Strict Scrutiny Podcast
@strictscrutiny.bsky.social
SCOTUS podcast (Crooked Media)
Hosted by Leah Litman, Melissa Murray, & Kate Shaw
Produced by Melody Rowell
Hosted by Leah Litman, Melissa Murray, & Kate Shaw
Produced by Melody Rowell
Pinned
ANNOUNCING … THE BAD DECISIONS TOUR!
Presale starts WEDNESDAY (presale code in today’s episode)!
Presale starts WEDNESDAY (presale code in today’s episode)!
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Our President Josh Orton joined @crooked.com @strictscrutiny.bsky.social to point out a dangerous pattern: Senate Dems are granting lifetime appointments to judicial nominees who refuse to affirm the truth about J6 and the 2020 election. crooked.com/podcast/can-...
January 5, 2026 at 9:55 PM
Our President Josh Orton joined @crooked.com @strictscrutiny.bsky.social to point out a dangerous pattern: Senate Dems are granting lifetime appointments to judicial nominees who refuse to affirm the truth about J6 and the 2020 election. crooked.com/podcast/can-...
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My new favorite podcast @strictscrutiny.bsky.social is back for 2026, I’m so excited!!!
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s...
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s...
Can America Pull Back From the Brink of Autocracy?
Podcast Episode · Strict Scrutiny · 01/05/2026 · 1h 41m
podcasts.apple.com
January 5, 2026 at 8:40 PM
My new favorite podcast @strictscrutiny.bsky.social is back for 2026, I’m so excited!!!
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s...
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s...
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I finally received my final Christmas present from my favorite podcast host and professor @leahlitman.bsky.social of @strictscrutiny.bsky.social!
And look at the note🤭🥲
And look at the note🤭🥲
January 5, 2026 at 9:22 PM
I finally received my final Christmas present from my favorite podcast host and professor @leahlitman.bsky.social of @strictscrutiny.bsky.social!
And look at the note🤭🥲
And look at the note🤭🥲
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This episode is essential listening.
I was especially grateful for the decoder ring that @kimlanelaw.bsky.social gives us here--teaching us to separate what the court might do to nominally assert its independence, all while working steadily to further the entrenchment of authoritarianism in the US.
I was especially grateful for the decoder ring that @kimlanelaw.bsky.social gives us here--teaching us to separate what the court might do to nominally assert its independence, all while working steadily to further the entrenchment of authoritarianism in the US.
Happy New Year!
Bec Ingber explains the lawlessness of Venezuela strikes & rendition
Kim Lane Scheppele tells us what to watch for in creeping authoritarianism (including in courts)
Skye Perryman updates holiday legal rights +
Josh Ortner on Trump lower court noms
crooked.com/podcast/can-...
Bec Ingber explains the lawlessness of Venezuela strikes & rendition
Kim Lane Scheppele tells us what to watch for in creeping authoritarianism (including in courts)
Skye Perryman updates holiday legal rights +
Josh Ortner on Trump lower court noms
crooked.com/podcast/can-...
a close up of a grinch 's face with the words `` smile '' written on it .
ALT: a close up of a grinch 's face with the words `` smile '' written on it .
media.tenor.com
January 5, 2026 at 7:10 PM
This episode is essential listening.
I was especially grateful for the decoder ring that @kimlanelaw.bsky.social gives us here--teaching us to separate what the court might do to nominally assert its independence, all while working steadily to further the entrenchment of authoritarianism in the US.
I was especially grateful for the decoder ring that @kimlanelaw.bsky.social gives us here--teaching us to separate what the court might do to nominally assert its independence, all while working steadily to further the entrenchment of authoritarianism in the US.
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@strictscrutiny.bsky.social analyzing the legality, national and international, of the Maduro kidnapping
Trump's Illegal Venezuela Invasion
YouTube video by Strict Scrutiny
youtu.be
January 5, 2026 at 5:21 PM
@strictscrutiny.bsky.social analyzing the legality, national and international, of the Maduro kidnapping
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Love Strict Scrutiny!
Take a listen to our first episode of 2026!!
Happy New Year!
Bec Ingber explains the lawlessness of Venezuela strikes & rendition
Kim Lane Scheppele tells us what to watch for in creeping authoritarianism (including in courts)
Skye Perryman updates holiday legal rights +
Josh Ortner on Trump lower court noms
crooked.com/podcast/can-...
