The Libertarian

The libertarian is back. On this first episode of the new series, Richard Epstein talks to host Charles C. W. Cooke about immigration. What powers was the federal government given over this area? What—and why—did those powers change? Can the states fill any gaps? What due process are immigrants entitled to?

Richard Epstein discusses several controversial cabinet nominations, including RFK Jr. at HHS, Kash Patel at FBI, and Kari Lake at the Voice of America. He also comments on the rapidly changing scenario in the Middle East and what it will mean for the incoming Trump administration’s foreign policy.

Richard Epstein reacts to the long list of appointees to Trump’s cabinet, including his less-than-traditional selections for Secretary of Defense, Director of National Intelligence, and Attorney General. He also addresses the suggestion that Trump use Article II, Section 3 to recess-appoint his whole cabinet. Recorded on November 13th, 2024.

Richard Epstein issues warnings and predictions for an upcoming second Trump term, covering Supreme Court appointments, the Senate filibuster, tariffs, abortion bans, illegal immigration, support for Ukraine and Israel, and deficit spending.

Richard Epstein reacts to a recent New York Times article about Trump’s bombastic promises to prosecute his political enemies and provides expectations for voting results in the upcoming election.

Richard takes aim at California’s new law to prevent legacy and donor-linked admissions at private universities, arguing against the claim that it parallels recent affirmative action rulings.

Richard Epstein clears up questions over Israel’s beeper attack on thousands of Hezbollah members in Lebanon and provides the classical liberal’s approach to preventing gun violence and school shootings.

Richard Epstein reacts to the news that a popular right-wing online content creation company has been paid to spread Russian propaganda and weighs in on an historian's absurd claims about the Holocaust and Winston Churchill.

Richard Epstein provides clarity on the treatment of Jewish students and the actions of pro-Palestinian protestors on college campuses from UCLA to Columbia. He then previews the problems the Democratic National Convention will likely have with far-left protestors and offers recommendations to those running the DNC.

Richard Epstein evaluates President Biden’s three proposals for reforming the Supreme Court: A constitutional amendment, term limits for Justices, and a brand new code of ethics.

Richard Epstein reacts to President Biden stepping down from the Democratic ticket and weighs in on Vice President Kamala Harris’ chances of beating Donald Trump in November. He also works through whether President Biden should step down before next January and what it would mean for Republicans in the meantime.

Richard Epstein opines on a big tax case decided by the Supreme Court, tries to make sense of Louisiana’s inevitable First Amendment case, and weighs in on Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg’s “punishment” of Columbia protestors.

Richard Epstein is in his element as he discusses new Supreme Court rulings on access to abortion pills, modifications to semiautomatic weapons, and the ability of workers to organize unions.

Richard Epstein reacts to Donald Trump being found guilty on 34 counts in New York State and lays out the likely appeal strategy by the former president.

Richard Epstein grades the contract demands of the Chicago Teachers Union, the severity of Trump’s alleged election interference, and efficacy of Biden’s new China tariffs.

Richard Epstein responds to the clearing of protests at Columbia University and the clashes between protestors at UCLA. He also gives Donald Trump advice for his upcoming speech to the Libertarian National Convention.

Richard Epstein discusses Israel and Iran trading missiles, Columbia University’s decision to arrest protestors, and how far protests are allowed to go.

Richard Epstein remembers the late psychologist Daniel Kahneman and discusses the long-running debate between Kahneman's research on behavioral economics and the rational-choice models popularized by Gary Becker and Ronald Coase.

Richard Epstein weighs in on First Amendment concerns with the possibly of shutting down TikTok due to its ties to the Chinese Communist Party.