Peak Trump: War, Antitrust, and Third Terms

Peak Trump: War, Antitrust, and Third Terms

Author: The Civitas Institute at the University of Texas at Austin December 20, 2025 Duration: 1:00:33
Is the United States already at war with Venezuela—and if so, who authorized it? The Law Talk crew reconvenes for a wide-ranging debate over presidential war powers, congressional passivity, and how far modern practice has drifted from constitutional text. The conversation then pivots to Netflix's attempt to buy Warner Bros antitrust and whether or not in these big mergers consumer welfare still matters at all. The episode closes with a sharp examination of the most feverish legal question of the moment: could a president really serve a third term—or is that pure constitutional fantasy?

Tune in for a series of conversations that are as intellectually rigorous as they are genuinely entertaining. On Law Talk With Epstein, Yoo & Cooke, preeminent legal scholars Richard Epstein and John Yoo break down complex legislation and pivotal constitutional questions with a clarity and wit rarely found in discussions of the law. Guided by host Charles C. W. Cooke, their dialogues cut through the noise of daily headlines to examine the deeper historical and philosophical principles shaping current events. This isn't a dry lecture; it's a lively, often humorous exploration of how legal theory directly impacts the world of politics and government. Each episode feels like pulling up a chair to a fascinating discussion between brilliant minds, making nuanced topics accessible and compelling. Produced by The Civitas Institute at the University of Texas at Austin, the podcast offers listeners a unique blend of expert analysis, historical context, and spontaneous debate. You'll come away from each conversation not only better informed about the news of the day but with a richer understanding of the legal structures that underpin our society.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 72

Law Talk With Epstein, Yoo & Cooke
Podcast Episodes
Question Time! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:11:03
It’s an interactive session in the faculty lounge, as Professors Richard Epstein and John Yoo submit to the annual tradition of answering listener questions. There’s some serious legal analysis — can Donald Trump become…
Indictments: Infinity War [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:07:09
Is Donald Trump toast? Are the walls closing in on Hunter Biden? Those are questions that can’t adequately be answered by two minutes of cable news. Luckily, Professors Richard Epstein and John Yoo are here with one of t…
SCOTUS Wrap-up 2023 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03:15
The Supreme Court ended its most recent term with a bang, and that’s also how Professors Richard Epstein and John Yoo are starting this review of the biggest decisions. There’s a split in the faculty lounge over the wisd…
The Peruvian Robes [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:22
It’s graduation season in the faculty lounge, but Professors Richard Epstein and John Yoo are still hard at work. In this month’s installment: What does the Durham report say about the future of the FBI? Should Daniel Pe…
The Fertile Octogenarian [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:08:59
We’re breaking out birthday candles as one of the professors celebrates a milestone birthday. Once the festivities (which somehow devolve into a conversation about medical innovation) conclude, Professors Epstein and Yoo…
Big Men on Campus [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:54
We may be nearing spring break, but Professors Richard Epstein and John Yoo are still focused on the campus. First, there’s the matter of President Biden’s student loan plan: will a Supreme Court challenge to the policy…
(Ex)Presidents’ Day [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:52
The faculty lounge reopens for a special Presidents’ Day session in which Professors Richard Epstein and John Yoo kick things off by revealing their picks for the most under- and overrated presidents. Then we’re on to cu…
Little Green Corvette [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:45
The faculty lounge has reopened for 2023 and Professors Richard Epstein and John Yoo are ringing in the new year in style. On the docket: What’s the potential fallout from President Biden’s mishandling of classified info…
Live At The Federalist Society [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:53
The faculty lounge … is on the move. In this special installment of the Law Talk podcast, Professors Richard Epstein and John Yoo hold court before a live audience at the Federalist Society’s annual meeting in Washington…