Bec Ingber explains the lawlessness of Venezuela strikes & rendition
Kim Lane Scheppele tells us what to watch for in creeping authoritarianism (including in courts)
Skye Perryman updates holiday legal rights +
Josh Ortner on Trump lower court noms
crooked.com/podcast/can-...
January 5, 2026 at 3:53 PM
Love Strict Scrutiny!
Reposted by Strict Scrutiny Podcast
Take a listen to our first episode of 2026!!
Happy New Year!
Bec Ingber explains the lawlessness of Venezuela strikes & rendition
Kim Lane Scheppele tells us what to watch for in creeping authoritarianism (including in courts)
Skye Perryman updates holiday legal rights +
Josh Ortner on Trump lower court noms
crooked.com/podcast/can-...
Bec Ingber explains the lawlessness of Venezuela strikes & rendition
Kim Lane Scheppele tells us what to watch for in creeping authoritarianism (including in courts)
Skye Perryman updates holiday legal rights +
Josh Ortner on Trump lower court noms
crooked.com/podcast/can-...
a close up of a grinch 's face with the words `` smile '' written on it .
ALT: a close up of a grinch 's face with the words `` smile '' written on it .
media.tenor.com
January 5, 2026 at 1:35 PM
Take a listen to our first episode of 2026!!
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It’s never a good sign for world news when the @strictscrutiny.bsky.social gals ask me to join them but I was honored to return to the pod for an emergency hit on the Venezuela invasion: youtu.be/nrR8gdpS-c0?...
January 5, 2026 at 3:15 PM
It’s never a good sign for world news when the @strictscrutiny.bsky.social gals ask me to join them but I was honored to return to the pod for an emergency hit on the Venezuela invasion: youtu.be/nrR8gdpS-c0?...
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Wow. Totally mandatory listening.
Happy New Year!
Bec Ingber explains the lawlessness of Venezuela strikes & rendition
Kim Lane Scheppele tells us what to watch for in creeping authoritarianism (including in courts)
Skye Perryman updates holiday legal rights +
Josh Ortner on Trump lower court noms
crooked.com/podcast/can-...
Bec Ingber explains the lawlessness of Venezuela strikes & rendition
Kim Lane Scheppele tells us what to watch for in creeping authoritarianism (including in courts)
Skye Perryman updates holiday legal rights +
Josh Ortner on Trump lower court noms
crooked.com/podcast/can-...
a close up of a grinch 's face with the words `` smile '' written on it .
ALT: a close up of a grinch 's face with the words `` smile '' written on it .
media.tenor.com
January 5, 2026 at 1:49 PM
Wow. Totally mandatory listening.
Reposted by Strict Scrutiny Podcast
Always so helpful in processing *the things* — give them a listen!
Happy New Year!
Bec Ingber explains the lawlessness of Venezuela strikes & rendition
Kim Lane Scheppele tells us what to watch for in creeping authoritarianism (including in courts)
Skye Perryman updates holiday legal rights +
Josh Ortner on Trump lower court noms
crooked.com/podcast/can-...
Bec Ingber explains the lawlessness of Venezuela strikes & rendition
Kim Lane Scheppele tells us what to watch for in creeping authoritarianism (including in courts)
Skye Perryman updates holiday legal rights +
Josh Ortner on Trump lower court noms
crooked.com/podcast/can-...
a close up of a grinch 's face with the words `` smile '' written on it .
ALT: a close up of a grinch 's face with the words `` smile '' written on it .
media.tenor.com
January 5, 2026 at 1:39 PM
Always so helpful in processing *the things* — give them a listen!
Happy New Year!
Bec Ingber explains the lawlessness of Venezuela strikes & rendition
Kim Lane Scheppele tells us what to watch for in creeping authoritarianism (including in courts)
Skye Perryman updates holiday legal rights +
Josh Ortner on Trump lower court noms
crooked.com/podcast/can-...
Bec Ingber explains the lawlessness of Venezuela strikes & rendition
Kim Lane Scheppele tells us what to watch for in creeping authoritarianism (including in courts)
Skye Perryman updates holiday legal rights +
Josh Ortner on Trump lower court noms
crooked.com/podcast/can-...
a close up of a grinch 's face with the words `` smile '' written on it .
ALT: a close up of a grinch 's face with the words `` smile '' written on it .
media.tenor.com
January 5, 2026 at 12:53 PM
Happy New Year!
Bec Ingber explains the lawlessness of Venezuela strikes & rendition
Kim Lane Scheppele tells us what to watch for in creeping authoritarianism (including in courts)
Skye Perryman updates holiday legal rights +
Josh Ortner on Trump lower court noms
crooked.com/podcast/can-...
