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.

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

The statue “Contemplation of Justice,” above the west front plaza of the US.Supreme Court Building.

Why the Supreme Court Justices Are Suddenly Casting Shade on Each Other Why the Supreme Court Justices Are Suddenly Casting Shade on Each Other

The breach of decorum says a lot about the crisis of the court—and that’s a good thing.

Apr 23, 2026 / Elie Mystal

What Happens When ‘Your Honor’ Is a Robot?

What Happens When ‘Your Honor’ Is a Robot? What Happens When ‘Your Honor’ Is a Robot?

As AI seeps ever deeper into our judicial system, boosters insist it will bring fairness and efficiency. The way AI is being developed suggests otherwise.

Apr 22, 2026 / Feature / Elie Mystal

The GOP Wants Alito Out—but Not Because He’s Evil

The GOP Wants Alito Out—but Not Because He’s Evil The GOP Wants Alito Out—but Not Because He’s Evil

In this week’s Elie v. US: A look at the campaign to dislodge Alito and replace him with... Ted Cruz? Plus: the appalling charade of President Big Mac and Door Dash Grandma.

Apr 17, 2026 / Elie Mystal

Did Wisconsin Just Offer a Glimpse of a Post-Trump Future?

Did Wisconsin Just Offer a Glimpse of a Post-Trump Future? Did Wisconsin Just Offer a Glimpse of a Post-Trump Future?

In this week’s Elie v. US, Elie opines on the meaning of the Wisconsin Supreme court election. Plus: should you be able to claim your dog as a dependent on your tax returns?

Apr 10, 2026 / Elie Mystal

Five years after the January 6, 2021, violent insurrection in Washington, DC, seeking to overthrow the election results, members of the activist group Rise and Resist gathered at the steps of the New York Public Library holding signs and banners for a public reading of the new list of impeachable offenses attributed to Donald Trump in his second term and to demand the release of the Epstein files.

We Have 2 Weeks to Stop Trump From Committing New Atrocities We Have 2 Weeks to Stop Trump From Committing New Atrocities

It is up to the American people, and our elected representatives, to use every legal means available—from impeachment to protest.

Apr 9, 2026 / Elie Mystal

Demonstrators rally in support of birthright citizenship outside the Supreme Court on April 1, 2026.

The Supreme Court Absolutely Shredded Trump’s Birthright Citizenship Case The Supreme Court Absolutely Shredded Trump’s Birthright Citizenship Case

But this also begs the question: why is this facially unconstitutional case before the court in the first place?

Apr 2, 2026 / Elie Mystal

The façade of the Supreme Court Building.

The Supreme Court Just Condemned Countless Kids to Psychiatric Abuse The Supreme Court Just Condemned Countless Kids to Psychiatric Abuse

The court’s 8–1 ruling overturning Colorado’s ban on conversion therapy is a disaster for LGBTQ+ kids—and also for the healthcare profession.

Apr 1, 2026 / Elie Mystal

Nothing Works in Trump’s America—Except Racism

Nothing Works in Trump’s America—Except Racism Nothing Works in Trump’s America—Except Racism

In this week’s Elie v. U.S., our justice correspondent explores Trump’s stunning incompetence. Plus: Baseball is back—for now.

Mar 27, 2026 / Elie Mystal

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