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.

Trump in Florida

Trump Has a New Strategy for Fighting Corruption—Make It Legal! Trump Has a New Strategy for Fighting Corruption—Make It Legal!

With his 11 pardons this week, Trump proved that he is trying to Make Corruption Great Again.

Feb 21, 2020 / Elie Mystal

Bill Barr Is Even Worse Than You Realize

Bill Barr Is Even Worse Than You Realize Bill Barr Is Even Worse Than You Realize

The attorney general is on a tear, shredding the rule of law, just as he threatened he would.

Feb 13, 2020 / Elie Mystal

They Rocked New Hampshire—but Pete and Amy Still Can’t Win Over Black Voters

They Rocked New Hampshire—but Pete and Amy Still Can’t Win Over Black Voters They Rocked New Hampshire—but Pete and Amy Still Can’t Win Over Black Voters

Candidates who have no real support from people of color should not be viewed as serious contenders for the nomination.

Feb 12, 2020 / Elie Mystal

Republican Senators Just Sold Out Democracy

Republican Senators Just Sold Out Democracy Republican Senators Just Sold Out Democracy

By acquitting Trump, Republicans handed the president nearly unlimited power—and revealed the extent of their venality.

Feb 5, 2020 / Elie Mystal

Trump’s State of the Union Was a Terrifying Game Show Stunt

Trump’s State of the Union Was a Terrifying Game Show Stunt Trump’s State of the Union Was a Terrifying Game Show Stunt

The president lied and handed out medals, while the Democrats fumbled.

Feb 5, 2020 / Elie Mystal

This Man Might Be the Stealth Star of the Impeachment Trial

This Man Might Be the Stealth Star of the Impeachment Trial This Man Might Be the Stealth Star of the Impeachment Trial

Before the trial each day, Senate Chaplain Barry Black has offered a benediction, which often appears to contain sharp rebukes to the GOP.

Feb 5, 2020 / Elie Mystal

Stuart Kyle Duncan

This Trump Judge Tormented a Trans Woman—Because He Could This Trump Judge Tormented a Trans Woman—Because He Could

Stuart Kyle Duncan had a history of anti-LGBTQ bigotry before he joined the bench. Now he’s inflicting his pettiness and cruelty on vulnerable litigants.

Jan 31, 2020 / Column / Elie Mystal

The Republicans Have Now Begun the Trolling Phase of the Impeachment Trial

The Republicans Have Now Begun the Trolling Phase of the Impeachment Trial The Republicans Have Now Begun the Trolling Phase of the Impeachment Trial

The strategy will almost certainly help them win the impeachment battle—but may well sink them in the larger war.

Jan 30, 2020 / Elie Mystal

The Trump Team’s Legal Defense Was a Tour de Force of Hypocrisy

The Trump Team’s Legal Defense Was a Tour de Force of Hypocrisy The Trump Team’s Legal Defense Was a Tour de Force of Hypocrisy

From Ken Starr to Alan Dershowitz, the president’s lawyers spewed illogical arguments that contradicted their own well-known positions.

Jan 28, 2020 / Elie Mystal

John Roberts Is Putting His Thumb on the Impeachment Scale

John Roberts Is Putting His Thumb on the Impeachment Scale John Roberts Is Putting His Thumb on the Impeachment Scale

The chief justice is wielding the little power he has in the impeachment trial in support of the Republican side.

Jan 24, 2020 / Elie Mystal

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