Bec Ingber explains the lawlessness of Venezuela strikes & rendition
Kim Lane Scheppele tells us what to watch for in creeping authoritarianism (including in courts)
Skye Perryman updates holiday legal rights +
Josh Ortner on Trump lower court noms
crooked.com/podcast/can-...
Reposted by Strict Scrutiny Podcast
@strictscrutiny.bsky.social all along!
“What is a congress, and where can I get one?” - @profmmurray.bsky.social
REPORTER: Was Congress notified in advance?
RUBIO: “We called members of Congress immediately after. This was not the kind of mission that you can do Congressional notification on. It was a trigger-based mission”
TRUMP: “Plus if I could add one thing to that, Congress has a tendency to leak”
RUBIO: “We called members of Congress immediately after. This was not the kind of mission that you can do Congressional notification on. It was a trigger-based mission”
TRUMP: “Plus if I could add one thing to that, Congress has a tendency to leak”
January 3, 2026 at 10:35 PM
@strictscrutiny.bsky.social all along!
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@strictscrutiny.bsky.social love the strict scrutiny guerrilla marketing at this Seattle gelateria
December 30, 2025 at 11:38 PM
@strictscrutiny.bsky.social love the strict scrutiny guerrilla marketing at this Seattle gelateria
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Keeping the anchor chair warm for @arimelber.bsky.social tonight on The Beat on @msnowreports.bsky.social. Tune in!
December 29, 2025 at 10:57 PM
Keeping the anchor chair warm for @arimelber.bsky.social tonight on The Beat on @msnowreports.bsky.social. Tune in!
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Big ups to Marty Lederman @martylederman.bsky.social who flagged this argument that SCOTUS relied on (that regular forces refer to military forces, not federal law enforcement).
NEW: By a 6-3 vote, the Supreme Court blocks Trump’s deployment of the National Guard to Chicago to assist immigration agents. A majority holds that he likely lacks authority to do so. Thomas, Alito, and Gorsuch dissent. www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/25p...
![The Government asked this Court to stay the District Court's order. After the response and reply were filed, JUSTICE BARRETT referred the application to the Court. We directed the parties to file supplemental letter briefs on an issue that the District Court had addressed but the parties' initial briefs had not: the meaning of the term "regular forces" in §12406(3). In its supplemental brief, the Government argues that the term refers to civilian law enforcement officers, such as those employed by Immigration and Customs Enforcement or the Federal Protective Service.
Respondents, echoing the District Court, maintain that the term refers to the regular forces of the United States mili-tary.
We conclude that the term "regular forces" in §12406(3) likely refers to the regular forces of the United States mili-tary. This interpretation means that to call the Guard into active federal service under §12406(3), the President must be "unable" with the regular military "to execute the laws of the United States." Because the statute requires an assessment of the military's ability to execute the laws, it likely applies only where the military could legally execute the laws. Such circumstances are exceptional: Under the Posse Comitatus Act, the military is prohibited from "execut[ing] the laws" "except in cases and under circumstances expressly authorized by the Constitution or Act of Congress."
18 U. S. C. §1385. So before the President can federalize the Guard under §12406(3), he likely must have statutory or constitutional authority to execute the laws with the regular military and must be "unable" with those forces to perform that function.](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:6h7b2i6ttw3l4t7pvbvxdith/bafkreiftbhzwvn3vgwhqsi7k2paizvdw4t26ailljvovso3chqupnmj364@jpeg)
December 23, 2025 at 8:25 PM
Big ups to Marty Lederman @martylederman.bsky.social who flagged this argument that SCOTUS relied on (that regular forces refer to military forces, not federal law enforcement).
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In case people tell you that public criticism of the court doesn’t matter, here’s Brett Kavanaugh trying to walk back what he said in the ICE roving patrol case - when he blessed racial profiling & called the stops prompt.
He was lambasted; @akalhan.bsky.social coined the term “Kavanaugh stops”
He was lambasted; @akalhan.bsky.social coined the term “Kavanaugh stops”
December 23, 2025 at 9:20 PM
In case people tell you that public criticism of the court doesn’t matter, here’s Brett Kavanaugh trying to walk back what he said in the ICE roving patrol case - when he blessed racial profiling & called the stops prompt.
