Trump's disturbing power grab

Plus, Trump expected to sign executive order today to begin dismantling Education Department |

VIEW IN BROWSER MSNBC DAILY Understand today's news Thursday, Mar. 20, 2025 THE LATEST Trump's use of the Alien Enemies Act is a disturbing power grab By Zeeshan Aleem Trump's use of the Alien Enemies Act is a disturbing power grab By Zeeshan Aleem President Donald Trump kicked off his first presidential campaign by implying that most everyone crossing the U.S.-Mexican border was a criminal.   Now he's using 1798's Alien Enemies Act to operationalize that idea by deporting people accused of being gang members without any due process that might allow them to challenge the claim. And he's citing the centuries-old law as his rationale for sending those he deems gang members to one of the most brutal and notorious prisons in El Salvador and, indeed, the Western Hemisphere.   Trump's use of the Alien Enemies Act, turned into grotesque display via a three-minute propaganda video shared by El Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele, is chilling. It allows him to dehumanize and vilify migrants as "monsters" to justify the expense of and obsession with deporting as many of them as possible. It also serves as an example of Trump using obscure legal provisions to test how far he can take his autocratic agenda to expand executive power.   This is a preview of Zeeshan Aleem's latest article. Read the full column here. TOP STORIES HAYES BROWN John Roberts and Elon Musk are both wrong about impeaching judges Neither the billionaire nor the chief justice get it entirely right as they argue for and against impeaching judges that rule against Donald Trump. Read more.  JA'HAN JONES Trump administration erases prohibition on 'segregated facilities' in federal contracts Long-standing federal guidelines prevented federal contractors from operating segregated facilities, like restaurants or waiting rooms. Read more.  DANIEL R. DEPETRIS Why actual progress between Israel and Hamas may come down to Trump Trump has never seemed particularly interested in protecting the ceasefire he helped push over the finish line. He may still be the best bet at a lasting deal. Read more.  CLARISSA-JAN LIM Ben & Jerry's accuses parent company of firing its CEO over the brand's politics The ice cream brand accused Unilever of threatening its employees if they did not comply with its efforts to suppress its social mission. Read more.   TOP VIDEOS MORNING JOE Trump expected to sign executive order today to begin dismantling Education Department WATCH NOW ALL IN Idaho teacher fights back after order to remove 'Everyone is Welcome Here' poster WATCH NOW DEADLINE WHITE HOUSE 'Full throttled attack on Black leadership': Hegseth, Trump purge Black military history at DOD WATCH NOW ALL IN 'Now is the time to break glass': Chris Hayes reflects on his Schumer interview WATCH NOW MORE FROM MSNBC In a new episode of "Trumpland with Alex Wagner," Alex travels to Louisiana to speak to residents of "Cancer Alley" who are directly impacted by President Trump's latest strikes on environmental regulations. Plus, a conversation with former EPA administrator Heather McTeer Toney on the larger implications of the president's environmental policy. Listen now wherever you get your podcasts.  In the latest episode of "Why Is This Happening?," Chris Hayes is joined by Janno Lieber, Chair and CEO of the Metropolitan Transit Authority, to discuss congestion pricing and urban transit. Listen now, and subscribe to MSNBC Premium on Apple Podcasts for ad-free listening and bonus content.    MSNBC INSIGHTS Have you ever wanted to provide MSNBC with your opinion about their TV programs, documentaries, and digital products, such as MSNBC.com, newsletters, and podcasts? Now is your chance! Join the MSNBC Insights Community.   Download the MSNBC App: 30 Rockefeller Plaza New York, NY 10112 PRIVACY | CONTACT | UNSUBSCRIBE