Elie Mystal

Justice Correspondent & Columnist

@ElieNYC

Elie Mystal is The Nation’s justice correspondent and a columnist. He is also an Alfred Knobler Fellow at the Type Media Center. He is the author of two books: the New York Times bestseller Allow Me to Retort: A Black Guy’s Guide to the Constitution and Bad Law: Ten Popular Laws That Are Ruining America, both published by The New Press. You can subscribe to his Nation newsletter “Elie v. U.S.” here.

A “Stop the Steal” protester on January 6, 2021.

Trump Just Created a White Grievance Reparations Fund Trump Just Created a White Grievance Reparations Fund

And it will be paid for with your tax dollars.

May 19, 2026 / Elie Mystal

There’s No Way to Compensate for the Loss of Black Voting Power

There’s No Way to Compensate for the Loss of Black Voting Power There’s No Way to Compensate for the Loss of Black Voting Power

In this week’s Elie v. US, our justice correspondent examines Democrats’ strategy to combat GOP gerrymanders. Plus: a look at the next major anti-trans case.

May 15, 2026 / Elie Mystal

People wait in line at a polling station in Queens. New York, November 2, 2025.

The Multipronged Red-State Attack on Voting Rights The Multipronged Red-State Attack on Voting Rights

Red states aren’t just gerrymandering away voting rights—they’re working overtime to suppress the vote in as many ways as possible.

May 14, 2026 / Column / Elie Mystal

A “Vote Yes” sign urging voters to support a referendum to redraw Virginia's congressional map.

The Democrats Are 5 Years Too Late to the Voting Rights Fight The Democrats Are 5 Years Too Late to the Voting Rights Fight

Virginia Democrats’ appeal to the Supreme Court to save their state’s new congressional map is a sad case in point.

May 13, 2026 / Elie Mystal

The January Sixer Behind the Attack on Voting Rights

The January Sixer Behind the Attack on Voting Rights The January Sixer Behind the Attack on Voting Rights

In this week’s Elie v. US, our justice correspondent digs into blockbuster revelations about the lead plaintiff in the VRA case. Plus, the enduring Cult of Trump.

May 8, 2026 / Elie Mystal

Supporters of voting rights hold signs outside the US Supreme Court on October 15, 2025.

The Supreme Court Just Made Its Voting Rights Ruling Even Worse The Supreme Court Just Made Its Voting Rights Ruling Even Worse

The court has fast-tracked its decision demolishing the VRA, helping Southern states redraw their maps before the midterms.

May 5, 2026 / Elie Mystal

Republicans Can’t Contain Their Glee Over the Death of the VRA

Republicans Can’t Contain Their Glee Over the Death of the VRA Republicans Can’t Contain Their Glee Over the Death of the VRA

In this week’s Elie v. US, our justice correspondent explores the GOP’s glee over the Supreme Court’s Voting Rights decision. Plus: Elie's take on Musk v. Altman.

May 2, 2026 / Elie Mystal

Demonstrators outside the US Supreme Court Building during oral arguments for “Louisiana v. Callais,” October 2025.

The Supreme Court Has Completed Its Quest to Kill the Voting Rights Act The Supreme Court Has Completed Its Quest to Kill the Voting Rights Act

In its 6–3 decision, the court gutted the legislation that ended apartheid in this country—and once again gave white people the ability to suppress Black political power.

Apr 29, 2026 / Elie Mystal

Donald Trump looks out at the White House Ballroom construction site.

Trump’s Latest Ballroom Push Is His Nero Moment Trump’s Latest Ballroom Push Is His Nero Moment

The president’s decision to commandeer the DOJ to argue that his ballroom is a security necessity is the ultimate sign that this country is in decline.

Apr 29, 2026 / Elie Mystal

Kash Patel’s Lawsuit Against “The Atlantic” Is a Giant Self-Own

Kash Patel’s Lawsuit Against “The Atlantic” Is a Giant Self-Own Kash Patel’s Lawsuit Against “The Atlantic” Is a Giant Self-Own

In this week’s Elie v. US, our justice correspondent deconstructs Patel's preposterous defamation arguments. Plus: a fascinating gun-control lawsuit. And: All hail The Onion!

Apr 24, 2026 / Elie Mystal

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