He was lambasted; @akalhan.bsky.social coined the term “Kavanaugh stops”
He was lambasted; @akalhan.bsky.social coined the term “Kavanaugh stops”
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I'm so proud of my dear spouse @ellenlweintraub.bsky.social for her appearance on the spectacular podcast @strictscrutiny.bsky.social (starting at 57:16/1:17). Yay Ellen! www.youtube.com/watch?v=G_rR...
Favorite Things 2025: Books, Beauty, Resistance
YouTube video by Strict Scrutiny
www.youtube.com
December 23, 2025 at 3:22 PM
I'm so proud of my dear spouse @ellenlweintraub.bsky.social for her appearance on the spectacular podcast @strictscrutiny.bsky.social (starting at 57:16/1:17). Yay Ellen! www.youtube.com/watch?v=G_rR...
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Thank you, @kateshaw.bsky.social, @profmmurray.bsky.social, & @leahlitman.bsky.social for having me on the pod (my bit starts at 57:16, if anyone is looking for it)! Good conversation with smart women is definitely one of my favorite things!
It's our FAVORITE THINGS Ep!
Our delightful intern Jordan Thomas joins to talk faves (things to want, need, wear, & ead).
Then the amazing Ellen Weintraub @ellenlweintraub.bsky.social chats about why agency independence & campaign finance should be everyone's faves! crooked.com/podcast/our-...
Our delightful intern Jordan Thomas joins to talk faves (things to want, need, wear, & ead).
Then the amazing Ellen Weintraub @ellenlweintraub.bsky.social chats about why agency independence & campaign finance should be everyone's faves! crooked.com/podcast/our-...
a woman in a santa costume is dancing in a kitchen with the words holiday spirit activate yes below her
Alt: a woman in a santa costume is dancing in a kitchen with the words holiday spirit activate yes below her
media.tenor.com
December 22, 2025 at 9:55 PM
Thank you, @kateshaw.bsky.social, @profmmurray.bsky.social, & @leahlitman.bsky.social for having me on the pod (my bit starts at 57:16, if anyone is looking for it)! Good conversation with smart women is definitely one of my favorite things!
Reposted by Strict Scrutiny Podcast
It's our FAVORITE THINGS Ep!
Our delightful intern Jordan Thomas joins to talk faves (things to want, need, wear, & ead).
Then the amazing Ellen Weintraub @ellenlweintraub.bsky.social chats about why agency independence & campaign finance should be everyone's faves! crooked.com/podcast/our-...
Our delightful intern Jordan Thomas joins to talk faves (things to want, need, wear, & ead).
Then the amazing Ellen Weintraub @ellenlweintraub.bsky.social chats about why agency independence & campaign finance should be everyone's faves! crooked.com/podcast/our-...
a woman in a santa costume is dancing in a kitchen with the words holiday spirit activate yes below her
Alt: a woman in a santa costume is dancing in a kitchen with the words holiday spirit activate yes below her
media.tenor.com
December 22, 2025 at 2:33 PM
It's our FAVORITE THINGS Ep!
Our delightful intern Jordan Thomas joins to talk faves (things to want, need, wear, & ead).
Then the amazing Ellen Weintraub @ellenlweintraub.bsky.social chats about why agency independence & campaign finance should be everyone's faves! crooked.com/podcast/our-...
Our delightful intern Jordan Thomas joins to talk faves (things to want, need, wear, & ead).
Then the amazing Ellen Weintraub @ellenlweintraub.bsky.social chats about why agency independence & campaign finance should be everyone's faves! crooked.com/podcast/our-...
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A phenomenal piece by Adam Serwer @adamserwer.bsky.social in The Atlantic @theatlantic.com that explains the racial and class hierarchies that are part of the Republican Party, including the Supreme Court's, vision for the Constitution.
www.theatlantic.com/politics/202...
www.theatlantic.com/politics/202...
December 22, 2025 at 3:07 PM
A phenomenal piece by Adam Serwer @adamserwer.bsky.social in The Atlantic @theatlantic.com that explains the racial and class hierarchies that are part of the Republican Party, including the Supreme Court's, vision for the Constitution.
www.theatlantic.com/politics/202...
www.theatlantic.com/politics/202...
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A fantastic NYT report: Donors to Trump get pardons, jobs, & access - and benefited from regulatory decisions the Trump admin has made.
