so far is assault with a deli weapon! 🥪🤣 Others?
November 7, 2025 at 1:33 PM
Please share the best jokes you’ve heard regarding the acquittal of Sandwich Guy. We will share our favorites in this week’s episode of #SistersInLaw.  My favorite so far is assault with a deli weapon! 🥪🤣 Others?
I like my sandwiches with a side of justice, too.
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/06/u...
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/06/u...
Jurors Find Sandwich Hurler Not Guilty of Assault
Jurors found Sean Dunn not guilty of a misdemeanor after seven hours of deliberation, and after prosecutors had previously failed to secure a felony indictment.
www.nytimes.com
November 6, 2025 at 10:22 PM
I like my sandwiches with a side of justice, too.
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/06/u...
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/06/u...
What a day to study law in such a beautiful place!
@UMichLaw
@UMichLaw
November 6, 2025 at 3:52 PM
What a day to study law in such a beautiful place!
@UMichLaw
@UMichLaw
Now that’s rich. All gerrymandering is anti-Democratic, in my view, and SCOTUS really blew it in Rucho by permitting it, but GOP lawsuit to block it in California while using it in other states is the height of hypocrisy.
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/05/u...
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/05/u...
Republicans Swiftly File Lawsuit in Bid to Block California’s New House Maps
Republicans asked a federal court to block newly approved maps in California that were designed to flip as many as five House seats for Democrats.
www.nytimes.com
November 5, 2025 at 5:08 PM
Now that’s rich. All gerrymandering is anti-Democratic, in my view, and SCOTUS really blew it in Rucho by permitting it, but GOP lawsuit to block it in California while using it in other states is the height of hypocrisy.
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/05/u...
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/05/u...
Listening to @NealKatyal.bsky.social argue tariffs case. Impressive and persuasive. Politely calling out Alito on his own inconsistency in textualism. IEEPA makes no mention of tariffs.
www.supremecourt.gov/oral_argumen...
www.supremecourt.gov/oral_argumen...
Live Oral Argument Audio
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video
www.supremecourt.gov
November 5, 2025 at 4:41 PM
Listening to @NealKatyal.bsky.social argue tariffs case. Impressive and persuasive. Politely calling out Alito on his own inconsistency in textualism. IEEPA makes no mention of tariffs.
www.supremecourt.gov/oral_argumen...
www.supremecourt.gov/oral_argumen...
Congratulations to Mary Sheffield, first woman elected mayor in Detroit's 324 years. Progress comes slowly, but it comes eventually, with hard work.
www.freep.com/story/news/p...
www.freep.com/story/news/p...
Mary Sheffield elected Detroit's next mayor, will make history as first woman to lead city
Detroit City Council President Mary Sheffield made history, becoming the city's first woman mayor in an election she led from start to finish.
www.freep.com
November 5, 2025 at 12:58 PM
Congratulations to Mary Sheffield, first woman elected mayor in Detroit's 324 years. Progress comes slowly, but it comes eventually, with hard work.
www.freep.com/story/news/p...
www.freep.com/story/news/p...
Government brief finally discloses its theory in Comey case. Alleged FBI leaker is Prof Daniel Richman. But he was not employed at FBI at time of alleged leak, AND it occurred AFTER Comey’s testimony. I’ll discuss on @MSNBC at 11:30 am ET.
www.courtlistener.com/docket/71459...
www.courtlistener.com/docket/71459...
www.courtlistener.com
November 5, 2025 at 12:41 PM
Government brief finally discloses its theory in Comey case. Alleged FBI leaker is Prof Daniel Richman. But he was not employed at FBI at time of alleged leak, AND it occurred AFTER Comey’s testimony. I’ll discuss on @MSNBC at 11:30 am ET.
www.courtlistener.com/docket/71459...
www.courtlistener.com/docket/71459...
Spending the day working on first round edits of my new book.
And eating too much leftover Halloween candy. 😬
And eating too much leftover Halloween candy. 😬
November 1, 2025 at 7:01 PM
Spending the day working on first round edits of my new book.
And eating too much leftover Halloween candy. 😬
And eating too much leftover Halloween candy. 😬
A new episode of #SistersInLaw, we discussed next weeks SCOTUS arguments about Trump’s tariffs, AG lawsuits challenging lapse in SNAP benefits, and attacks on marriage equality. You can listen here.
 www.politicon.com/podcasts/oh-...
 www.politicon.com/podcasts/oh-...
November 1, 2025 at 3:16 PM
A new episode of #SistersInLaw, we discussed next weeks SCOTUS arguments about Trump’s tariffs, AG lawsuits challenging lapse in SNAP benefits, and attacks on marriage equality. You can listen here.
 www.politicon.com/podcasts/oh-...
 www.politicon.com/podcasts/oh-...
“They were careless people … they smashed up things and creatures and then retreated back into their money or their vast carelessness, or whatever it was that kept them together, and let other people clean up the mess they had made."
Trump is holding a Great Gatsby/Roaring 20s-themed party at his private club in Palm Beach tonight as he tries to withhold SNAP and health care subsidies from millions of Americans. (via Kellie Meyer)
November 1, 2025 at 1:32 PM
“They were careless people … they smashed up things and creatures and then retreated back into their money or their vast carelessness, or whatever it was that kept them together, and let other people clean up the mess they had made."
