Elie Mystal

Justice Correspondent & Columnist

@ElieNYC

Elie Mystal is The Nation’s justice correspondent and the host of its legal podcast, Contempt of Court. He is also an Alfred Knobler Fellow at the Type Media Center. His first book is the New York Times bestseller Allow Me to Retort: A Black Guy’s Guide to the Constitution, published by The New Press. Elie can be followed @ElieNYC.

Donald Trump speaks during a campaign rally at Van Andel Arena on November 5, 2024, in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

There’s No Denying It Anymore: Trump Is Not a Fluke—He’s America There’s No Denying It Anymore: Trump Is Not a Fluke—He’s America

The United States chose Donald Trump in all his ugliness and cruelty, and the country will get what it deserves.

Nov 7, 2024 / Elie Mystal

Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally at Madison Square Garden on October 27, 2024, in New York City.

That “Little Secret” Between Trump and Johnson? Here’s What It Could Mean. That “Little Secret” Between Trump and Johnson? Here’s What It Could Mean.

The “secret” almost certainly involves a plan to install Trump in the White House if he loses the election—but this plan could be even worse than you think.

Oct 30, 2024 / Elie Mystal

This Anti-Immigrant Ruling by a Trump Judge Tells You All You Need to Know

This Anti-Immigrant Ruling by a Trump Judge Tells You All You Need to Know This Anti-Immigrant Ruling by a Trump Judge Tells You All You Need to Know

For judges like Trevor McFadden, the cruelty toward immigrants is not only the point, it’s the source of the pleasure.

Oct 29, 2024 / Column / Elie Mystal

Elon Musk awarded Kristine Fishell with a $1 million check during the town hall at the Roxain Theater on October 20, 2024, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Elon Musk Is Committing a Crime—but It Doesn’t Matter Because He’s Rich Elon Musk Is Committing a Crime—but It Doesn’t Matter Because He’s Rich

Musk and his PAC are effectively paying people in swing states to register to vote, and that is a clear violation of federal law.

Oct 25, 2024 / Elie Mystal

A sign welcoming patients from East Texas is displayed in the waiting area of the Women's Reproductive Clinic, which provides legal medication abortion services, in Santa Teresa, New Mexico.

A Plot to Legalize Abortion Travel Bans Takes Root in Texas A Plot to Legalize Abortion Travel Bans Takes Root in Texas

This November, Amarillo will vote on an ordinance that could turn the city into a “sanctuary for the unborn” —and tee up a legal case with the Trumpiest of Trump judges.

Oct 17, 2024 / Elie Mystal

Democratic presidential candidate Vice President Kamala Harris takes the stage during a campaign rally on October 13, 2024, in Greenville, North Carolina.

Black Men Will Vote for Harris—White Men Are the Problem Black Men Will Vote for Harris—White Men Are the Problem

Why is the media talking so much about the fraction of Black men who might go MAGA when more than 60 percent of white men will vote for Trump?

Oct 16, 2024 / Elie Mystal

Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH, speaks at a campaign rally on Saturday, October 5, 2024, in Cincinnati. Ohio.

To Restore Abortion Rights, Democrats Must Win the Senate To Restore Abortion Rights, Democrats Must Win the Senate

If Democrats manage to win the White House but lose the Senate, then people in GOP-controlled states will continue to be forced to bring pregnancies to term against their will.

Oct 14, 2024 / Elie Mystal

Attendees at the 2024 Republican National Convention look at a map of the US Electoral College.

A Lesson in Basic Civics for People Who Stubbornly Defend the Electoral College A Lesson in Basic Civics for People Who Stubbornly Defend the Electoral College

All the problems with all the reasons some people claim the Electoral College is a good thing.

Oct 10, 2024 / Elie Mystal

What Kind of Damage Will the Supreme Court Inflict This Term?

What Kind of Damage Will the Supreme Court Inflict This Term? What Kind of Damage Will the Supreme Court Inflict This Term?

To understand the ambitions of the conservative majority, look no farther than Project 2025, which was cooked up by some of the same people who engineered the current court.

Oct 4, 2024 / Feature / Elie Mystal

New York City Mayor Eric Adams speaks during a security briefing with former New York City Police Commissioner Keechant Sewell (R) and former FDNY Commissioner Laura Kavanagh (L).

The NYPD Is Still Stopping and Frisking Black People The NYPD Is Still Stopping and Frisking Black People

The number of police stops were on the decline in New York City. Then Eric Adams became mayor.

Sep 27, 2024 / Elie Mystal

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