SUPER timely as SCOTUS is about to kill agency independence & give POTUS more control over agencies (likely to donors' benefit)
www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
SUPER timely as SCOTUS is about to kill agency independence & give POTUS more control over agencies (likely to donors' benefit)
www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
Hundreds of Big Post-Election Donors Have Benefited From Trump’s Return to Office
Well into his second term, the president and his allies have continued aggressively raising money. Many donors have interests before his administration, The Times found.
www.nytimes.com
December 22, 2025 at 2:40 PM
A fantastic NYT report: Donors to Trump get pardons, jobs, & access - and benefited from regulatory decisions the Trump admin has made.
SUPER timely as SCOTUS is about to kill agency independence & give POTUS more control over agencies (likely to donors' benefit)
www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
SUPER timely as SCOTUS is about to kill agency independence & give POTUS more control over agencies (likely to donors' benefit)
www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
It's our FAVORITE THINGS Ep!
Our delightful intern Jordan Thomas joins to talk faves (things to want, need, wear, & ead).
Then the amazing Ellen Weintraub @ellenlweintraub.bsky.social chats about why agency independence & campaign finance should be everyone's faves! crooked.com/podcast/our-...
Our delightful intern Jordan Thomas joins to talk faves (things to want, need, wear, & ead).
Then the amazing Ellen Weintraub @ellenlweintraub.bsky.social chats about why agency independence & campaign finance should be everyone's faves! crooked.com/podcast/our-...
a woman in a santa costume is dancing in a kitchen with the words holiday spirit activate yes below her
Alt: a woman in a santa costume is dancing in a kitchen with the words holiday spirit activate yes below her
media.tenor.com
December 22, 2025 at 2:33 PM
It's our FAVORITE THINGS Ep!
Our delightful intern Jordan Thomas joins to talk faves (things to want, need, wear, & ead).
Then the amazing Ellen Weintraub @ellenlweintraub.bsky.social chats about why agency independence & campaign finance should be everyone's faves! crooked.com/podcast/our-...
Our delightful intern Jordan Thomas joins to talk faves (things to want, need, wear, & ead).
Then the amazing Ellen Weintraub @ellenlweintraub.bsky.social chats about why agency independence & campaign finance should be everyone's faves! crooked.com/podcast/our-...
Reposted by Strict Scrutiny Podcast
Oh that typo harmed me soul @strictscrutiny.bsky.social
December 18, 2025 at 1:42 PM
Oh that typo harmed me soul @strictscrutiny.bsky.social
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Listen to this discussion.
Would Congress have created any agency if they'd known a deteriorating creep would be able to replace independent leaders with hacks, cranks and puppets?
Isn't that an actual issue for the proper relief if the six MAGAs decide to overrule Humphrey's Executor?
Would Congress have created any agency if they'd known a deteriorating creep would be able to replace independent leaders with hacks, cranks and puppets?
Isn't that an actual issue for the proper relief if the six MAGAs decide to overrule Humphrey's Executor?
NEW: we recap the last oral arguments of the year, including decoding the WOLF references.
tl;dr - SCOTUS is going to give Trump more power & control over independent agencies.
We also chat the campaign finance case & other legal news crooked.com/podcast/scot...
tl;dr - SCOTUS is going to give Trump more power & control over independent agencies.
We also chat the campaign finance case & other legal news crooked.com/podcast/scot...
a close up of a wolf laying down with its eyes closed .
Alt: a close up of a wolf laying down with its eyes closed .
media.tenor.com
December 15, 2025 at 10:01 PM
Listen to this discussion.
Would Congress have created any agency if they'd known a deteriorating creep would be able to replace independent leaders with hacks, cranks and puppets?
Isn't that an actual issue for the proper relief if the six MAGAs decide to overrule Humphrey's Executor?
Would Congress have created any agency if they'd known a deteriorating creep would be able to replace independent leaders with hacks, cranks and puppets?
Isn't that an actual issue for the proper relief if the six MAGAs decide to overrule Humphrey's Executor?
Reposted by Strict Scrutiny Podcast
The episode in which Kate, Leah, and Melissa learn to speak fluent Fed Soc.
NEW: we recap the last oral arguments of the year, including decoding the WOLF references.
tl;dr - SCOTUS is going to give Trump more power & control over independent agencies.
We also chat the campaign finance case & other legal news crooked.com/podcast/scot...
tl;dr - SCOTUS is going to give Trump more power & control over independent agencies.
We also chat the campaign finance case & other legal news crooked.com/podcast/scot...
a close up of a wolf laying down with its eyes closed .
Alt: a close up of a wolf laying down with its eyes closed .
media.tenor.com
December 15, 2025 at 9:06 PM
The episode in which Kate, Leah, and Melissa learn to speak fluent Fed Soc.