The Trump administration’s effort to rewrite history continues with more firings at DOJ. I’ll join MSNBC at 8 AM to discuss.
www.msnbc.com/msnbc/news/p...
www.msnbc.com/msnbc/news/p...
Two U.S. prosecutors put on leave after seeking 27 months in jail for Jan. 6 rioter
Taylor Taranto brought illegal guns and ammunition to former President Barack Obama’s house in 2023.
www.msnbc.com
November 1, 2025 at 11:44 AM
The Trump administration’s effort to rewrite history continues with more firings at DOJ. I’ll join MSNBC at 8 AM to discuss.
www.msnbc.com/msnbc/news/p...
www.msnbc.com/msnbc/news/p...
Happy Halloween!
October 31, 2025 at 11:07 PM
Happy Halloween!
Our beloved @UMichLaw School is always beautiful, but it is particularly spectacular in the fall.
October 31, 2025 at 4:04 PM
Our beloved @UMichLaw School is always beautiful, but it is particularly spectacular in the fall.
I was honored to join the Michigan Library Association this morning to discuss the threat of disinformation. Thank you for being guardians of knowledge!
October 30, 2025 at 4:06 PM
I was honored to join the Michigan Library Association this morning to discuss the threat of disinformation. Thank you for being guardians of knowledge!
I filled in for @joycewhitevance.bsky.social in this week’s Cafe Insider podcast, and talked with @preetbharara.bsky.social about US airstrikes on alleged drug boats. @cafedotcom.bsky.social
You can listen here:
cafe.com/insider-podc...
You can listen here:
cafe.com/insider-podc...
Trump Admin Ramps Up Airstrikes (with Barb McQuade)
Preet and Barb McQuade discuss the US airstrikes near Venezuela, Trump’s lawsuit against DOJ, and the latest on the National Guard deployment in Oregon.
cafe.com
October 28, 2025 at 10:42 PM
I filled in for @joycewhitevance.bsky.social in this week’s Cafe Insider podcast, and talked with @preetbharara.bsky.social about US airstrikes on alleged drug boats. @cafedotcom.bsky.social
You can listen here:
cafe.com/insider-podc...
You can listen here:
cafe.com/insider-podc...
I was honored to join the @UMich Alumnae Council for their annual Athena Award event. Lifting up students at the University of Michigan since 1917. We stand on the shoulders of these remarkable women, and we still have more work to do. 
alumni.umich.edu/communities-....
alumni.umich.edu/communities-....
Alumnae Council: Athena Award - Alumni Association of the University of Michigan
The Alumnae Council Athena Award is bestowed upon alumnae who have distinguished themselves in professional and humanitarian endeavors.
alumni.umich.edu
October 25, 2025 at 5:51 PM
I was honored to join the @UMich Alumnae Council for their annual Athena Award event. Lifting up students at the University of Michigan since 1917. We stand on the shoulders of these remarkable women, and we still have more work to do. 
alumni.umich.edu/communities-....
alumni.umich.edu/communities-....
In new episode of #SistersInLaw, we discussed Trump’s $230 million shakedown, that White House ballroom, and NBA gambling scandal. Plus our favorite No Kings signs. You can listen here:
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/f...
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/f...
October 25, 2025 at 5:23 PM
In new episode of #SistersInLaw, we discussed Trump’s $230 million shakedown, that White House ballroom, and NBA gambling scandal. Plus our favorite No Kings signs. You can listen here:
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/f...
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/f...
Excited to see Phil Brest take the reins of the American Constitution Society, an important organization working to uphold the rule of law.
The American Constitution Society is entering a new chapter.
Phil Brest — former White House Senior Counsel who led Biden’s judicial confirmations — will serve as ACS’s next President, guiding our work to defend democracy, uphold the rule of law, and prepare the next generation of legal leaders. ⚖️
Phil Brest — former White House Senior Counsel who led Biden’s judicial confirmations — will serve as ACS’s next President, guiding our work to defend democracy, uphold the rule of law, and prepare the next generation of legal leaders. ⚖️
October 23, 2025 at 2:16 AM
Excited to see Phil Brest take the reins of the American Constitution Society, an important organization working to uphold the rule of law.
Ready to go, Joyce! I already have my copy. Thanks for your work to safeguard our democracy!
It’s book launch day for Giving Up Is Unforgivable: A Manual For Keeping A Democracy, my first book. I hope you’ll read it or listen to it. a.co/d/43dbybC
October 21, 2025 at 1:48 PM
Ready to go, Joyce! I already have my copy. Thanks for your work to safeguard our democracy!
The Bolton indictment is different from the indictments against James Comey and Letitia James. My thoughts in the Contrarian.
 contrarian.substack.com/p/dont-lump-...
 contrarian.substack.com/p/dont-lump-...
Don’t lump Bolton charges in with flimsy cases against Comey and James
The government will have to back up its allegations with evidence at trial, but Trump’s vengeance crusade means a lot is in doubt.
contrarian.substack.com
October 20, 2025 at 9:55 PM
The Bolton indictment is different from the indictments against James Comey and Letitia James. My thoughts in the Contrarian.
 contrarian.substack.com/p/dont-lump-...
 contrarian.substack.com/p/dont-lump-...