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.

Children hold signs and transgender pride flags as supporters of transgender rights rally by the Supreme Court, Dec. 4, 2024, in Washington.

The Supreme Court’s Anti-Trans Decision Will Live in Infamy The Supreme Court’s Anti-Trans Decision Will Live in Infamy

In its bigotry and deceitfulness, US v. Skrmetti is destined to be seen alongside Plessy, Dobbs, Dred Scott, and all of the court’s other most notorious decisions.

Jun 18, 2025 / Elie Mystal

California National Guard members during a demonstration following federal immigration raids in Los Angeles on June 9, 2025.

What the Hell Is Posse Comitatus Anyway? What the Hell Is Posse Comitatus Anyway?

Everything you wanted to know about the law that’s supposed to prevent presidents, like Trump, from deploying the military against civilians in places like LA.

Jun 11, 2025 / Elie Mystal

Marlean Ames, who claims she was passed over for jobs because she is a straight woman, stands outside her lawyer's office in Akron, Ohio.

The Supreme Court Just Cleared the Way for a Flood of “Reverse Discrimination” Lawsuits The Supreme Court Just Cleared the Way for a Flood of “Reverse Discrimination” Lawsuits

The court’s ruling in favor of a woman who says she was passed over for jobs because she is straight is correct in theory—but it’s going to be terrifying in practice.

Jun 5, 2025 / Elie Mystal

Leonard Leo, former head of the Federalist Society, and Donald Trump.

Trump Is Headed to War With the Federalist Society—and It’s Gonna Be Huge Trump Is Headed to War With the Federalist Society—and It’s Gonna Be Huge

The fight might between the president and the conservative old guard might just be the biggest legal development of Trump’s second term.

Jun 3, 2025 / Elie Mystal

Trade adviser to President Donald Trump Peter Navarro speaks to members of the media after a federal court blocked Trump's sweeping tariffs using an emergency powers law.

What the Hell Do This Week’s Whiplash Tariff Rulings Actually Mean? What the Hell Do This Week’s Whiplash Tariff Rulings Actually Mean?

Society / May 30, 2025 What the Hell Do This Week’s Whiplash Tariff Rulings Actually Mean? While the courts continue to debate the legality of Trump’s sweeping tariffs, the law…

May 30, 2025 / Elie Mystal

Harvard University, in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Trump Is Holding International Students at Harvard Hostage Trump Is Holding International Students at Harvard Hostage

In its quest to wreak vengeance on Harvard, the administration may ultimately fail at punishing the university—but it will harm thousands of young people.

May 23, 2025 / Elie Mystal

Representative LaMonica McIver demands the release of Newark Mayor Ras Baraka after his arrest while protesting outside an ICE detention prison, Friday, May 9, 2025. She was herself later charged by the Trump Department of Justice.

Progressives Need to Stand Up for LaMonica McIver Progressives Need to Stand Up for LaMonica McIver

The charges against McIver are a form of political intimidation directed with particular force against Black politicians—but it will work only if the people don’t have her back.

May 22, 2025 / Elie Mystal

Associate US Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas.

An Open Letter to Clarence Thomas An Open Letter to Clarence Thomas

As the Trump administration tries to remake society along apartheid lines, your vote to stop the assault, however unlikely, is absolutely essential.

May 19, 2025 / Column / Elie Mystal

Supreme Court Justice David Souter

David Souter Made the Supreme Court More Ideological by Refusing to Be an Ideologue David Souter Made the Supreme Court More Ideological by Refusing to Be an Ideologue

David Souter (1939–2025) liked facts, and facts are anathema to movement conservatives.

May 9, 2025 / Obituary / Elie Mystal

Donald Trump speaks during a swearing-in ceremony in the Oval Office of the White House on Tuesday, May 6, 2025.

Trump Has Made His First Round of Judicial Picks—and They’re Terrifying Trump Has Made His First Round of Judicial Picks—and They’re Terrifying

The appointments—which include an attorney who helped steer a major anti-trans case—are about the failures of the Democrats as much as the ruthlessness of Republicans.

May 8, 2025 / Elie Mystal

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